Model design for home projects

Discussion created by David Tiefenbrunn on Feb 20, 2020
Latest reply on Feb 26, 2020 by David Lane

Like • Show 0 Likes0
Comment • 80

I discovered yesterday, that Solidworks decided to dis continue allowing for a second activation for home use.

For my little home projects, there is NO way to justify or afford buying a copy for my own use.

So the question is what is out there that is shareware / inexpensive that can be used to design 3D models, and export to .STL files? STL for the 3Dprinters, I use drawings for making parts on my Bridgeport mill.

I was using SW2012 just fine. My work place had to upgrade everything so, new computer, new os, etc. I am on 2018 for now, but can now eventually go to the current SW version there.

I could set up the old computer and use 2018 for a while - until I retire, and loose access to the license, but what do I do then?

All my home designs are in SW 2012, and everything I do with them does not need to be forever updated. My 3D printers are what they are.

Outcomes

80 Replies

1 2 3 4FirstPrevious

Adam Hartles Feb 20, 2020 12:20 PM
There are still options. You can transfer/deactivate the license each day at work and then activate it at home (again you have to remember to deactivate it at home to pick it up at work) or could look into Online Licensing which allows you to log in to your SolidWorks session- this is ideal if you work between two different computers.
2020 - Using SOLIDWORKS Products with Online Licensing
Like • Show 2 Likes2
Actions
Josh Helman Feb 20, 2020 12:22 PM
Dual activation was removed but there are still ways to use your license at home. There are two methods to do this.
Method 1:
when you leave work and go home, deactivate your license and when you arrive home, activate your license. This is simple to do but is a little time consuming to do every day.

Method 2:
You can use Online Licensing where as long as you have internet connection you can use your license anywhere and on any computer that has SOLIDWORKS installed. The only negative here is if you don't have an internet connection. If you plan on being disconnected from the internet however you can even take the license offline and borrow it to a single computer that won't need internet access for up to 30 days.
Convert your SOLIDWORKS standalone license to an online license
Like • Show 2 Likes2
Actions
Frederick Law Feb 20, 2020 12:34 PM
Fusion 360 can be used for free as hobbyist.

And like other said, Online License.
Unless your work use all network license.
Like • Show 1 Like1
Actions
Krzysztof Szpakowski @ Frederick Law on Feb 20, 2020 1:04 PM
I don't think so... Fusion 360 now is free but for few years? DraftSight was also once free. Fusion 360 is worse because your files are in the cloud. someday you may have a choice - you can either buy a license or lose access to your files.
OnShape - I heard that PTC bought Him - it doesn't look good either.
I don't know how it is in the USA. In Europe, you can legally buy "second-hand" (from previous owner) program licenses.
Like • Show 2 Likes2
Actions
Frederick Law @ Krzysztof Szpakowski on Feb 20, 2020 1:20 PM
I can only see now, can't see a few years ahead with my glasses.
I'm working on new one so I can see further.
Like • Show 4 Likes4
Actions
Josh Helman @ Krzysztof Szpakowski on Feb 20, 2020 2:30 PM
In the USA you cannot buy SOLIDWORKS from another person. The only way this happens is if you acquire another company and the SOLIDWORKS seats are a part of the companies assets.
Like • Show 2 Likes2
Actions
David Lane Feb 20, 2020 2:37 PM
Fusion 360 is free if you make < $100K (USD) from using the software.

OnShape used to be free... not sure if that's still the case.
Like • Show 1 Like1
Actions
David Lane @ Krzysztof Szpakowski on Feb 20, 2020 2:40 PM
Krzysztof Szpakowski wrote:

I don't think so... Fusion 360 now is free but for few years? DraftSight was also once free. Fusion 360 is worse because your files are in the cloud. someday you may have a choice - you can either buy a license or lose access to your files.
OnShape - I heard that PTC bought Him - it doesn't look good either.
I don't know how it is in the USA. In Europe, you can legally buy "second-hand" (from previous owner) program licenses.
You can download your files locally already. Anyway even if you don't qualify for the free version, the paid version is $500 (I think)... super cheap in my opinion.
Like • Show 2 Likes2
Actions
Frederick Law @ Josh Helman on Feb 20, 2020 2:42 PM
Hmmm Krzysztof Szpakowski can buy European copies and resell them to us
Like • Show 1 Like1
Actions
Frederick Law @ David Lane on Feb 20, 2020 2:46 PM
David Lane wrote:

You can download your files locally already. Anyway even if you don't qualify for the free version, the paid version is $500 (I think)... super cheap in my opinion.
And you can pay monthly.
Like • Show 0 Likes0
Actions
Krzysztof Szpakowski @ David Lane on Feb 20, 2020 2:56 PM
David Lane wrote:

Krzysztof Szpakowski wrote:

I don't think so... Fusion 360 now is free but for few years? DraftSight was also once free. Fusion 360 is worse because your files are in the cloud. someday you may have a choice - you can either buy a license or lose access to your files.
OnShape - I heard that PTC bought Him - it doesn't look good either.
I don't know how it is in the USA. In Europe, you can legally buy "second-hand" (from previous owner) program licenses.
You can download your files locally already. Anyway even if you don't qualify for the free version, the paid version is $500 (I think)... super cheap in my opinion.
They changed it?
In Europe, you can legally buy "second-hand" (from previous owner) program licenses.
Can you say mi, is it possible in US
Like • Show 1 Like1
Actions
Krzysztof Szpakowski @ David Lane on Feb 20, 2020 3:22 PM
No, I thin about programs like SW, ACAD, PhotoShop...
Like • Show 0 Likes0
Actions
Frederick Law @ Frederick Law on Feb 20, 2020 3:25 PM
Hmmn Krzysztof Szpakowski can buy European copies and resell them to us
Like • Show 1 Like1
Actions
Krzysztof Szpakowski @ Frederick Law on Feb 20, 2020 3:33 PM
It will be a better business than these 5000 T connectors. Frederick, deal?
Like • Show 1 Like1
Actions
Frederick Law @ Krzysztof Szpakowski on Feb 20, 2020 3:36 PM
No, I'm selling China copies .....

Ooops.

Gotta run.
Like • Show 3 Likes3
Actions
Krzysztof Szpakowski @ Frederick Law on Feb 20, 2020 3:37 PM
To Georgia!
Like • Show 1 Like1
Actions
David Lane @ Krzysztof Szpakowski on Feb 20, 2020 3:39 PM
Krzysztof Szpakowski wrote:

David Lane wrote:

Krzysztof Szpakowski wrote:

I don't think so... Fusion 360 now is free but for few years? DraftSight was also once free. Fusion 360 is worse because your files are in the cloud. someday you may have a choice - you can either buy a license or lose access to your files.
OnShape - I heard that PTC bought Him - it doesn't look good either.
I don't know how it is in the USA. In Europe, you can legally buy "second-hand" (from previous owner) program licenses.
You can download your files locally already. Anyway even if you don't qualify for the free version, the paid version is $500 (I think)... super cheap in my opinion.
They changed it?
In Europe, you can legally buy "second-hand" (from previous owner) program licenses.
Can you say mi, is it possible in US
Don't know if they changed it... I haven't used it in 2-3 years. But I remember saving my files offline because I was curious about it.
Like • Show 1 Like1
Actions
Scott Perman @ David Lane on Feb 20, 2020 3:39 PM
David Lane wrote:

Anyway even if you don't qualify for the free version, the paid version is $500 (I think)... super cheap in my opinion.
It is $500 today. Have they made any announcements about long term pricing? What happens when in 3 years they have a mature product, and a significant portion of the market share and say "It is now $5k a year."

Maybe I'm just being paranoid.
Like • Show 1 Like1
Actions
Krzysztof Szpakowski @ Scott Perman on Feb 20, 2020 3:46 PM
In Poland, Autodesk refuses to activate old versions of programs (perpetual!). Only firmness (threatening with court) results! So I would be careful with these free programs (see DrawSight case).
Like • Show 1 Like1
Actions
David Lane @ Scott Perman on Feb 20, 2020 3:46 PM
Scott Perman wrote:

David Lane wrote:

Anyway even if you don't qualify for the free version, the paid version is $500 (I think)... super cheap in my opinion.
It is $500 today. Have they made any announcements about long term pricing? What happens when in 3 years they have a mature product, and a significant portion of the market share and say "It is now $5k a year."

Maybe I'm just being paranoid.
It's a mature product... It's been around for several years now.

I think you're worried about nothing. They target a different type of user. They want individuals and small businesses who can't justify the expense of SWX or PTC.
Like • Show 1 Like1
Actions
David Lane @ Krzysztof Szpakowski on Feb 20, 2020 3:46 PM
Krzysztof Szpakowski wrote:

No, I thin about programs like SW, ACAD, PhotoShop...
What?
Like • Show 1 Like1
Actions
Krzysztof Szpakowski @ David Lane on Feb 20, 2020 3:54 PM
Yes, In Poland (and UE) is possible buy program licenses (ex. SW) from previous user. From few years ago. I ask you about US. Is possible too?
Like • Show 0 Likes0
Actions
David Tiefenbrunn Feb 20, 2020 3:56 PM
No, no cloud based. I want software and my files on my pc. Pay once for the program. Upgrades if and when I decide I need them. Don't need tech support. Not making $ off using it. Just parts for my own projects. If I was making $50K a ear, I might be able to pay for SW.

I have DVDs of SW from about 2008 on, but the license / enable them to work part is the problem.

Here is an example - I have an audio editor called Cooledit 2000. Bought it when it was shareware. It does 10x more than anything I need to use it for in that realm. Adobe bought the company, re named it Audition, made the price 10x higher. CE2000 still runs, does everything I need. No extra cost.
Like • Show 2 Likes2
Actions
David Tiefenbrunn Feb 20, 2020 4:13 PM
for now, i'll have to use the old pc and run 2018, switching the license back and forth. Eventually, I have to find a stand alone platform I can afford, that won't hold me hostage.
Like • Show 0 Likes0
Actions
Josh Helman @ Krzysztof Szpakowski on Feb 20, 2020 4:31 PM
It is illegal to buy SOLIDWORKS from a previous user in the USA. You are only allowed to purchase from a VAR or from SOLIDWORKS themselves.
Like • Show 0 Likes0
Actions

Model design for home projects

Outcomes

Related Content

Recommended Content