Need free software solution for unfolding different shapes.

[Anonymous]

Hello guys,

I need a free solution for work because i can't use unlicensed software and the company can't / WON'T pay 400 euros for a single license for a good software.

I used plate'n sheet until recently and it was easy and got the job done. But now that i can't use it anymore i have to search for a free solution that does the same thing....helps me with the unfolding of different shapes.

I've searched the internet high and low and could not find anything similar 😞

Any help would be apreciated.

Thank you.

L.E. I use autocad 2012 on a x64 OS if that matters

[Patchy]

There isn't any free from Autodesk that uses for commercial.

Unfold sheets you need Autodesk Inventor or Solid Work.

Your company wants to make money, why do you have to search to get your job done?

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

>> the company can't / WON'T pay 400 euros

>> I used plate'n sheet until recently and it was easy and got the job done. 

Ask your decision maker how he calculates your costs per hour, divide 400 through this cost/hour ... that's the time you have then to

• find a product (download, install, see if it starts, maybe uninstall ... multiple times)
• get trained in the products (multiple products, because you don't know which one you finally will use)
• test a products
• repeating for every new AutoCAD release at least

I guess that should make clear if you already have positive experience with a product.

400 € sounds really like the better investment (for me)

- alfred -

[Anonymous]

Because the company is all about saving costs and making improvements without investing money....

I just need a little more time here and i'm off. Everybody leaves this company after 2-3 years... it's only good to get some experience here.

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

>> Because the company is all about saving costs

And the developer, who write software, does not need to survive?

At least: this is a tool that helps to reduce time for construction, isn't it? The time might come and your company will be asked "I look for products like you have, but for free".

SCNR, I do understand every private person not having enough money depending on it's environment, but for companies a tool, that helps in construction process, either with quality or efficiency or both, should pay for that. I'm quite sure your managers aren't working for free, are they?

- alfred -

[wispoxy]

I would like to share how I would express myself if an innovating company told me

"I don't want to invest in 400 euros for a single license for good software."

But... I don't feel like getting banned from AutoDESK Forums today 

[Anonymous]

I make less than 500$/month so 400 euros for 1 license seems a lot.
IT department budget is always very limited on licenses and toner 🙂

[Patchy]

Format the hard drive every 30 days and reinstall it.

I still don't get it, other than using this free program they have nothing you can use?

Sounds like this place is not the place to get experience as you mentioned.

[darawork]

VirtualBox is easier than a full OS format, if one were so inclined.

[ampster40]

I believe I don't have the skills needed to do this myself so I could not tell you where to begin, but using Alfred's approach to this, come up with a plan on how to figure out flat patterns manually (ie, wear out a few calculators I believe is what it will take) and how much time it would take you or whomever performs this task and present that to the company. 400 euros or dollars is cheap considering what you are asking for when compared to figuring out flat patterns manually like they did years ago before computers came onto the scene. There is a science so to speak in figuring out flat patterns - and your company is looking to make money doing so. If they cannot buy such software at the costs you mentioned, then I'd update your resume now and start looking. That is not the normal process when it comes to companies. Private individuals maybe but not a company.

[ampster40]

in fact, if you do find a free solution - more than likely there are terms you (your company actually) has to agree to - and alot of "free" programs cannot be used legally to generate income. Fact. Bring that to your employer.

[TheCADWhisperer]

---

@Anonymous wrote:

... the company is all about saving costs and making improvements ....

---

Sounds like a really smart company that doesn't like to waste money.

Can you attach an example file here that is representative of your work.

It should come down to a simple addition and subtraction problem (with maybe a bit of multiplication) to show how money is being unintentionally flushed down the drain every day.  Once proof can be demonstrated - the company will want to plug this hole if the cost of the plug is less than the loss down the hole.

But if I were company manager - I would want to see example and proofs - attach your example here.

[dgorsman]

Lots of discussion on costs but there seems to be very little on the other side of the equation: how much business, roughly, does your company do?  Whats the average job size, cost-wise?  Based on the work description I think there should *not* be a problem getting funding for proper software, unless what you do is a very remote, small side business.

[pendean]

If there was a free solution available, and you really are good at internet searches, then... there is no free solution.

Time to go to plan B: you have a plan B, right?

If all you need is free-to-use generic CAD software similar to R2012 that you use now, try these before you commit http://lmgtfy.com/?q=free+cad+software+for+windows

[Anonymous]

The company builds ships that sell for more than 600mil$ each. Money is tight though.

[Patchy]

[Anonymous]

Wow! Is all I have to say.

[Patchy]

Here in the U.S.  a company pays for expenses and deduct it when file income tax, how about where you live?

[wispoxy]

Thank you for mentioning this.

"in fact, if you do find a free solution - more than likely there are terms you (your company actually) has to agree to - and alot of "free" programs cannot be used legally to generate income. Fact. Bring that to your employer."

[ampster40]

this should be a no-brainer. Ship yard working with formed steel in practically every product it sells, but wants a free solution for creating flat patterns. Is the person making this request of you new in that position or something?