CAD phase of small project 1

[vicbee]

I was suggested to find a CAD shop that uses Solidworks with the Finite Element Analysis module for my furniture (chair) project, in which I will use either aluminum or stainless steel for structure. Am I limited to Solidworks or can most other CAD software do the same job? Also, I am based in Hong Kong but, for legal piece of mind, I will look for a US based eng/design company to CAD model my idea. I had Photoshop very recently installed on my PC (and don't know how to use it yet), would that open CAD files so I can have a work-in-progress doc to work with?

 

[swertel]

You can use any CAD package with a FEA module. Pick one that is easy for you, both in practice and in pocket book. Some CAD packages are easier to learn than other, but have fewer features which sometimes make them harder to use. Depending on your price range, research CAD packages like: Solid Edge, SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Pro/E, IronCAD, T-Flex.

Photoshop is not for engineering design, but rather artsy fartsy stuff. It can take a neutral format of CAD data view it, adding wonderful photographic finishing touches to it, but nothing more. To get the work-in-progress document that I think you desire, get the viewers for the CAD packages mentioned above. Most are free.

--Scott