I think you should test them both for a while. But its still one of the easiest systems to grasp in the sense that its almost exactly like drawing with pen and paper.īoth AutoCAD and SolidWorks have trial periods so you aren't required to commit any money for now. AutoCAD is an old program with many quirky character traits due to its long history. It's likely your current process is based around 2D drawings so working with SolidWorks is going to be a whole new paradigm and present a bigger learning curve, while not strictly adding a huge amount to what you do. Programs like SolidWorks are for modelling, where you create a 3D model of the object you want then produce views of it as drawing and for some uses of CAD, that's definitely the more effective way to do things. If you're going to work with what are basically 2D views and plans most of the time than AutoCAD is the way to go. Only recreating and mimicking the design intent. So I don't need to think about actually designing anything. Our contracts require us to recreate shop drawings prior to fabrication (not allowed to fabricate off design drawings). And an apparently important detail I missed out on saying, my company is the fabricator.
![advance steel vs autocad structural detailing advance steel vs autocad structural detailing](https://www.msacsteeldetail.com/images/samples/Column03_Large.jpg)
It looks like AutoCAD seems to be the consensus for my own needs. What program should I look into further for our company? Or should I just stick to AutoCAD?Įdit - Wow, this is really a lot of help. So a lot of steel frames, steel repair on existing structures, stairs, gaurdrails, handrails, ornamental steel paneling, etc. Our company does mainly structural steel and miscellaneous metal projects.
![advance steel vs autocad structural detailing advance steel vs autocad structural detailing](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DoS2bF01Mp0/maxresdefault.jpg)
But as I did more research, I am hearing a lot of complaints with AutoCAD, and a lot of people suggesting other programs (SolidWorks, CATIA, Sketchup, etc.). At first, I started looking into AutoCAD as that holds the most name recognition.
#Advance steel vs autocad structural detailing software
I was put in charge of selecting the software we will be using from now on. After years and years of outsourcing our detailing for shop drawings, we finally decided to pull the trigger and do all our own steel detailing.
![advance steel vs autocad structural detailing advance steel vs autocad structural detailing](https://damassets.autodesk.net/content/dam/autodesk/www/products/advance-steel/fy22/overview/images/advance-steel-2021-and-revit-2021-video-thumb-572x340.jpg)
Hello, I work for a structural steel fabricator and erection company.