Simple cad software or suite with space frame tutorial, recommendation??

[Jonesy]

Hi all,

I would like to model my space frame in cad to make sure all is well before cutting any steel. I was hoping to find a very simple cad to use or a cad package that has a tutorial in creating a space frame. Price isn't an issue as I have friends who are students and can even get autocad at a good price. I don't mind a complex package if tutorials are avaiable.
It's not a prerequisite but simple FEA would also be nice as in my state, South Australia the chassis would need to pass a torsional deflection test.

Thanks
Jonesy

 

[Dave Clemo]

Check out Google Sketchup (google it), although it might be too simple for your purposes? It's free and easy to use anyway...

Cheers!

 

[Trevor Booth]

To do what you need will require a 3D modelling package, none of them are cheap and none of them are "plug and play"
I can give you a name of a person in SA who can 3D model your frame. it will be far less expensive than you purchasing the 3D software.

A 2D package of which there are many free ones would enable you to do the necessary 2D drawings yourself to then be put into a 3D by someone with a 3D modelling package
3D model is a pre requisite for FEA

 

[Jonesy]

Hi,
Price of the package isn't an issue. We get really good reduced student versions or subsidized by out institutions plus if I know what package I want I coukd find a shared version. It's more the learning curve and which is most intuitive or has the largest resource base.
Years ago I found one which was quote reputable and there was a great tutorial for a space frame, based on a helicopter or something, but obviously the same knowledge set needed fir a tube frame chassis I want. Can't for the life of me remember the name of it as I didn't get far due to my pc being to slow.
Cheers

 

[Jonesy]

Looks like solid works! I have done some googling and found a few videos and what not which should hopefully get me rolling. There also seems to be a fair bit of info out there and user groups im told.

 

[David]

Solidworks is what I'd suggest, it's not cheap but you may be able to get student versions for far less.

 

[Jack]

Jonsey, have a look at Rhino as well...