Type Of CAD query

Hi there,

I'm very new at this and I have a project which I want to create. It is basically a mechanical device which has some pistons and actuators which cause a series of blades to move.

Its a very complicated thing to explain, my problem is that I want to design it first using my PC, and I want to be able to draw it in 3D and input physical parameters which tell the device how to behave. Basically I want to be able to prototype it before I build it and I don't know what software to use. Can anyone help me?

thank you for your time

Sounds like AutoDesk Inventor would be just what you need. Are you a student by any chance?

Sounds like AutoDesk Inventor would be just what you need. Are you a student by any chance?

Yes, I am and the AutoDesk Inventor would provide me with what I need? Is there any hardware that I need to get or is it sufficient with regular computer inputs, i.e. Mouse & keyboard

I think you would qualify for a free student version via download from AutoDesk.

You do not need special input devices to use Inventor. I would just check the AutoDesk website and see how your computer specs stack up to the recommended system configuration they have listed.

could you tell me where to download it from, because I've searched teh autodesk site andI have found no free student versions, I think I might have got lost within the vastness of the links.

thank you for your time

Try here: http://students3.autodesk.com/

thanks for the link, but I need one of my faculty memebers to join te web, otherwise I can't do it myself, so I guess I'll just have to convince them.

Thank you again for yor help