New VariCAD release

Just a few days ago a new release (2011-1.04) of VariCAD came out. This version brings various improvements, better dwg support, improved 2D functionality and more. You can find more information about this release here.
VariCAD is a well-known program for Linux users because of its Linux support for over a decade. It has plenty of features and very cheap price (499€ / 599€ with 1-year upgrades). It's a very good and affordable choice for mechanical design. It's available for both 32bit and 64bit architectures. VariCAD also provides both .deb and .rpm packages.

LibreCAD adds .dwg support via LibreDWG

".dwg" is a well-known, proprietary CAD file-format. Originally developed by Autodesk and commonly used, it's a headache for other CAD vendors and a big obstacle for the creation of a good Free and Open Source CAD application. CAD vendors have a very good solution called ODA, but the libraries which are provided by ODA are proprietary software so they cannot be used on a Free and Open Source project like LibreCAD.

LibreCAD's partlibrary workaround for Ubuntu 11.04 Natty

After testing Ubuntu 11.04 with the new Unity Shell for some time, I realized that the old way to embed QCAD's partlibrary in LibreCAD via the creation of the .librecad folder inside your home folder doesn't work anymore.
I have found a better way to use partlibrary with LibreCAD which I expect that works in all distros and OSes.

TeighaViewer for Debian/Ubuntu 64 bit workaround

TeighaViewer is a free CAD files viewer from ODA. It has a Linux version but it's only for 32 bit rpm based distros. Using alien you can easily install it on a 32 bit deb-based Linux system. However alien has a big disadvantage: cannot convert packages with different architecture than the system's one. So if you have a 64bit system with Debian/Ubuntu you cannot install TeighaViewer with alien. Is there any other way?? I found a quite simple workaround...

Why I will not use AutoCAD WS

AutoCAD WS is a web application that allows you to create, edit and share dwg files. That sounds really good to you, doesn't it? Well I will never use this application and I have plenty of reasons.

Ubuntu Software Center's error on 11.04 Natty Narwhal with DraftSight

Starting with 10.10 Maverick Meerkat, Ubuntu uses by default Ubuntu Software Center for the installation of standalone deb packages instead of the traditional gdebi application.
This causes an error when attempting to install the DraftSight package. Ubuntu Software Center complains about "bad package's quality" by preventing DraftSight's installation.

Forcing 32bit packages on 64bit Debian/Ubuntu/Mint

A very common problem for someone who plays with CAD on Linux is the mismatch between the package's and the system's architecture.
My suggestion is to use 32bit OS with ARES/Bricscad/DraftSight
but this is not always possible.
Some reasons are:

• You have already installed a 64bit OS and you don't want to perform a new clean install of 32bit OS
• You have already bought a commercial application that is 64bit only like Abaqus, NX, Maya.
• Your common tasks include stuff that perform much better on 64bit architecture, like rendering, and you don't like to loose this benefit.

So let's take a look how to fix this simple problem:

Bricscad V11 Pro special offers

The new Bricscad V11 Pro for Linux has some special offers until 30/04/2011.
You can buy a single license for 315€/395$ instead of 450€/505$
Also consider the all-in version which includes:
1-year upgrades, 1- year technical support via e-mail and an e-book*
 with a discounted price of 450€/555$ instead of 560€/665$
There are also special offers for multiple licenses.
Visit the Bricsys e-store for more information

*Customizing Bricscad by Ralph Grabowski

Bricscad PRO released for Linux

Today Bricsys has released the PRO version of Bricscad Linux. The big differences with the Classic version are the support for the BRX API and the full ACIS modelling. Interesting features, but for being really useful, we must see some of the 3rd party applications being ported to Linux

(Almost an) Application Review: Graphite One 3D CAD

GraphiteOne is a 3D Parametric Solid Modeler. It uses the Parasolid kernel which is used also in various well known similar packages such as NX or Solidworks.
GraphiteOne provides packages for various Linux distros: Ubuntu, PCLinuxOS, OpenSUSE, CentOS.

A full list is available here. 

30-days trial versions are available with no registration.

LibreCAD released for the Cloud !!!!

LibreCAD is a 2D Open Source CAD that today made the big step. Just a few minutes ago released a version that runs on the Cloud, so it became the first CAD ever that has an official Cloud version.