I am now going to compete in that highschool leagues and i think i should step up the engineering noetbook by making cad models. So my question is… What kind of programs do you guys use to make your robot models ?
Sorry but there’s literally been like 5 threads asking the same question. Please try to make sure you aren’t repeating posts. Here’s a link: https://vexforum.com/t/good-3d-modeling-program-with-vex-parts/35719/1
I made a video about using Blender for this. It’s not the best, however, it is free, open source, and available for mac, linux, and windows!
Here’s the link!
There’s a link to over 100 vex parts converted to STL files for blender in the description.
Blender isn’t very good in my opinion. Also both SOLIDWORKS and Inventor are free for VEX teams as well.
I’d really like to use inventor but I cant figure out how to get it free through our team. Can you explain the process to me?
You google “autodesk educational community” and sign up, then everything AD makes is free.
It almost couldn’t be easier.
Blender is a really really bad way to do CAD. It’s polygonal, not vector, it doesn’t have relationships or constraints between parts the way any of the real CAD packages do. It’s basically not CAD.
I would say Blender is a starting CAD software. If you’re just starting, use Inventor as it will help you along the road (Says this but is only in high school).
To get Inventor free all you need to do is literally make an account. Solidworks you can still get free, but is a little bit harder to get. You need to get a team sponsorship from them.
Solidworks works link:
http://www.solidworks.com/sw/education/student-design-competitions.htm
Autodesk Link (for Inventor):
http://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/all
No it’s not, it’s a 3D modeling package.
That’s like saying a hammer is a starter screwdriver.
Wait… CAD is free?
I think I probably was wasting time using the stupid tinkercad website making objects. :L
You should have watched my Build a bot series, then you’d not only know that CAD is free but you’d know how to do VEX CAD.
But yes, a student version of Inventor is free, and Fusion I’m pretty sure just is free.
Lol well then I need to pay more attention… I have this little issue that after hearing something I completely forget what was said after about 30 minutes (I have a disorder). I did watch every single video you’ve posted actually, and I believe I have commented on your build a bot series about 2 months ago :).
Yeah I recall that. Go get Inventor, make some stuff.
Do it long enough and you’ll be better than everyone else.
K thanks I guess.
I’ve been using Onshape for about a year now. It’s a lot like google drive. It’s cloud based, multiple users can work on one project at the same time, and it’s free. It’s pretty easy to learn, which makes it good for a team setting. It doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles that Inventor does, like animations, but I’ve modeled three robots on it and haven’t come across a part I couldn’t make. You can also upload vex files to it like any other cad program.