Software for Enterprise

List of cheaper alternatives to AutoCAD and SolidWorks

Recently one of my tasks was to obtain quotes to purchase AutoCAD and Solidworks for a friend’s company whose main business was machine fabrication.

After contacting several vendors to obtain the respective quotes, I was quite shocked to find out that the pricing for both AutoCAD and Solidworks was quite high.

I got to find out that this software is the starting point for many products all around us. Even the mouse that is right beside us now (screenshot), was initially designed using a CAD software. Most CAD software today is capable of designing 3D models or 2D drawings. But does this software need to cost so much?

If your organization needs to create 2D or 3D models but does not have the right budget yet, the following is a list of cheaper alternatives to AutoCAD and SolidWorks.

ZWCAD software, as a highly reliable and powerful CAD tool, meets the needs of 2D/3D design & drafting industry, including architecture, engineering, construction (AEC), mechanics, electronics and anyone who creates CAD drawings.

QCAD is an application for computer aided drafting in two dimensions (2d). With QCAD you can create technical drawings such as plans for buildings, interiors, mechanical parts or schemas and diagrams. QCAD works on Windows, Mac OS X and many Linux and Unix Systems.

AllyCAD is a professional CAD package with advanced functionality and integrated Toolkits. AllyCAD is renowned for its power and ease of use in the Mechanical, Civil, Structural, Architectural and Surveying fields.

AutoQ3D CAD is an award-winnning 3D Design and Draft tool which enables you to draw 3D models easily. Many aspects, including its ease-of-use and clean design, have made AutoQ3D one of the most popular 3D Design and Draft tool software available.

CoCreate Modeling Personal Edition (PE) is the world’s first free explicit 3D CAD software. With CoCreate Modeling PE, you work directly on the geometry you want to modify and design your models without investing in upfront engineering. CoCreate Modeling PE puts the extraordinary power of explicit modeling into the hands of any engineer, designer, or student

CADopia 6, based on IntelliCAD technology, is a powerful CAD software that is used by professionals in over 80 countries to create mission critical drawings in a cost effective manner. You don’t have to learn a brand new interface if you are familiar with the Windows environment and other popular CAD systems.

ProgeSoft’s main product which is the progeCAD 2010 Professional is a 2D / 3D CAD application which is compatible with AutoCAD files. It’s user interface is quite similar to AutoCAD environment and it’s price is lower.

So there you go, some cheaper alternatives to AutoCAD and SolidWorks for you to try out.

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