CAD on a Mac? “No, no, no,” I hear many of you thinking. But hang on a second, lets take it from the start.
I personally love both the Mac hardware and software, but I also acknowledge the fact it might not be for everybody. So, what are the chances of running your favorite CAD software on a Mac and getting your work done?
Windows on a Mac
First of all, you can of course run Windows on your Mac. So if you are a fan of Mac OS X, you do not have to resort to a PC, but can use OS X for most things and run Windows when you need to get your CAD stuff done.
One option for running Windows on your Mac is using the Boot Camp utility, which is included with OS X since its 10.5 (Leopard) version. This enables you to install Windows on your Mac and run them both as a dual-boot solution, so you can use either Mac OS X or Windows, but not at the same time.
This is where Parallels Desktop (or any other virtualization software) comes into play. Parallels enables you to run two operating systems simultaneously, enabling to use them one at a time or even in coherence mode, where it seems as if you are running your Windows applications inside Mac OS X. Parallels Desktop comes at $79.99 and gives you plenty of options for getting your Windows stuff done on your Mac.
CAD software that runs on Mac natively
Mac Os X Free Software
There is actually plenty of stuff for Mac out there as well. Of course it depends on every engineer's specific requirements, but for many there is something for their needs.
For example, quite recently Graebert announced its release of ARES, an AutoCAD-compatible piece of software that is pretty much the same as its Windows twin.
AutoCAD compatible means that it handles DWG files natively (read & write), includes many of the commands familiar from AutoCAD, includes most of AutoCAD's APIs and has a very similar interface to AutoCAD.
Then there is Siemens, whose NX 7 is also available for Mac. You can also find Shark FX by Punch! Software®, solidThinking, you have the Autodesk Alias Products, and many more. For specific references there is a pretty extensive and updated list of CAD/CAM software for Mac at MacUser.de community.
The Best Free CAD Software app downloads for Mac: Microspot DWG Viewer Silhouette Studio DraftSight ZWCAD Viewer TurboCAD LogicWorks MacDraft Pro Real.
Yes, there are plenty of large CAD software producers whose products are available only for a PC and I also agree to the point that PC hardware might just be a better match for a heavy CAD user and thus for many engineers there is no question, whether to prefer a PC or a Mac. However, Macs cannot be completely overruled - even many of the peripherals (3D mice, for example) do support Mac as well.
- When you really love the Mac hardware (as I do, for example), you don't have to worry - even if you don't find your preferred CAD software supported natively, you can run Windows on your Mac as well.
- Depending on the software and hardware requirements there are definitely engineers for whom Mac might be a fair competitor to a PC
So my question to you is: if you can either select a CAD software that runs natively on Mac OS X or run Windows on it, what else is holding you back from getting a Mac for CAD work? Or are you using one already?
- Nov 30, 2005 Are there any inexpensive Cad/Cam (mechanical design) software programs for Apple? Powerbook G4, Mac OS X (10.2.x) Posted on Nov 20, 2005 8:37 PM. Reply I have this question too (14) I have this question too Me too (14) Me too. All replies Drop Down menu. First Page 1.
- This premium CAD CAM software from MecSoft Corporation is a standalone package that has a host platform for CAM and 3D printing. It will address all the CNC machining needs in the market.
- We review, compare and rate CAD software for Mac OS-X to give you informed recommendations for the most effective Computer Aided Design software to meet your needs. Contact the appleCAD Team and a CAD expert will answer your questions. The service is free and designed to clarify your choices when using an Apple Mac for CAD.
More on the topic:
Experiencing CAD on the Mac - WorldCAD Access
The Look And Feel Of Apple Hardware - Deelip.com
The Look And Feel Of Apple Hardware - Deelip.com
Cad Cam Software For Mac Os X Mac
If you are an engineer and want to design any jigs and fixtures, then the main software that you will have to use is CAD CAM. You will need certain programming software that will be able to load these files and mill according to it. These 3D CAD Software can be used easily for that purpose and will have enhanced tools to make the process easier. Some of the CNC Cam Software are available for free.
Related:
FreeMill
Latest firefox for mac os x 10.4.11 upgrade. This free CAM software created by MecSoft Corporation is a programming software for CNC mills. The milling module is used for programming mills and routers and any number of codes can be done.
Visual CAD/CAM
This premium CAD CAM software from MecSoft Corporation is a standalone package that has a host platform for CAM and 3D printing. It will address all the CNC machining needs in the market.
EZ-MILL PRO
This premium software from Ezcam Solutions Inc. is designed to meet all the needs of tooling, die, mold and prototyping areas. It has surface creating and machining capabilities along with a simple to use a dialog box.
Tinker CAD
BobCAD-CAM CNC Lathe Software
Rhino 5
Mac Os Software Download
GeoMagic
Autodesk Inventor
Design CAD 3D Max 2016
Other File Transfer Software For Different Platforms
You will be able to find many file transfer software online for different operating systems like Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android. These software can be used only on the platform that it is designed for and not on any other operating system. Many of such software are available for different OS.
Heeks CAD for Windows
This premium software is an open source platform that can be used on Windows OS. Solid models from IGES and STEP files can be imported and edited after which it can be saved in different formats.
MeshCAM for Mac
This premium software from GRZ Software LLC can be used on the Mac platform to import a CAD file and get the mill to cut according to it. This can be used by anyone who wants to make parts quickly.
Siemens Manufacturing 360 for Android
![Mac os x free software Mac os x free software](/uploads/1/2/6/4/126497595/457056799.jpg)
This free Android app from Siemens AG will allow the user to get a digital manufacturing experience in a factory that is interactive. Advanced logistics and robotics simulation can be done.
Fusion360 – Most Popular Software
This premium software from Autodesk Inc. is a very popular 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE tools that will connect the entire product development process with a single cloud-based platform.
How to Install CAD CAM Software?
There are many CAD CAM software available online that can be used for various purposes. The first thing that you should do is select the software that you want to download and check the system requirements. All the software requirements like memory, GUI, operating system, etc. should be fulfilled so that it will be able to run properly. Then the links can be used to download the file onto the system and the readme text can be used. The file has to be unzipped after which the installation file should be run. You will have to follow all the instructions to install the software.
With this software, engineers will be able to test the fit and motion of the product, perform simulations, create certain assemblies and make photorealistic animations and renditions of the products that were designed using the software. All the designs that were created can be used for collaboration.