.DXF Drawing Software ??????

[mcd176]

I know that AutoCAD uses the .DXF file extension however are there any other CAD programs out there that are cheaper than AutoCAD that use the .DXF extension?

I need a program to be able to save in this format because I found a water jet cutting business that will do small jobs.

Thanks

Mike

 

[J_J]

Using TurboCAD, you can save the file in many different format, including DXF

http://www.turbocad.com/?gclid=CPCersTgkKYCFYrt7Qod5lWHZA

 

[mrmikey]

Ditto using the TurboCAD. I've sent numerous drawings saved as .dxf and .dwg to be laser cut without a problem.....Mike

 

[db556]

I use google sketchup myself with the .dxf/.stl plugin, I then drop the .dxf into mastercam at work to use with the cnc mill.

 

[Gods Country]

Most cad programs will export a dxf file.
If you are exporting just 2d geometry to be machined igs may be a better universal format.

 

[lostcause]

i use autosketch, whitch is also an autodesk program. the current version (10) is $250, but you can get the previous version (9) on ebay for $40 right now. i bought my copy of version 9 on ebay last year for $30.

 

[jake98]

Anybody ever use the old GenericCadd? I'm still pissed because they bought it just to squash it.

 

[westcliffe01]

There is always Intellicad. Autocad compatible, even runs the lisp routines. Purchase Autodsys AcceliCAD, IntelliCAD, ArchT, AutoLINE

Basic version costs $150.

 

[tuolumne]

The autodesk website has a free viewer for .dxf files that you can download.

 

[jimgerken]

I've used 3D modeling software for my career for over ten years. Learned four or five different CAD softwares so far. The investment in TIME to learn the software is more significant than getting the lowest price on the planet, in my opinion.
If you want to learn the software that will soon be the most popular 3D CAD, and so most universally accepted, due to price/performance, purchase the student edition of Solidworks (about $180). It has a very slick sheetmetal toolkit in it, and looks to be the best value I have seen. I have not used Solidworks yet myself, but have been informed that "it is coming and will be the next package we use".
Watch the Solidworks Sheetmetal tool here:
DS SolidWorks Corp.

 

[CurlyDave]

I've used 3D modeling software for my career for over ten years. Learned four or five different CAD softwares so far. The investment in TIME to learn the software is more significant than getting the lowest price on the planet, in my opinion...

+1

I occasionally use a 2D drafting program for something like designing a house, but about once a month I need a quick drawing.

I find myself going back to the drawing program I learned 20 years ago, even though it is obsolete on a Mac, and hasn't been upgraded in 5 years.

It is still good enough to get the job done, and the time to learn a new program is hard to justify.

 

[jmc]

If you want to learn the software that will soon be the most popular 3D CAD, and so most universally accepted, due to price/performance, purchase the student edition of Solidworks (about $180).

Back around 2006 or 07, before they would sell you the student version, you had to prove you were taking something like 6 credit hours of classes.

 

[jimmysisson]

+1 on Sketchup, the most intuitive drawing software I've used - it just makes sense to the non-tech brain, mine anyway. Free version is pretty capable, too.
Jim

 

[dcyrilc]

I don't do enough CAD stuff to justify buying a program. I found DeltaCad Delta Cad - World's easiest CAD program, CAD software years back and am satified with their free version. It also has the ability to export a .dxf file. I designed some brackets we needed for work and saved them as a .dxf for my employer so that they could look at them with AutoCad.

It's not the greatest CAD program, but it's relativly easy to use and for free it has done everything I've needed.

 

[mcd176]

Thanks for all of the responses everyone, I had a discovery yesterday while I was designing some custom graphics for a dump truck on my vinyl cutting software, I found that I can convert files I design to .DXF I will be able to do anything I need to with the vinyl software and then convert it, The vinyl software is basically a CAD program anyhow. Here it was under my nose the whole time

 

[Robert_Parent]

Siemens has a very nice 2d, full feature CAD program for free. You need to fill out their form for access. I have used if for a couple years and have never been bothered with sales calls.

Free 2D: PLM?Product Lifecycle Management: Siemens PLM Software


Robert

 

[eepete]

I looked at the SoldiWorks site, looks like a nice program.

They don't tell you the cost. Sorry, but I think cost is every much a "Feature" and anything else. Seems like every time a product doesn't list the cost, it's a "If you have to ask, you can't afford it" situation. I saw the student/parent/mentor version, but no good definition of who can buy that.

Maybee it's just me... :confused3:

Will look at the other suggestions made here. Agree that when it comes to any design software (web stuff, circuit boards, mechanical drawings) the hard part is coming up with a month of you life you don't need so you can come up to speed on it all. I played with AutoCad years ago, it was clearly capable but not user friendly.

Pete

 

[johnic]

We use Autocad at work but found it very expensive. Found a free program with 2d capabilities and can read Autocad and dxf files. Works a treat for our eng. drawings.

Try Draftsight at Download DraftSight - Dassault Systèmes.

Regards

Ian N

 

[wvpolekat]

For 2D, I use visio because I use it for work things as well. Its not the greatest, but for a quick 2D drawing, it works.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

Long ago I bought DesignCad 3D and had fun with it.

It's still around.
DesignCAD Series

Amazon.com: DesignCAD Max V19: Software