CAD Software needs.

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I do not know if it is just me.  But I would love if some one who works in CAD to come up with a version that is use full for the steel/iron industry.  I would like to be able to pick from a menu lets say a 2x2 sq. tube say how long I want it and be able to make my frame.  Then from the same menu be able to pull up 3/4 angle.  I have tried 5 -6 different programs and not one makes it easy for an old fart like me.  I can draw a box but unable to get it to look like what I need or want.  I am just trying to find a way to be able to draw up a plan, have the customer say yes, and then have a cut list made from it.Is that to much to ask ????????
Reply:You might look into Alibre
Reply:An application like that would be pretty nice. What I do is create blocks and within  the cad program I use and each entity can be assigned fields that can store custom data. I used a program called Turbocad but many packages have the database capabilities. I would create a drawing of custom fabricated boat docks and each piece of steel would have a field for size, length, weight, and cost. The steel could be drawn as a block say 2"x2"x1/4" Angle and then when the block was inserted into the drawing I stretched the length as need t o fit the assembly. When I did this I could run a report in a few seconds to tell me how many Lbs of steel there was, Pcs of Decking, Screws, what the weight of the dock was etc.Of course all of this takes time up front . Learning a specific CAD application can be time consuming but worth it if you like learning new things.The boathouse shown at http://weldingdata.com/misc/cadSamples.htm was fully details as a 3d model and presented to the customer before starting. Weights in various locations of the boathouse could be closely estimated and the correct floatation attached prior to floating. The roof and walls were all prefabbed in the shop. All of the compound mitres for the hip roof were done off of cad drawings. No gap bigger than 1/8" anywhere . Other than the customer adding 3/4" plywood to the interior and exterior walls, the dock floated within an inch of where designed.Last edited by gaustin; 06-17-2009 at 12:31 PM.Reason: SpellingHave a nice dayhttp://www.weldingdata.com/
Reply:Try Google Sketchup combined with the plugin called "Engineering Toolbox"ET allows you to pick from all sorts of common structural steel shapes and sizes and inserts them into Sketchup.  You can then grab the shape and stretch it to the length you want.Sketchup is made to be easy to use and learn, but it will still take a little bit of practice.  On the other hand, it's free!As an example, this illustration for a Kijiji ad was made using Sketchup:http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-ViewAdLar...839k45_18.jpegSketchup:  http://sketchup.google.com/ENgineering Toolbox:  http://sketchup.engineeringtoolbox.com/
Reply:both autodesk inventor will do what you want.insert thoughtful quote from someone else2000 Thermal Arc 300GTSW 3.5 hours1946 Monarch 20 x 54 Lathe1998 Supermax 10x54 Mill2004 Haco Atlantic 1/2" Capacity Lasernot mine but i get to play with it
Reply:I've just upgraded our CAD to AutoCAD 2010.  For several years, I've used an add-in package called Mech-Q.  It is produced by AVSIC and is available on-line from Cadopolis.com.  The full package has duct and fittings, pipe and fittings, coveyor rolls, steel sections, welding symbols and too much else to mention.  I use the steel sections weekly, if not daily.  I used it this morning when making a frame using C4 x 5.4.  Had to cope the ends into the channel web, so I selected the C4 from the pull-down menu, selected the view I wanted, printed it to scale.  Laminated the paper, then cut out the "paper doll" to use to mark the steel for cutting.  Lots of uses.  If I'm not mistaken, it also comes in a version for TurboCAD.The steel section lets you select a shape, then size, then the view you want in the drawing.  The menu also tells you the weight per foot, dimensions, and lets you build a Bill-of-Material on the go.TurkeyLincoln Idealarc 250Millermatic 250Miller Synchrowave 250 Miller Synchrowave 350Thermal Arc PlasmaHH140Miller Diversion
Reply:Thanks guys.  Now I have all these add ons to try with the programs I have and see which one is Idiot proof.
Reply:Mech-Q Structural Pro (MST02) looks good.  But man the price !!!!!!!!!
Reply:We use SolidWorks which contains weldment features to do exactly what you describe.
Reply:I just wish I could get parametric steel detailing software for my detailer.  Having to go back and forth between revit and autocad10 is a real pain in the rear for my detailer. Lord knows I don't have the time or the patience to deal with detailing.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:All the drawings in this thread I made with SketchUp from Google.  Took me a few hours to learn and complete.  As mentioned you can easily download structural shapes, and then 'pull' them to any length you wish.  Dimensioning is easy, but you, the draftsman have to remember to mark all the important features.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=31594The free version doesn't do any BOM, or any kind of the modeling/prediction of mechanical properties that a program like solidworks or Catia do.  But, it does have the virtue of being free.Google also maintains a library of components, anything that anyone could imagine, for free download.  For example, I wanted some lights to include in the design.  Rather than draw them from scratch, I just went to the web and downloaded a light and pasted it into the drawing.Benson's Mobile Welding - Dayton, OH metro area - AWS Certified Welding Inspector
Reply:Yeah, it really depends on the needs of the person.  If you're trying to make fabrication-ready drawings complete with BOM takeoff, etc, you really need a fully-functional (expensive) CAD program.If you're just trying to model something to get an idea of what it will look like, and some dimensions, Sketchup is da bomb.