Solved! Go to Solution.
Solved by SBix26. Go to Solution.
Solved by JDMather. Go to Solution.
Sam,
I learned SW about a year ago, and have since pushed it to its limits like I do IV.
This is what I found:
1a. SW is has an excellent core module (e.g., sketching, feature creation, down-line editing with minimal 'broken' sketches).
1b. IV sketches break all the time, and it costs a lot of time and $.
2a. IV manages Large assembies simply and quickly through the BOM, whereas
2b. SW sucks at Large assembly work-flow and management, b/c the BOM works only on simple text data and pre-programmed 'iproperties'. Also, SW has serious problems managing 'metadata' (the key function of intelligent properties). It's hell managing a large assembly in SW.
3a. IV was designed for general modeling, what SW calls AEC.
3b. SW was designed for creating intricate parts (e.g., plastic parts, molds, multiple versions of the same part) and small assemblies.
4a. I use SW for complicated geometry small assemblies (like piping chutes and odd-shaped, multi-angled, standard shaped transitions.
4b. I use IV for large assemblies of standard parts and when I need to quickly get the job done via the BOM.
5a. SW has serious deficiencies in their metadata access and management, in their sheet metal module (like IV, it is good at doing simple transitions, but nothing complicated, and especially if you have to put weld preps on thick formed plate), in their BOM (that's a huge one for me), in their weldments & surfacing modules, in their Equation editor, and has a lot of time-eating issues w/their drawing module and options settings (plus other problems I won't go into).
5b. IV has serious problems in their core module, so that sketches always break down-line on weird shaped or multi-angled complex parts/assemblies. IV has other problems, but I won't waste time on them, b/c if you know how they screwed-up Acad over the years, you can imagine how they are screwing up IV (even though they add functions we need in each new release).
6a. IV tech support SUCKS. McNeel was the only tech I ever had that was competent (back in the mid 90's).
6b. SW tech support is EXCELLENT every time.
7a. It's easy to learn IV and apply the commands to a project work-flow, b/c the commands and options are consolidated under a few tools.
7b. It's easy to learn SW, but difficult to apply the commands, b/c the programe is 'command-rich' but work-flow poor. You will find a LOT of commands in SW, but the developers scatter them all over the place, and they only work part-way on everything, so you need to learn which combination of commands works well for you on what problem you need to solve. You DEFINATELY WILL NEED TECH to learn how to apply commands to your non-simple part and assembly modeling (whick for me is 90% of the time)
8a. SW GUI is way more ergonomic than IV b/c they have most of what you usually use/need on the rmb.
8b. I noticed that every new release of IV requires more mouse clicks to accomplish the most basic commands in both Acad and IV (compared to the previous release).
I'm in the AEC world, so when there's a push to get the job done, I use IV every time, b/c in SW, the job takes at least 2x longer every time.
A key to SW is making sure you have your 'library' of parts already made. That takes time, b/c you make it as you go along on a job-by-job basis. You MUST set-up your 'templates' for part & assembly, or you're screwed.
There's more to say, and you are the only one who can decide what suits your applications the best.
I like having both, but if I was forced to choose, I'd buy IV for AEC type work, and SW for 'parts & pieces'.
'Good luck Mr. Phelps .... Chris
After spending 15 years with SW and 1 year with inventor I would say SW is much more cost effective with engineering time.
The inventor sketcher is horrible compared to SW.
It's very sad that Autodesk seems to keep adding new features but doesn't focus on getting the basics RIGHT!!!.
It is very annoying when sometimes you try to make changes in sketches, then weird things happen and you have to spend much time getting the sketch right (stable) again.
Ferrari cars haven't changed that much over the years in the addition of new gadgets. But every nut, washer, split pin, etc. as been so thoroughly well designed that it all works together like a swiss watch. That's why people love them.
Hands down SolidWorks is better!!!! Inventor is like solidworks for dummies. I ran SolidWorks 98-2007.
DADA, Citified Drafter
CSWP,
@Anonymous wrote:Hands down SolidWorks is better!!!! Inventor is like solidworks for dummies. I ran SolidWorks 98-2007.
DADA, Citified Drafter
CSWP,
I guess that I am a dummy.
But what is a "Citified Drafter"?
Can't find what you're looking for? Ask the community or share your knowledge.