Why use AutoCAD instead of alternatives to model in 3D?

[kencaz]

I am being curious why your trying to compare modeling software such as Maya to CAD software? Modeling software has there own venue where as CAD software has its own venue. Forbid the day when you have to use modeling software to do CAD work?!?!?! Wait, what? AutoCAD, Inventor, Solideworks, ProE are drafting software. Alot of this modeling software didnt come about until game programmers and writers got big into the 3D sene which allowed alot of the modeling software to be developed such as Maya. Your almost trying to compare apples to oranges.

 

I really don't think the gaming industry fueled the need for 3D modeling software. I would tend to think the Military is the driving force followed by Aerospace and Automotive industries. Gaming is probably less then 1% of the need for developing modeling software.

 

KC

[CADguy209]

Hi

 

I'm a student considering spending some time to learn to use the 3D modelling features in AutoCAD because its a big area of AutoCAD I've barely touched. However, I was wondering what use these skills would be because in every situation there seems to be a better specialist alternative piece of software?

 

Inventor does precise parametric models, 3DS Max does high quality polygon modelling and visualisation, Sketchup does conceptual modelling, and Revit/ACAD creates 3D architectural models.

 

In the real world what sort of things do people create and why do they use AutoCAD instead of something else? This would be very nice to know because it would also give me more motivation to learn.

 

Any and all help is appreciated

 

 

 

If youre going to use AutoCAD you should learn the 3D side of it for a few reasons.

 

1. It will give you a basic understanding of what 3D modeling entails and will help you to get used to working in a 3D environment. Those basics can carry over to other software platforms.

 

2. It can save you time and be more efficient with regards to drafting as opposed to 2D, especially with parts that are machined or the like. Other areas maybe not so much.

 

3. Why limit your knowledge of the program?

 

 

Obviously the type of work you do/produce plays a big part in what CAD software you may want to use. While more advanced 3D modeling software may be more suited to your needs, especially if your product is very complex or derivative design wise, AutoCAD can still accomplish a lot, if you make full use of all its features. Of course there is always the bottom line with regards to your employer being willing to shill out the money for the software especially if multiple seats are required. At the end of the day its really matter of knowing what best suits your needs or is the most practical in terms of designing and getting the job done.

[JD Mather]

I really don't think the gaming industry fueled the need for 3D modeling software. I would tend to think the Military is the driving force followed by ..... Gaming is probably less then 1% of the need for developing modeling software.

KC

 

Actually, I suspect gaming is the leading edge of hardware/software development.

For most of history it has been the clock/military.

The clock for precision positioning/targeting.

 

Now the heads up display, 3D, motion feedback all being driven back and forth between entertainment/military. I think it is often unclear which way it is going, which one is leading and which is following, but I suspect more and more that entertainment is the driving force.

[kencaz]

Actually, I suspect gaming is the leading edge of hardware/software development.

For most of history it has been the clock/military.

The clock for precision positioning/targeting.

 

Now the heads up display, 3D, motion feedback all being driven back and forth between entertainment/military. I think it is often unclear which way it is going, which one is leading and which is following, but I suspect more and more that entertainment is the driving force.

 

Oh! I really disagree with that... Since gaming, the internet and entertainment in general are what most normal folk are exposed to daily, they may tend to think that is a driving force in technological development, however, if you consider the countless thousands of hours Designing, modeling, testing, manufacturing, of just a single part of a single landing gear of say a military jet. From the dynamic simulations, load calculations, machining processes, (some of which themselves are technological marvels), and the many years it takes for an aircraft just to make its maiden flight, you would tend to think differently.

 

Sure the gaming industries has advanced personal computers, however, that is a small niche in the overall computer world. I think the movie industry would hold more ground on graphics development then gaming.

 

KC

[dj722000]

I'm bad, he is talking about the CAD side of software. As I thought he was talking like maya and such. Maya is what there using for 3d games.