What is the difference between PowerShape and Inventor

[Anonymous]

Hello.

Can someone tell me what the difference between PowerShape and Inventor is?  Can Inventor do the same things that PowerShape can?

Thanks!

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! This is a tough question to answer. Inventor is a 3D feature-based parametric solid modeling CAD system for mechanical design purpose. It can build parts and assemblies precise up to 0.00001mm. Also, you can document the models in 2D drawing environment associatively.

PowerShape on the other hand is a CAD program geared toward importing geometry and repairing geometry for CAM simulation purpose.

Please feel free to share files or design you are trying to do in PowerShape and Inventor so we can comment on specifics.

Many thanks!

[Anonymous]

I can't post customer work but I do have many questions about Inventor.

Can Inventor create and manipulate solids and surfaces as easily as PowerShape?  Can Inventor do everything that PowerShape can do and more?

It must be a difficult question to answer, as not many people are answering it.

Thanks!!

[Anonymous]

Also, isn't PowerShape a 3D feature-based parametric solid modeling CAD system for mechanical design purpose as well and can't it build parts and assemblies precise up to 0.00001mm?

[Anonymous]

I can certainly say that one difference is the forum on Inventor is very active and PowerShape's forum is not very active! 

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Rufus,

I am sorry I am not familiar with PowerShape. I am an Inventor expert. I have never used PowerShape so it is hard for me to comment further.

The reason why I asked for specifics is that Inventor does not have robust and comprehensive tools for Reverse Engineering workflows. When the imported geometry is imperfect, you will need to clean up the badness or you will encounter modeling failures.

I am sure what Inventor is capable of can also be done in PowerShape, vice versa. Inventor's strength is in large industrial machinery design. Please feel free to try Inventor and see if it works for your clients' need.

Many thanks!

Johnson

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your kindness and attempts to answer my question!