CAD on a IRIS 4D

[Bill Lasher]

We are running both CADKEY and PRO-ENGINEER on 4D-20's.  CADKEY is a three-
dimensional drafting and design package that also runs on PC's.  It is easy
to use and very powerful.  It comes with a basic-like programming package, and
a solid modeler is available, but is of limited usefulness.

PRO-ENGINEER is a parametric modeler that has drafting, solid modeling, finite
element meshing, etc. capabilities.  We've only had it for a few months, but
from what I can see it looks like the wave of the future. It's the first true
mechanical design package I have seen.

CADKEY is quite a bit cheaper than PRO-ENGINEER (I'm not sure of the list
prices - we're a univ., and got both of them pretty cheap).  If you are looking
for a VERY GOOD drafting package, I would strongly recommend CADKEY.  PRO-
ENGINEER at least worth looking at, but be prepared to be heartbroken if you
don't have the bucks.

Hope this is helpful,

Bill