Convince me to stick with Inventor

[brendeho]

I have a new job and the lead engineer doesn't like Inventor. I used to think she was just nit-picky, but after using the software and pushing it's limits - I've come across a number of trivial limitations.

What software will do the job and not break the bank? I'm not holding out with Autodesk product loyalty any longer.

[Infoseeker]

Inventor is good for certain applications, not too good for other.

Answering your question with the info you provided requires sorcerer's crystal ball.
.

[cbenner]

Well, you're not going to get much of a response, IMHO, unless you detail what some of your trivial limitations are.  What exactly is it that Inventor will NOT do?  If you give some info on what the problems are, people in here can either help you solve them with Inventor, or perhaps suggest a CAD package more suited to your needs.

[JDMather]

<snip>

Edited for professional discussion.

Obviously you have not provided enough information.

Maybe you should just ask the boss?

[brendeho]

Here's one of the issues: http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Autodesk-Inventor/Inventor-won-t-sweep-or-build-pipe-run/td-p/3382491

Currently I'm creating a new pipe in the content center editor to use in the frame generator. Will reply if this works or not. I'm willing to admit that maybe this is my issue, and not Inventor.  

[JDMather]

Looks pretty trivial to solve to me.

You didn't supply your input information - so I ignored the thread rather than take my time to rebuilt it correctly for you.

Kind of like a student handing me a (wrong) answer to a math problem and asking me what they did wrong without showing me the work they did to get the answer.

I'm sure any of the other MCAD programs will solve your problem.

[brendeho]

I'd agree - looks very trivial. What input information do you need?

I have a 3d Sketch, and need to sweep a .250" OD .180" ID profile through it - as specified in the other post.

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Autodesk-Inventor/Inventor-won-t-sweep-or-build-pipe-run/td-p/3382491 

[JDMather]

Obviously I already saw what you posted before.

[brendeho]

When you say input information, do you mean the part file from which the 3D sketch is based on? I'll post that in the other thread.

[stevec781]

Seeing as though you use piping and frame generator your choices are quite limited.  In this price range it's Inventor, solidworks or solidedge.  I have friends that are raving about spaceclaim, so I just started a trial, but it doesnt have piping.  I like the idea of getting rid of unwanted history and rebuild delays.

I switched from Sw to inventor and after 2 years its been a bit of a disappointment, but I wouldnt go back to SW even though it has a lot of good features.  If I had my time again I would try solidedge, but I also know people who switched from solid edge to inventor.  Perhaps the reason why so many people prefer the rhino with autocad solution is because they are all as bad as each other.  I have a big job due to start next week and I will be going back to autocad for the majority of this one.

2013 is out next week, maybe wait and see what it has to offer.

[cbenner]

Describe the step by step work flow that got you to the point that you threw up your hands in frustration (something I am familiar with).

[Cadmanto]

We can't convice you to like Inventor.  You either figure out a way to use it and make it work or make

an educated decision to move on to another software.

It also might help if you listed the software you are thinking of going to.

Just remember, no matter what software you decide to use there are ALWAYS quarks!!!

[brendeho]

JD is helping me out with one of the issues at the moment - I hope it's just me being doing something wrong.

[Cadmanto]

I am glad.  Hopefully you can convice your Boss to stick it out with Inventor.

[schae235]

One of our program managers keeps using google sketch-up;  you could try that.

[brendeho]

I use sketchup. It's nice, but not complex enough for engineering projects.

[JDMather]

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@brendeho wrote:

I use sketchup. It's nice, but not complex enough for engineering projects.

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LOL.  What does your boss want you to use?

[Ray_Feiler]

I here SolidEdge is nice.

[brendeho]

Usually, I use sketchup to render some nice scenery and more "artistic" endevors.

As far as engineering projects are concerned, she's looking to maybe going to Solidworks.

(Any luck with that file in the other thread?)

[JDMather]

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@brendeho wrote:

... she's looking to maybe going to Solidworks.

(Any luck with that file in the other thread?)

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I've got to get some of my work done.

I'm sure SolidWorks will solve all of your problems.
Be sure to request training funds roughly equal to the cost of the software.

It will be Monday or Tuesday till I can get to your sweep problem.