Can VectorWorks be used for Engineering as well?

[Richard Perrine]

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum and VW. Currently considering CAD for a new high school program for the fall. Need something that will allow for both architecture and engineering design. I have been informed that VW is it.

A couple of questions:

1. Are there good NURBS functions/tools in VW to allow for airplane, ship design? Is there a tutorial? I know that it must have some decent tools considering the airplane in Casino Royale was made using VW.

2. Anyone using VW for engineering as well? Any resources or websites I can visit of companies that use it for engineering?

Thank you!

Richard

[MullinRJ]

Can VectorWorks be used for Engineering as well?

Hello Richard,

???Short answer, Yes. The question becomes, "to what degree?" I have used VW for the last 20 years for circuit board design and similarly related graphical uses as it pertains to Integrated Circuit interface design. I've seen remarkable drawings of bridge designs, motorized vehicle designs and then of course there's the architectural side of it all.

???Though VW has hundreds of drawing tools, and hundreds more commands, I believe the most powerful facet of the software is the scripting language, VectorScript (and its evil twin, in the SDK). VS has over 1700 commands and provides the user with enormous options to use VW in yet to be defined ways. I cannot answer your NURBS question directly, but surely someone here will soon.

???We are practically neighbors. If you'd like to discuss this further, offline, I'd welcome the chance to talk about the strengths and limits of this software. You can either send me a PM or use the email address from my profile.

Raymond

[Miguel Barrera]

Richard,

The following web page shows the VW capabilities to build 3D surfaces

3D Power Pack

Although VW is not geared for engineering and consequently, lacks the content that you may be looking for, the program can certainly be adapted to any discipline. As Raymond stated and with some scripting, you can create powerful turnkey solutions that can rival other more expensive CAD programs with engineering packages.

As a civil engineer, I have used VW to create plans and estimates for road and traffic projects. The main reason for choosing VW is the ability to create the tools and the workflow that I feel is the best to complete the projects. As a result, I am able to finish projects in a fraction of the time that my counterparts will take using those expensive pre-packaged engineering solutions.

[djnelson75]

I am new to Vectorworks, so I can't tell you all the functions that it can do, but I was curious have you looked at Rhino. I have currently purchased Vectorworks for it architectural/Landscape capabilites, and drafting/sheet management capabilities, but for a straight forward nurbs modeler I don't think you can beat Rhino especially on it's price.

[Richard Perrine]

djnelson,

I know about Rhino. I need a BIM application such as VW for authentic architecture tools. I know that VW can be used for what I am looking for considering the airplane in Casino Royale was made using it, but want and need to know more about the NURBS and other fluid/organic tools.

Thanks, though.

[mike m oz]

This training manual might be the best way to answer your question: 3D Modeling in Vectorworks, Second Edition

http://www.nemetschek.net/training/guides.php

This book from the Canadian distributor might also be useful: Vectorworks 3DCG Visualization Book

http://www.resolve.ca/vectorworks/nnaworkbooks