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stealth71
01-20-2006, 12:33 PM
I want to start designing some parts. Particularly a 3-link rear suspension. What programs do you use for suspension design? Also what do you use for simple things like brackets?

I am no mechanical engineer, actually a software engineer, but I have thought about going back to school for an ME. I want to teach myself the design concepts behind an ME degree, if possible.

Solid Works....

Thanks,
Mike

Bigblue73
01-20-2006, 12:37 PM
Solid Works will work. Good luck. Post some drawings from time to time so we can get a sneak peak.

CAMAROBOY69
01-20-2006, 12:40 PM
I use Solid Works but others are having great luck with Unigraphics. Do a search on "Bad Ast" Mark (astroracer) does an incredible job with UG.
Good luck in school. I had a blast with fun subjects like these.

gt1guy
01-22-2006, 06:52 PM
For suspension design, try Performance Trends Suspension Analyzer. You can download the demo to check out for free. For simple things like brackets? A piece of paper and a Sharpie.


Kevin

DeepBlue68
01-30-2006, 08:08 PM
If you do want to model small parts (brackets, linkages, etc.) in 3-D, we use Autodesk Inventor quite a bit. I really like it, although there are much programs better for doing actual suspension modeling.

MoeBawlz
01-30-2006, 09:36 PM
I use Unigraphics here at school, but use Solid works otherwise and i have dabbled in Inventor.

I prefer Unigraphics because thats what i know my way around best, however solid works is a great program and is VERY capable. Inventor is also a good parametric modeling software, but has limitations. Solidworks also has limitations when compared to Unigraphics but overall it is a good program. If your looking at suspension design and nothing with complex contours and surfacing, inventor would be fine.