which is actually faster
Simple 2D drawings, I would go with ACAD. As the project grown in scale and complexity, then Inventor or any 3D parametric software will shine.
The 3D digital model can be used for FEA analysis and Dynamic Simulation, Rendering for brochure work and used for NC tooling. Interaction of parts with each other can be studied to eliminate any conflicts with each other. Center of Gravity calculations as well as mass/volume calculations.
You can't digitally prototype a 2D drawing.
I'm sure I've missed more than I've covered.
It's about the same as comparing a smart phone to a rotary dial phone, they both make phone calls.
Inventor 2020, In-Cad, Simulation Mechanical
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Delta Tau Chi ΔΤΧ
I'll have to point out that many of those points, including rendered images, apply to 3D in general (both AutoCAD and Inventor), although AutoCAD would need some customization for anything more than simple shapes. Inventor shines where there are detailed mechanical design and engineering requirements.
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If you are going to fly by the seat of your pants, expect friction burns.
"I don't know" is the beginning of knowledge, not the end.
If you are going to fly by the seat of your pants, expect friction burns.
"I don't know" is the beginning of knowledge, not the end.
I started with AutoCad 2.62 and finished with release 14 before migrating to Mech DeskTop. I started using Inventor back with release 4, which is about 17-18 releases ago.
Whe I started, I could knock out 2D drawings much faster than in Inventor. It wasn't until we starting putting it together in the shop, then things changed. It's right the first time with only small tweeks to aid assembly.
Other than some quick 2D shapes for some simple profile burning, there's not much that's done in 2D. You spend too much time trying to make a 3D world fit a 2D drawing environment.
I'm sure a 2D drafter would say that they will be faster doing a 2D drawing.
Inventor 2020, In-Cad, Simulation Mechanical
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Delta Tau Chi ΔΤΧ
I agree with all of the above. You will get results quicker in AutoCAD. But the whole design process from end to end will be quicker and more accurate in inventor.
In AutoCAD you are designing and detailing at the same time. Once you've drawn a detail you have it to print off and show people, it looks like you are moving fast.
However it has a law of diminishing returns. The more of your design you draw in AutoCAD the more you have to coordinate your own detailing. It's easy to draw in errors - particularly when you go through the design review process.
It might take you longer to get to a drawing in inventor, to get a drawing you need to have a model first - but this means your design has to be properly considered and worked through as part of the modelling process.
The advantage is that your 3D model coordinates the drawings, so you can't build in inconsistencies. Your drawing can still be 'wrong', but it will be consistently wrong everywhere!
Once you've invested in the 3D model, all your drawing views are 'free' (including 3D views). And you can also re purpose your model for parts lists, visuals, animations, analysis and so on.
So. Yes - AutoCAD is faster, but not allways better. Pick the right tool for the job!
Paul
In AutoCAD you are designing and detailing at the same time. Once you've drawn a detail you have it to print off and show people, it looks like you are moving fast.
However it has a law of diminishing returns. The more of your design you draw in AutoCAD the more you have to coordinate your own detailing. It's easy to draw in errors - particularly when you go through the design review process.
It might take you longer to get to a drawing in inventor, to get a drawing you need to have a model first - but this means your design has to be properly considered and worked through as part of the modelling process.
The advantage is that your 3D model coordinates the drawings, so you can't build in inconsistencies. Your drawing can still be 'wrong', but it will be consistently wrong everywhere!
Once you've invested in the 3D model, all your drawing views are 'free' (including 3D views). And you can also re purpose your model for parts lists, visuals, animations, analysis and so on.
So. Yes - AutoCAD is faster, but not allways better. Pick the right tool for the job!
Paul
Admaiora
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Hi Dean,
About 50% is checked and updated but otherwise untouched (Curtis has been doing a great job for years, why fiddle with it!) approximately 25% had to be substantially updated, and 25% re-written from scratch.
It was a fun project - I hope that you get a lot of benefit out if it!
Paul
"finer details only the measurements so doesn't need to be c immpecible"
"If it's worth doing, it's worth doing it right" - Ben Hogan
Inventor 2020, In-Cad, Simulation Mechanical
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Delta Tau Chi ΔΤΧ
So far nobody has mentioned the huge advantage that 3D modeling has over 2D, which is when changes need to be made. You have one source of truth, the model(s), and the drawings cannot be out of sync (unless you don't open them, or defer updates). In the 2D world, have you never altered one view and forgot to alter one of the projected views? Modeling may be faster or slower than drawing when creating the initial design, but there is simply no contest when it comes to revisions and design changes.
Any contest that is set up should also include a revision or two...
Sam B
Inventor Professional 2016 R3 SP1 Update 1
Vault Basic 2016 SP1
Windows 7 Enterprise 64-bit, SP1
Hi Sam,
That's actually the very point I was trying to make.
You can get results quicker in AutoCAD, but you will complete your design quicker with inventor - a complete design being one that's been through the design review process...
That's actually the very point I was trying to make.
You can get results quicker in AutoCAD, but you will complete your design quicker with inventor - a complete design being one that's been through the design review process...
