Oh.
Whoops.
I use Solidworks because I find it easier than Inventor in some aspects
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By the way, Onshape recently added the ability to add parts from one document into another document, removing the need to create a copy of the entire part library. I just updated the instructions in the library to make use of this feature.
The library has moved to: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/5782e53fe4b0b7679dbf9f2c
onshape-library-instructions.pdf (405 KB)
Ya this thread is so old I fell for my own trick /joke.
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.
I know this is an old thread, but read this and had to respond. I 100% disagree with this. If anything, once you get to the real world you realize how much better it is to learn SolidWorks or Inventor as a student because most companies will utilize these products. It may be harder to get your own personal copy but for being best prepared for work (which most would argue is what educational programs like VEX are for) learning SolidWorks or Inventor is your best bet.
Besides, continuing as a mentor for VEX, FRC, etc. means you can probably continue to get your hands on a copy through the team…
Most people don’t really know solidworks offers free software for VEX too.
I can’t seem to find free software for SolidWorks I can only find a free trial, if possible could you provide a link. Thanks!
Here is the link: https://www.solidworks.com/sw/education/student-design-competitions.htm
Unlike AutoCad, it is not just a quick download for a student, but rather your team must apply for the sponsorship. You will receive annual licenses for the entire team. On the page in the link, there is a link to the sponsor application.
Almost 5 figures??? Inventor runs about $12,000 a seat, and SolidWorks is about $26,000 a seat. But when you’re no longer a student, you will be working for a company who will provide the software for you. Unless you’re going into private practice, but then a $26K seat of software is the least of your expenses.
I must concur with @pwnageNick ’ comment above. Large companies like the one I work for use enterprise licenses, where the company owns a dozen or more licenses, and you access a license over the network when you use Solidworks. This way, not every engineer needs his/her own license. So there is absolutely no reason to avoid professional software packages.
I am an old hand at good old 2D autoCAD. For those wanting to make fast sketches I’ve attached a file I put together for my students with many pre-made blocks of vex parts in 2D. With very basic cad skills like move, rotate, copy and mirror you can pretty quickly put together a dimensionally accurate plan or elevation.
Those without autoCAD, the file looks like the .png
VEX-2D-sketch-parts.zip (90.3 KB)
For 2D work, it’s hard to beat Draftsight , which is free professional-level software published by Dassalt (the parent compant for Catia and Solidworks). I actually use it all the time, along side Solidworks, when I’m reviewing .dwg files, or updating old prints to Soldiworks models.
We applied for the SolidWorks Premium sponsorship/license, it only took a couple days and they gave us 6 for the year. I find SolidWorks dominant in our engineering fields right now, so good for the kids.