These are CNC experts' favourite 3D drawing programs
Which 3D drawing program do CNC experts prefer?
Our latest poll on LinkedIn has the answer. When asked "What is your favourite 3D drawing program?", the results were rather unanimous: SolidWorks wins with 69% of the votes, followed by Inventor (19%) and Creo (6%). The remaining 6% chose the "Other software" option.
Which 3D drawing programs do CNC experts use most?
1. SolidWorks (69%)
The most popular 3D drawing program is SolidWorks. It ranks first thanks to its user-friendliness and numerous tutorials, allowing both beginners and advanced users to work with it quickly and efficiently. Thanks to the speed of the program and its ease of use, users quickly get what they want to draw. It is pleasant to work in.
2. Inventor (19%)
The gap with number two, Inventor, is wide: it gathered 19% of the votes. Inventor supporters praise this software mainly for its ability to handle complex engineering projects and for its simulation capabilities. Inventor does not yet reach the broad masses with its sophisticated software, but is content with its market share among experts.
To get a first impression of 3D, Inventor is a good starting point, though. Many people have their first experience in Inventor, but once they are introduced to number 1, Inventor is quickly left behind.
3. Creo (6%)
With only 6% of the votes, Creo is not popular with our panel of experts. The tool focuses specifically on advanced product development and precision engineering, which makes it less approachable as a go-to tool. But that doesn't stop the brave 6% from relying on Creo for their 3D designs. Compared to the first two programs, 3D design in Creo is a more complicated way of working: whereas in the first two you can easily adjust something, in Creo this is sometimes a challenge.
4. Other software (6%)
Finally, there is the "Other software" category, which also received 6% of the votes. This category represents a wide range of 3D drawing programs that are used less in our industry, such as Blender, Rhino and SketchUp. These are used more in the architecture sector, where freedom of drawing and the ability to create organic shapes are very important.
Do you have a topic for our next poll?
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Frequently asked questions about 3D drawing programs for CNC
What is the most popular 3D drawing program among CNC experts?
SolidWorks. In a RoboJob poll on LinkedIn, 69% of CNC experts chose SolidWorks as their favourite 3D drawing program, followed by Inventor (19%) and Creo (6%).
Why do CNC experts prefer SolidWorks?
CNC experts mainly choose SolidWorks for its user-friendliness, speed and the many tutorials available, which let both beginners and advanced users work quickly and efficiently.
What is Autodesk Inventor good for?
Inventor is praised for handling complex engineering projects and for its simulation capabilities. Many people get their first 3D experience in Inventor.
Is Creo suitable for CNC design?
Creo focuses on advanced product development and precision engineering. Only 6% of the polled CNC experts prefer it, because adjusting a design is often more complicated than in SolidWorks or Inventor.
Can a CAD file be used to automate CNC machine loading?
Yes. With the optional vision technology and AI on the Pallet-Load Integrated, you upload a CAD/CAM file and the robot identifies the workpiece and determines how to grip and load it.