Complex - yes, Powerful - & then some

“Complex - yes, Powerful - and then some”

Written on: 04/10/2011 by RMalloy03 (1 review written)

I think the hardest aspect of CAD review is to look at features in isolation and NX is a prime case. How can you justify a hefty price tag for 3D CAD software? the answer is to look at it holistically.

In this case, although it has a steep learning curve and other mid-ranged software (SolidWorks, Inventor, SolidEdge, etc) can do many of the same tasks, NX is virtually alone in providing (a) multiple ways of accomplishing the same end result, especially with hybrid feature parts/assemblies and (b) providing cradle-to-grave hot links that work with world-class MRP/ERP systems. The only other contenders in this class, that come to mind, are CATIA and Pro/E (I apologize if I missed any here).

So, while a metal fab shop, for example, might get by very nicely with CADKey, AutoCAD and the like, high-end OEM's with multiple vendors will likely use high-end products like discusssed above. That's my two cents worth... rjm