Veterans - Solidworks 3D CAD for $20

[Seagondollar]

I was introduced to this on Facebook and figure there are a few of you out there that can benefit from this.  I think this is worth $20 to have in my toolbelt.

https://store.solidworks.com/veterans/default.php

[Perazzimx14]

First off, what's Facebook?

[charlie b]

That sounds too good to be true.

I've use their 2D system (Drafsight) for a while now.  Solidworks is usually several thousand dollars.

I may have to buy it just to see.

[Matt Story]

I use SW everyday for a living.  I use it for designing automation equipment and to design for 3D printing.  It is a very powerful, precise (and complex) design tool.  I have to say it has a pretty steep learning curve.  It does have some good built in tutorials, and youtube is a great friend to aid learning.  There are a lot of nuances in the user interface that are the bane of new users.

This offer is for a student edition which is somewhat limited in function.  The last student version I was acquainted with limited file import/export and left watermarks on all files.  It is limited to non-commercial use but I'm not sure how they might know what you're using it for.

All that said, $20 is a great deal to get in the door on a piece of software that normally runs about $5k per installation.  There are alot of well paid jobs available to people skilled with the software.  This would be a great opportunity for someone who is motivated to learn a new marketable skill.  It is very feasible to self teach at a basic level.  Real world experience would be needed to be proficient.

If anyone is interested in 3D design software, there is a bevy of alternatives that are either less expensive, open source and/or free.  I haven't explored them much because I have access to SW and have no further need.

Matt

[charlie b]

Yep, I've used some of the cheaper or free ones, and, while you can learn something from them, you get what you pay for in those cases.  Some are very limited in their shapes and surface manipulation routines.  A couple are so slow to be nearly useless.  Heck, Sketchup is better than many of them.

I'm not worried about impor/export or water marks since it would be for my use only.  As long as it has the full 3D functionality.

[56Pan]

Just uploaded the completed application form and a scan of my DD214.  Hope they don't have a cutoff for how old the vet has to be.

[normzone]

I don't know about the functionality, just that if you're sharing files with a supplier who is supposed to manufacture something from it, they're not supposed to accept the student version - it implies that you're past student and gone commercial.

[charlie b]

I don't have to worry about that part, since I am the "mfg".  ;)

[pauldaytona]

I don't know about the functionality, just that if you're sharing files with a supplier who is supposed to manufacture something from it, they're not supposed to accept the student version - it implies that you're past student and gone commercial.

 Well I don't see a problem there. Our students have the same version, they get it for free, they can download it and register. They can use the things they make in our multiuser version.
One thing that I hate from Solidworks is that version compatability is only upwards. If you have made something in 2013 , it won't open with 2011. 2013 opens 2011 docs fine.
You can always export it as general cad format like stl or dwg. But you lose ability to edit parts.
 The 20 you pay is only shipping and handling costs.
Before you start, Solidworks likes a healthy computer, not to old, enough memory, and at least Vista I think. Not your 10 year old that hardly does internet. 

[PeteS]

Paul, anyone, will this student version be able to create files for a 3D printer and send them to the printer or do you need the commercial version to actually print something?

Pete

[pauldaytona]

I see no problem in printing 3d. Our students make things on their laptop, and move to the mill to get it made. For 3d, you mostly need no solidworks files but generic filetypes like stl. And that can be exported out of Solidworks.

[Matt Story]

The latest 'full' version (2015) has added functionality for 3D printing.  We just installed that on 50 computers last week at work.  I have not had a chance to explore the 3D printing functions yet.

Currently I have an older version of SW on my home machine that I use primarily to model things for printing.  I export the models in *.stl, then post process them with a slicer program which generates a Gcode to run on the printer.  Personally I use (and highly recommend) one called Cura which is specially made for use with my printer, but also supports most Reprap based machines including delta printers.  Its a fantastic piece of free open source software that has great support.  There are a slew of other good low cost/free slicer programs that perform the same function.

From past experience with SW, I doubt the 3D printing function they have added will be of much help with consumer grade printers.

Matt

[Seagondollar]

Given some of the limitations, I see this as a good way to train on the package and get it on your resume,  or use it to create things.  Still $20 beats full price.