List of cheaper alternatives to AutoCAD and SolidWorks

Recently one of my tasks were to obtain quotes to purchase AutoCAD and Solidworks for a friend’s company whose main business was into machine fabrication.

After contacting several vendors to obtain the respective quotes, I was quite shocked to find out that the pricing for both AutoCAD and Solidworks were quite high.

I got to find out that these software are the starting point to many products all around us. Even the mouse that is right beside us now (screenshot), was initially designed using a CAD software. Most CAD software today is capable of designing 3D models or 2D drawings. But do these software need to cost so much?

If your organization need to create 2D or 3D models but do not have the right budget yet, the following is a list of cheaper alternatives to AutoCAD and SolidWorks.

gCAD3D is a software for Windows and Linux has its own import and export-programs, integrated 3D-OpenGL viewer, program interpreter for geometry and NC commands in 3D, integrated NC processor. programming interface for userprograms (plugins)

ZWCAD software, as a highly reliable and powerful CAD tool, meets the needs of 2D/3D design & drafting industry, including architecture, engineering, construction (AEC), mechanics, electronics and anyone who creates CAD drawings. Check out this comparison of major features between ZWCAD and AutoCAD

QCAD is an application for computer aided drafting in two dimensions (2d). With QCAD you can create technical drawings such as plans for buildings, interiors, mechanical parts or schemas and diagrams. QCAD works on Windows, Mac OS X and many Linux and Unix Systems.

GStarICAD is based on the well-known IntelliCAD software which is the industry standard for low-cost CAD software. GStarICAD is a reliable and powerful version of IntelliCAD worldwide,99% identical to AutoCAD and its speeds and performances with an attractive and competitive price are totally unbeatable.

AllyCAD is a professional CAD package with advanced functionality and integrated Toolkits. AllyCAD is renowned for its power and ease of use in the Mechanical, Civil, Structural, Architectural and Surveying fields.

AutoQ3D CAD is an award-winnning 3D Design and Draft tool which enables you to draw 3D models easily. Many aspects, including its ease-of-use and clean design, have made AutoQ3D one of the most popular 3D Design and Draft tool software available.

CoCreate Modeling Personal Edition (PE) is the world’s first free explicit 3D CAD software. With CoCreate Modeling PE, you work directly on the geometry you want to modify and design your models without investing in upfront engineering. CoCreate Modeling PE puts the extraordinary power of explicit modeling into the hands of any engineer, designer, or student

CADopia 6, based on IntelliCAD technology, is a powerful CAD software that is used by professionals in over 80 countries to create mission critical drawings in a cost effective manner. You don’t have to learn a brand new interface if you are familiar with the Windows environment and other popular CAD systems.

progeCAD 2009 is the next generation of progeCAD and represent the state of the art of IntelliCAD® evolution. His native DWG support from version 2.5 to 2008 and the high level of compatibiliy with AutoCAD®  enviroment and interface are only two of the key features.progeCAD IntelliCAD was designed from the ground up to look and feel just like the CAD software you have been using for years. Priced at a fraction of the cost!

Blender is the free open source 3D content creation suite, available for all major operating systems under the GNU General Public License.

——————————————— END ————————————————–

So there you go, some cheaper alternatives to AutoCAD and SolidWorks for you to try out.

Did you like this post? Subscribe to Wareprise.com today. It is free.

Psst! Have you backed up your important documents and images today? My sister's hard disk crashed yesterday and she came crying for help. She lost all her baby pictures! If only I could help!

Backup your files right now - 2GB Free online backup

Free eBook

Found what you were looking for? If not, try searching for it below.