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Design Software

Category

Working out what you want to build is not always easy, but there are some design tools that can help.


SketchUp

The basic version of Google SketchUp is free and it is a useful 3D modelling tool. You can even make your model motion controlled by a game of your choice and SimTools:

The latest version of SketchUp: http://www.sketchup.com/download

How to connect SimTools to SketchUp: http://www.xsimulator.net/connect-simtools-sketchup/

See @SilentChill's tips for configuring Sketchup 2015 for SimTools: http://www.xsimulator.net/community...v-dc-motors-mms-and-arduinos.6948/#post-79442

And @SteVoortwis advice re 2015: http://www.xsimulator.net/community/threads/actuators-move-randomly-in-lfs.6996/page-2#post-83933


FreeCAD

FreeCAD is a totally free Open Source design program: http://sourceforge.net/projects/free-cad/

FreeCAD can include motion simulation capabilities: http://www.ar-cad.com/freecad/tutorials.html


MayCAD

While created to design and sell profile aluminum MayCAD can be a simple to use tool work out a basic motion simulator frame design, even if you plan using other types of build materials: http://www.may-cad.org/en/p1.htm


Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is free for hobbyists: https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/free-trial

Activate free license: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/fusion-360/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-activate-start-up-or-educational-licensing-for-Fusion-360.html

Linkage

Linkage is computer aided design software used for quick prototyping of linkage mechanisms: http://blog.rectorsquid.com/linkage-mechanism-designer-and-simulator/
Category:
Design Considerations & Resources
Published:
Apr 14, 2015
Page Views:
7896