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CAD recomendations?

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Projects' started by Brian, Sep 21, 2017.

  1. Brian

    Brian CNC Programmer

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2013
    Messages:
    17
    Occupation:
    CNC Programmer / Aerospace Machinist
    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ
    Balance:
    974Coins
    Ratings:
    +6 / 0 / -0
    Hi All!

    I've been MIA for the past 3 years but kind of getting pressured by my boss again to build a flight / motion simulator and have a few questions. I have been putting it off. I told him if I build him one I get to build one on his dime.

    The owner of the machine shop I work fly's a glider. He has been bugging me for years to build him a flight / motion simulator.

    I've been a CNC Programmer / CNC Machinist for 39 years and during that time I was a CNC service technician for a machinery distributor so I have a background in machining and CNC repair. This is why my boss thinks I'm qualified to help him buikd a simulator lol.

    I don't have any problems programming and making things and designing fixtures and tooling. I program using GibbsCam but have no experience with any of the CAD / Drawing packages out there.

    Do you have recommendations for free or low cost design software? I think I can purchase a student edition of SolidWorks as my Son is in College for $86 for a year's license. I'd love to be able to do fit and function and full rendering and know there would be a learning curve.

    Thanks in advance for all your suggestions.
    Brian, Sep 21, 2017
    #1
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
    Messages:
    21,189
    Occupation:
    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
    Location:
    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
    Balance:
    148,814Coins
    Ratings:
    +10,919 / 54 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    noorbeast, Sep 21, 2017
    #2
  3. Jerry Atrick

    Jerry Atrick this is my sim Gold Contributor

    Joined:
    May 3, 2017
    Messages:
    141
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Sydney Australia
    Balance:
    1,414Coins
    Ratings:
    +44 / 1 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    4DOF
    Hi Brian, you could try Onshape (Cloud Based) its free to users such as us! "Not sure where commercial fits in the scheme of things"

    https://www.onshape.com/

    Hope you find something that suits your purpose.

    Regards Jerry.
    Jerry Atrick, Sep 21, 2017
    #3