Software query for CG Transformers

[UltraMarginal]

Hi,

So, i'm an engineer, I've done a fair bit of CAD modelling and I've always wanted to try my hand at making transformers type model's. I've had a look online and so far not found anything particular.

I'm wondering does anyone know what software hasbro/takara use to develop their designs? I realise it wouldn't be free software but there may be a cut down version that is relatively cheap or a limited use free version like there is for some other CAD packages. I might even be able to compare it to software I have and be happy that there are no significant differences.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

cheers

[blackie]

what do you currently use?

[UltraMarginal]

At work I use CATIA V5, though licences for that prohibit home use. especially on an engineers wage.
At home I am learning to use a piece of software called Co-Create, it's a totally different philosohy to CATIA and I'm having some issues initially with using it. There isn't much in the way of tutorials, it is free though.

[Sam]

Not sure if Blender is something that suits you?

http://www.blender.org/

(free 3d modelling software)

[UltraMarginal]

Not sure if Blender is something that suits you?

http://www.blender.org/

(free 3d modelling software)

Hey Sam,
Thanks for the suggestion, looks really interesting, though I think it's more for animation. I'm thinking more along the lines of Modeling for toy design.
And just in case you're wondering I'm not planning on starting an Australian I-Gear and developing a bunch of seeker knockoff's.:)

I'm certainly going to have a play with blender though. just for the fun of it.:D

[gamblor916]

Rhino3D has a trial version available. I use it a bit and quite like it. There's a functional OSX development version too.
www.rhino3d.com

[Tober]

Solidworks. (http://www.solidworks.com/default.htm)

I'm not sure what the various licensing structures are or weather there is a trial version etc, but it's what allot of the 3rd party developers use.

[KillinSpoon]

At work I use CATIA V5, though licences for that prohibit home use. especially on an engineers wage.
At home I am learning to use a piece of software called Co-Create, it's a totally different philosohy to CATIA and I'm having some issues initially with using it. There isn't much in the way of tutorials, it is free though.

I was actually going to suggest that they probably use CATIA, until I saw this...
I have a student license from uni last year for it. I know it isn't much but I POSSIBLY could get you one (they cost about $90, which is a lot better than $15000 haha)

Then again, you have access to it at work and would know it better than I do anyway.

[UltraMarginal]

I was actually going to suggest that they probably use CATIA, until I saw this...
I have a student license from uni last year for it. I know it isn't much but I POSSIBLY could get you one (they cost about $90, which is a lot better than $15000 haha)

Then again, you have access to it at work and would know it better than I do anyway.

the thing is that 15K is for the base version and it's annual... per license. I wouldn't be surprised if HasTak use CATIA but I was hoping it was something a little more accessible. I'll give SolidWorks a bit of a crack and see what that's like.
maybe in the near future I'll be able to post some work up.

[Tabias Prime]

have you tried Googles SketchUp......and its free:p:p:p

[UltraMarginal]

I think my originl question may have been slightly misinterpereted, I'm interested in knowing what specific software HASTAK actually use.

As helpful as peoples suggestions have been and I will be checking out each of these packages, just for curiosity's sake if nothing else. I'm keen to know what HASTAK use so I can either find a cheap/free cut down version to play with or something similar to what they use. that way I can develop an insight into the way they develop the toys/figures.

it may even be something they have developed in house?

Who knows I may even be able to build up a portfolio and eventually get a job with them working remotely in Australia. :D wishful thinking I know.

[blackie]

Solidworks. (http://www.solidworks.com/default.htm)

I'm not sure what the various licensing structures are or weather there is a trial version etc, but it's what allot of the 3rd party developers use.

<3 solidworks

[i_amtrunks]

it may even be something they have developed in house?

This is very likely, though really alot of modelling/3d Animation software all had similar roots, just change a few names of tools/processes/filters and whammo. :p

I started out with 3DSMAX, an allrounder program, that did everything okay, but nothing great (light filters were very good at the time around build 7) while Maya is a far better modelling software, and also better for large polygon rendering (lots of items, or detail).

Commercial programs are a different breed to a modelling software (due to the emphasis on being able to manipulate and change the models... so your best bet is to just get a program ans start playing around on it.

[KillinSpoon]

Wouldn't Solidworks just be a dumbed down CATIA?
Seeing as they're both made by Dassault?

[UltraMarginal]

Wouldn't Solidworks just be a dumbed down CATIA?
Seeing as they're both made by Dassault?

I have heard it's basically a simpler version. Same style of operation but with a lot less workbenches.