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Nov 22, 2010

CAD Schroer GmbH Introduces Model Engineering with Powerful CAD for Linux and Windows

The 2D/3D CAD package is ideal for model engineers using Linux or Windows, especially if they want to commercialise their work.

Good news for hobby engineers who build models from scratch, or professionals who design model engineering kits: MEDUSA4 Personal, the free version of CAD Schroer’s comprehensive 2D/3D CAD suite, is ideal for creative model making.

CAD Schroer, the global engineering solutions provider (whose commercial software is used on large-scale projects by mechanical engineers and plant designers worldwide) is also keen to support miniature machinery making by model engineers and home shop machinists. Its free MEDUSA4 Personal CAD package runs on Linux and Windows, offers extensive 2D/3D functionality, imports DXF/DWG drawings and includes advanced modules for colour image integration and parametrics. The software is used by hobby engineers in 80 countries.

Making time
Model engineer Chris Sangster, for example, designs and builds intricate clocks using MEDUSA4 Personal. He buys in standard parts, like springs, dials & ballraces, but makes the remainder himself. “Along with general layout and arrangement drawings of a clock, I create detail drawings of the various components, such as shafts with lengths to shoulders, or laying out the details of the escapement, the mechanism that regulates the clock.”

Quick, fully dimensioned drawings for model engineers
Some model engineers work on designs for machined or unmachined kits, or create private designs from scratch. Many have been looking for free CAD software specific to the Linux platform, or for a system that allows them to import existing drawings or images and output detailed designs for use by sub-contractors or parts suppliers.

According to a typical MEDUSA4 Personal user, “Many CAD systems are too expensive, or too complicated, or it’s hard to make a choice….MEDUSA4 Personal is just the ticket. I needed a downloadable, quick program which allows me to get my ideas down on paper without a lot of fuss. I don’t use CNC – I just need properly dimensioned drawings for myself, my customers and for the factory.”