3D cad resources for modeling tank setup - share your CAD here?

[erik921]

I've been modeling my planned future setup in CAD and I've seen a lot of great CAD out there from different folks. I'm hoping to find a way to leverage the work that I know a lot of you have done already.

I've already taken advantage of the fact that websites like McMaster provide CAD of the parts they sell, but I know a lot of you out there have made your own models for tons of equipment - from lighting to skimmers and dosing systems - things not widely available online.

Would anyone be willing to share the CAD of their setups? I'm thinking in some sort of more or less universal format like .STEP.

Anyone model the new Apex controller and energy bar accurately? Or any power heads, pumps or skimmers? It seems like a waste for us all to do this independently. I'd love to see what's out there and I'll glad share my setup when it's done. Just getting started. Here's a few pics of what I have so far:

 

[erik921]

Nobody has anything to share? I was hoping this could become a repository for people to use as a resource...

 

[mcgyvr]

Seems quite a few use Throwup.. I mean Sketchup sadly to model their stuff..
I've got a few things modeled up in Autodesk Inventor but nothing more than a few elbows, some PVC pipe and a tank or 2.. Nothing really worth sharing..

 

[karimwassef]

What's wrong with sketchup

I find it very easy and effective

 

[karimwassef]

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/Designs/1_zpsr59a5zqj.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/Designs/1_zpsr59a5zqj.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 1_zpsr59a5zqj.jpg"></a>

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/Designs/4_zpsnl3kwzew.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/Designs/4_zpsnl3kwzew.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 4_zpsnl3kwzew.jpg"></a>

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/Designs/1_zpsoffmc9gl.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/Designs/1_zpsoffmc9gl.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 1_zpsoffmc9gl.jpg"></a>

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/Designs/1_zps1nkvcs2b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/Designs/1_zps1nkvcs2b.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 1_zps1nkvcs2b.jpg"></a>

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/4_zpsugyt78xz.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/4_zpsugyt78xz.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 4_zpsugyt78xz.jpg"></a>

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/reef2_zps6ca2743d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/reef2_zps6ca2743d.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo reef2_zps6ca2743d.jpg"></a>

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/2015view4_zpsoidfcfin.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/2015view4_zpsoidfcfin.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 2015view4_zpsoidfcfin.jpg"></a>

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/0_zps9z4mrm37.png.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/0_zps9z4mrm37.png" border="0" alt=" photo 0_zps9z4mrm37.png"></a>

 

[karimwassef]

I've recently learned how to make videos of the designs too

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BfWkIEBgwqQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WQMx3zMhoUg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[mcgyvr]

What's wrong with sketchup

I find it very easy and effective

Ignorance is bliss..

 

[karimwassef]

Agreed I used autocad and even solidworks 3D modeling ... bolted into finite element tools for mechanical and electrical design. But for the purposes of this hobby and the ubiquity (is that a word) of free available models, sketchup is awesome.

 

[mcgyvr]

Agreed I used autocad and even solidworks 3D modeling ... bolted into finite element tools for mechanical and electrical design. But for the purposes of this hobby and the ubiquity (is that a word) of free available models, sketchup is awesome.

Autodesk has Fusion available to "hobbyists" now for free..
I'd use it hands down over Throwup..

https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/free-trial
See the "Free for startups, hobbyists, and enthusiasts" section

 

[karimwassef]

I'll try it

Especially if it'll let me do solid unions and intersects (sketchup won't do that in the free version). You should try sketchup too. Convenience has its benefits.

 

[OnlyTono]

When I setup my 125 about 4 years ago, i modeled and rendered out most of it using Cinema 4D. Not a CAD program but rather a 3D rendering and visual effects application. Worked well for what i needed.

 

[erik921]

Nice looking CAD guys!

Karimwassef - I saw your stuff on another thread. Pretty amazing level of detail! Well done

For the sketchup users out there - I believe you can export 3D in DXF and DWG, which should be compatible with a variety of CAD programs.

OnlyTono - are you able to export in any 3D CAD formats? Very nice work


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[karimwassef]

Yes. You can also export into 3D printer friendly formats

I swear.. if they hook up to a free FEA model, they'd be so awesome.

The sad part is that the FEA libraries are available and free for personal or academic use, but no one has made them as easy to use as sketchup has made drawing.

Someone should do that and start a little ad business next to it... then sell it to Google for a tidy sum.