Software for metalworking and laser cutting?

Hi all

 

I am going to create my metalwork company and I will need your opinions in order to define one or more tracing software.

My knowledge of these software is quite poor, I know solidworks (used by the draftsmen where I currently work), the idea would be to have free software (quality??) or even paid, but with an incomparable budget with solidworks.

1st need: I would need a 2D software where I can draw relatively simplistic things such as a rectangular sheet metal (pergola plate for example), a stair railing for example to find the defined angle and many others. The important point is that I have to be able to send his files in DXF and that they are ultra-precise so that the laser cutting company doesn't have to do any rework.

If possible, but this remains a bonus, to be able to draw models  of interior sheet metal for railings or gates. 

2nd need: I would need a 3D software that is easy enough to use if possible, in order to be able to quickly put a design table, a railing, a glass roof into images and to be able to show the client the project.

 

Thank you in advance for your answers!!

Hello

 

For your need on  the 2D:

-zwcad 700€   https://www.zwcad.fr/

- LibreCAD https://librecad.org/  

 

For the 3D: Solidworks is expensive about 6000€.

Solid Edge  ,TopSolid or zw3d can be alternatives to Solidworks

 

Link to Topsolid quote

https://contenu.topsolid.fr/demande-de-devis

 

Link for Zw3d  ~1300€

 https://zw3d.zwfrance.fr/

 

hoping to have helped.

 

Cdlt

6 Likes

For the 2D I would add:

Drafsight, even if it is no longer free, it is still relatively affordable:

https://store.draftsight.com/1004/purl-purchase-draftsight?x-page=DraftSight_Home_Hero_Banner&utm_medium=Display&utm_source=3ds_site&utm_campaign=DraftSight_site_2019&utm_content=Hero_banner_Buy_Now&utm_term=link-text

Nanocad (in English) free version not limited but be careful not to open the dwg file recent version autocad 2013 max.

https://nanocad.com/products/nanoCAD/download/

For 3D if very punctual you can try freecad totally free but for a professional use may still be too limited. (To be tested)

https://www.freecadweb.org/

 

 

2 Likes

A very big thank you for your feedback, it's very nice!

 

I'm going to take a look at all this, a little proposal from me to get your opinions, what do you think of autocad for my relatively "simplistic" needs, it seemed to be able to do the job.

 

Thank you very much 

Yes and it remains affordable in the LT version which should be enough for you:

https://www.autodesk.fr/products/autocad-lt/subscribe?plc=ACDLT&term=1-YEAR&support=ADVANCED&quantity=1

Although a little higher than drafsight, it is however better known and can be more reassuring knowing that dwg files will be workable with one or the other (same file format) anyway

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What matters most to me is the ability to have precision for laser cutting with DXF files. I'll probably try autocad..

 

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The software mentioned above all allows you to draw with the required precision on a dxf or dwg

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Hello, I would like to add:

2D DWG editor if you have an older version of SW (up to 2009) and therefore limited to the file up to 2009.

As for ZW3D you are entitled to a 30-day version with or without CAM / sheet metal module (not the same price but if it can and reduce the number of software)

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Hello

The traditional AutoCAD at 20€/year on Amazon

https://www.amazon.fr/Autodesk-num%C3%A9rique-uniquement-Livraison-t%C3%A9l%C3%A9chargement/dp/B0859J9B7W/ref=sr_1_1?__mk_fr_FR=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&dchild=1&keywords=autocad&qid=1599468422&sr=8-1

may the force be with you.

3 Likes

Thank you very much for all these answers, I will study all the software mentioned but in my opinion the choice will be on autocad. 

 

Does this one allow you to make 3D plans for example to draw a table? Thank you

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