FreeCAD

[Fourthshifter]

It is wise to learn some skills in PLM Solutions, esp CAD, while you are a student.

Interestingly there are some free PLM Solutions softwares out there and one of them is called FreeCAD.

It is just 6 MB , a freeware and it enables animation. It seems to look like a top down design.

anyways here's the download link for FREECAD

http://www.ar-cad.com/download


and for now, just enjoy watching the video demo on how to use FreeCAD.

http://askoh.net/assemblies2/parallel_arm/parallel_arm.html

[trojan209]

a good tool of learning for beginners but not the best because it's not so user-friendly. i think to use freecad in designing 3D parts is a little bit complicated and to assemble more than 5 parts, i don't think it's as easy as using other 3D CAD softwares.

[Fourthshifter]

Yes

it is a good, and FREE CAD software for you to WARM UP iN using parametric features 3D solid modeling with animation.

You have nothing to loose, after all you just download the 6 MB toy, watch the simple video demo, and redo what the demo do. You learn a new skill easily by doing so. So this is a very good start, even if you are just a secondary school student.

By using this software , you will feel very eased in using more advance CAD softwares later.

Enjoy.

[white2020]

actually, we design the products using PLM solutions and who create it in reality?izzit engineers?

[white2020]

actually, we design the products using PLM solutions and who create it in reality?izzit engineers?

anyone?

[kelvinlym]

This is roughly what happens for consumer electronics:

1. Concept artists design with pencil and paper. Usually just the outer shell with no (or very little) emphasis on specifications and functionality. Concept model with only form is made to test for ergonomics, size and style etc.

2. Concept design engineers then design it using the concepts as reference (freeform surface modelling) while giving some thought to how everything gets together (snap hooks, glue, welding), functionality (buttons, display etc) and mechanisms (hinges, swivels, latches etc). Concept model/prototype is made here (might lack functionality and/or not finalised parts). Mostly handmade or in small series. Prototype might cost up to 1000x the cost of consumer product.

3. Mechanical/Hardware/Software design engineers then go into the more intricate parts of design with the aim of turning the product based on specifications into reality while giving equal importance to cost and functionality. The tools for product's first build is then produced (machines, molds, assembly instructions, logistics, suppliers etc). Prototypes here usually resemble very closely to final consumer products. Only intricate details are changed for different revisions of the prototypes (usually nothing cosmetic). Most durability, functionality and quality tests are carried out here. Quality in most cases a bit inferior to final product.

4. Finalised tools and design sent to manufacturer.

5. Product might be revised after customer feedback and return to step 3.

This is sort of what a piece of consumer electronic device will go through. Of course steps might vary.

Just giving you a rough idea before you double post again and lose your patience.

[Fourthshifter]

It will be better if you read about PLM, at least in wikipedia. PLM includes making the product. Some machines use CAM softwares (another PLM Solutions) to manufacture parts. Sometimes the skilled workers work on the parts based on the print out made by the designer. it varies amongst industries.

Between designing there is a testing phase. (another stage of PLM). Yes, prototype is indeed expensive. Testing is done with CAE software as much as possible to lower the dependency and cost of prototyping.

Therefore you have Engineers doing stuffs like designing, testing and finally manufacturing.

anyways, it is better to do a research, as least on wikipedia or google before you ask impatiently. There are certain basic stuff with answers available easily on internet.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Product_lifecycle

[chiachean]

hey, i found a this site, containing some Free CAD software

http://www.freebyte.com/cad/cad.htm

hope it helps