Software-OnlineStore.info

Traditional designing is done with the trusted pen and paper. Today however, the majority of designs are done in specialist computer applications which allow designers to model complex structures at ease. There are numerous industrial software applications designed to assist with structural design and project management. Complexity varies with some lending themselves to particular industries. The main purpose of such software is to design the structure virtually to exact specifications and to analyse the feasibility of the project. Modern software can also include project management tools to improve and record communications between the different departments involved with the build. A number of CAD software options have been summarised below.

Autodesk AutoCAD

AutoCAD was one of the 1st CAD programs to run on a PC back in 1982 and is the leading 2D and 3D rendering software today, creating industry standards. The standard comes at a price however as it is one of the most expensive options mentioned in this article.

Structures designed within AutoCAD can be exported and printed via a 3D printer for creating affordable 3D prototypes.

In 2010 a sophisticated mobile application was launched allowing users to view, edit and share designs on the move.

Autodesk Inventor

Inventor is 3D CAD software designed for structure prototyping and simulation. It lets users accurately analyse how parts and structures perform under user defined loads. It is clear that a lot of time and budget was spent on Inventor. In fact, they applied for 17 patents whilst developing the technology used within the initial build of Inventor launched in 1999.

Formfinder

Formfinder is a relatively new piece of software which combines project management with a membrane design structure database to assist architects and project managers.

It is designed to improve communication flow between staff within the design project. The database gives project managers and architects alike to view similar structures and projects around the world to judge if it is commercially viable.

For those familiar with Google Maps, Formfinder have launched an app allowing tensile structures to be found using an interactive map with quick link access to open up the structure within their database for more detail.

Alphacam

Designed for the woodwork, metal & stone industries, Alphacam is CAD software which a number of applications including doors, windows and panels.

To summarise, choosing the correct CAD software is down to personal preference and the building sector you are in. The majority of software mentioned in this article is available on a trial basis in order to help you decide whether it is right for you or your company.

Incoming search terms:

• form finder software tension struccture