Which 3d Modeling software for parametric/ restraint design? FINLOCKER pics

[David Gunn]

Hi,

I have recently built some finn lockers ....just download and cut....apart from changing the sides to 18mm thick, height to 1800mm, depth to 450mm and adding self closing/ concealed  hinges.

As you can imagine there was a bit of design involved in a short time frame, but thats another story.

It has got me wondering about a couple of projects I have coming up and the correct software, my question is which software do you (anyone) recommend for example drawing Fin lockers and being able to change height width depth values for example.

I would prefer CAD modeling software, not cabinet software, but if you have experience with this please advise.

To start:

Rhino 5 and Rhino cam, this is our current operating package, I have looked at grasshopper plugin and it may be an option, bit of a learning curve, or outsource the initial drawing.

Fusion 360...looks like it may work??

Creo, I employ university engineering students who are more than capable of drawing these models to bring me up to speed.

Sketchup...with some plugin...??

At this stage don't let cost influence the decision 

I look forward to your input.

[hu...@opendesk.cc]

Hi David,

Nice lockers, yes that wold have been a fair bit of remodelling. 

We use Autodesk Inventor to parameterise 3D models and then use a custom plugin to translate the models to 2D.

I have heard of people using Onshape and grasshopper but have never tried them myself. 

Fusion360 is certainly an option especially if you use it for your CAM also. Solidworks and SolidCam may also be an option with this. Not sure about Creo or Sketchup as I haven't used them in a while.

Essentially I think Fusion 360 is probably the best option if you can CAM from that also, If you need to CAM off 2D vectors, all the above will be fiddly in one way or another.

Hope this helps and would love to hear what you end up going for.