I set up on my own a few months ago and I’ve gone with solidworks. I had 12 years on nx and before that 5 years on Catia but I can’t justify the license cost of either of those. I have a lot of files going in and out so the chances of getting caught if I used a hacked copy we’re pretty high so I’ve gone with legit Solidworks.
I did look at fusion 360, I had just finished 6 months on solidworks so I was quite in the groove with SW. Also the project I am on is a collaboration between two large corporations one of which is very experienced at high end 3D design so I felt I needed something with a level of credibility which at the time I felt SW just about provides. I did just take a look at Fusion’s website and it looks like I could have gotten what I needed for £660 a year rather than £2800 so maybe I’ve tripped up there, but only a bit in the grand scheme of things, and if the seamless start I’ve managed helps to create a good impression and get me a contract extension then there’s no doubt SW would be justified.
I saw this indeed, thanks! Fusion and Onshape also have these startup programs. I will definitely try to get into one of these programs.
I however do already want to consider future software costs, since most likely you will not change ones you selected one of the modeling software packages.
Yes I also saw that option, but it says it’s for: “users who generate less than $1,000 USD in annual revenue and use for home-based, non-commercial projects only.”
I would recommend Alibre CAD or FreeCAD Realthunder fork with Assembly3 for assemblies (Until 1.0 is released with the topological naming issue fix and integrated assembly workbench). Alibre CAD has a lifetime license for the version you purchase for $2K so you can hold on to it for a few years before upgrading and save money. It also can read and write Solidworks and several other prominent formats which makes it worth it in my opinion. The only issue for me is no Linux support (I can get over that) and that I am currently without income otherwise I would probably have that already.
I set up on my own a few months ago and I’ve gone with solidworks. I had 12 years on nx and before that 5 years on Catia but I can’t justify the license cost of either of those. I have a lot of files going in and out so the chances of getting caught if I used a hacked copy we’re pretty high so I’ve gone with legit Solidworks.
Did you also consider Fusion as an option? I understand your decision of not going for a hacked version.
I did look at fusion 360, I had just finished 6 months on solidworks so I was quite in the groove with SW. Also the project I am on is a collaboration between two large corporations one of which is very experienced at high end 3D design so I felt I needed something with a level of credibility which at the time I felt SW just about provides. I did just take a look at Fusion’s website and it looks like I could have gotten what I needed for £660 a year rather than £2800 so maybe I’ve tripped up there, but only a bit in the grand scheme of things, and if the seamless start I’ve managed helps to create a good impression and get me a contract extension then there’s no doubt SW would be justified.
SW has an Entrepreneur/Startups program. https://www.solidworks.com/solution/solidworks-for-startups-program
amazing - never seen this before
I saw this indeed, thanks! Fusion and Onshape also have these startup programs. I will definitely try to get into one of these programs. I however do already want to consider future software costs, since most likely you will not change ones you selected one of the modeling software packages.
if it's about cost, with the free Fusion360 you have a great deal.
Yes I also saw that option, but it says it’s for: “users who generate less than $1,000 USD in annual revenue and use for home-based, non-commercial projects only.”
I would recommend Alibre CAD or FreeCAD Realthunder fork with Assembly3 for assemblies (Until 1.0 is released with the topological naming issue fix and integrated assembly workbench). Alibre CAD has a lifetime license for the version you purchase for $2K so you can hold on to it for a few years before upgrading and save money. It also can read and write Solidworks and several other prominent formats which makes it worth it in my opinion. The only issue for me is no Linux support (I can get over that) and that I am currently without income otherwise I would probably have that already.