The Inside Scoop: 3 Solid CAD Platforms for Industrial Fabrication
As trusted engineers in the industrial fabrication business in the Indianapolis area, H & R Industrial can easily work with our industrial customers using the trifecta of CAD software: SOLIDWORKS, Siemens NX, and AutoCAD. We use these three powerful platforms for those who need services like custom metal fabrication and more. Below, we’ll break down the nuts and bolts of this CAD software, highlighting the differences between these heavy hitters in industrial design.
1. SOLIDWORKS: Flexible and User-Friendly
Created by French company Dassault Systèmes, SOLIDWORKS is the go-to software for 3D model design. It’s user-friendly, intuitive, and doesn’t require advanced knowledge in engineering. That’s why it’s a solid choice for beginners in CAD software.
In industrial fabrication, SOLIDWORKS stands out in assembly modeling and drawing functionality. Its ability to simulate physical forces and stresses on virtual models adds immense value to designing and testing, making it an invaluable tool for our engineers.
2. Siemens NX: Power and Versatility
Siemens NX, which used to be called Unigraphics, brings a high degree of power and versatility to the table. Its software suite offers full product lifecycle management — making it an integrated solution for the automotive, machinery, and aerospace industries.
This software excels when handling complex assemblies and modeling intricate geometries, a feature fetching brownie points in the industrial fabrication sector. It’s a bit more complex than SOLIDWORKS, but its capabilities are worth the learning curve.
3. AutoCAD: Tried and True
AutoCAD, developed by Autodesk, has been around since 1982 and has stood the test of time. It’s mainly used for 2D drafting, but the software boasts 3D modeling capabilities as well.
The beauty of AutoCAD lies in its simplicity and widespread adoption. Its compatibility with various formats makes it a safe bet for industrial and steel fabrications with diverse vendor requirements.
Choosing the Right CAD Software
The differences between SOLIDWORKS, Siemens NX, and AutoCAD can seem slight, but each has its benefits. At H & R Industrial, we understand the nuances of all three. We use the most suitable CAD software to deliver precision and efficiency in all our industrial fabrication projects.
Because our engineers can work with each program, we’re equipped to handle a wide range of projects from start to finish. Whether you’re designing a simple part or a complex assembly doesn’t matter. When used correctly, these tools can streamline design processes, increase productivity, and reduce errors – enhancing the overall quality of your project.
The team at H & R Industrial is ready to wield these powerful CAD tools on your behalf. If you’re in the Kokomo, Lafayette, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, or Bloomington areas and need industrial fabrication, our trusted engineers can help you with your project. Contact us at (765) 868-8408 today!