15-294 Software Setup

You are also welcome to run the software on your personal laptop, if you prefer. To do so, follow these install instructions:

SolidWorks

• SolidWorks is the CAD (Computer Aided Design) package we will use for all our work.
• SolidWorks runs on Windows. It can be run on Macs under Parallels.
• The student version can be purchased for $25 from the CMU bookstore.
• SolidWorks can also be run remotely via Virtual Andrew:
  1. Go to the Virtual Andrew page.
  2. Pick your operating system.
  3. Follow the installation instructions for VMWare on that page.
  4. Follow the login instructions at http://www.cmu.edu/computing/clusters/software/virtualandrew/mac/connect-mac.html.
  5. Launch Solidworks.

DraftSight

• DrafSight is used to edit DXF files to prepare them for the laser cutter.
• It's available as a free download for Windows, Mac, or Linux: click here to get it.
• Many other tools can also be used to edit DXF files, such as InkScape or CorelDraw. Use whatever you prefer.

Cube Client

• This program prepares files for the Cube 3D printer.
• Versions for the Cube 3: Windows or Mac
• Cube 3 User Guide
• User Auto Level Gap Checksheet

Preform for the Form 1+ Printer

• Th Preform application prepares files for the Form 1+ 3D printer.
• Download it (Mac or Windows) here.

Python 2.7

1. Download Python 2.7 from python.org and run the installer.
2. Add Python to your search path. From a Command window, do:

   set PATH=%PATH%;C:\Python27

Python dxfwrite package

1. Download and unzip the dxfwrite package from here.
2. Install dxfwrite from the command line:

   cd /d Z:\Downloads
cd dxfwrite-1.2.0
python setup.py install

MeshLab

• MeshLab web site