SolidWorks is a type of 3D mechanical CAD software that is used by designers and engineers to make prototypes of their products. Through the program, you can simulate different mechanisms as well as keep your data organized. SolidWorks can cost you big bucks if you purchase on your own. It’s easy to turn to The Pirate Bay when you’re looking for software, but you don’t have to become a thief. Consider these alternatives.
Google’s version of free 3D imaging software
SketchUp will likely be the first alternative that you will turn to as an option to SolidWorks. The basic version is free and allows you to make 3D models of basically anything. You can build your models from scratch or use the available tools from past downloads available through the Google 3D Warehouse. You can apply color, textures, shadows and more to keep the prototypes realistic. [SketchUp]
Blender for the pro
Blender is an open source 3D creation program that has some of the most advanced modeling features of a free software. Object typing includes polygon meshes, NURBS surfaces, Bezier, metaballs and B-spline curves. Sculpt your 3D models using the program’s different tools like paint, inflate, brush and grab. It is better suited for the professional looking for more functionality than SketchUp. [Blender]
The simple and easy to use Anim8or
If you’re looking for a 3D modeler for character animation, you should check out Anim8or. You can build in the same primitives as Blender, but can create 3D animation scenes with .AVI, .BMP and .JPG files. It also has a built in 3D object browser to make workflow go much smoother. [Anim8or]
None of the software you've listed even comes close to being an alternative to Solidworks. They can "do 3D" and run on computer, that's about as close as they get.
It's like saying "Need to get something into orbit? You can put things in a Space Shuttle, but it's expensive. You can also put things in a shopping cart from a grocer store, and it's a lot cheaper!" Technically it's true, but it doesn't come close to doing the same job.
Using a screenshot of the 2001 version of SolidWorks doesn't do too much for your credibility, either.
solidworks is powerful
Agreed, nothing really compares to SolidWorks
We muss start saying that the Free-Software Community has many funny job creating a good alternative for engineering CAD/CAM software.
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I never knew you could design such awsome stuff using google sketchup. I thought it was only good for designing buildings. cool.