Autodesk Tinkercad vs. OpenRoads Designer

I have found that Autodesk Tinkercad is best for creating simple 3D models for printing. I use it to add text or modifications to 3D models of artifacts for my museum, including labels and support structures for artifacts to stand on. I also use it to create promotional materials, like 3D models of artifacts with our logo on them, which we can print and pass out at events. I would not use Autodesk Tinkercad for more complex 3D modeling or editing 3D models. It's really designed for basic creation and modification, and in those areas it is extremely useful!

Incentivized

ORD is really focused on modeling of roads infrastructure projects, but includes a few design workflows that are in other disciplines such as stormwater and drainage design and site modeling tools for developments. This is really handy because you don't need a third-party application that you have to transfer your design files over to to carry on with the project. Including LumenRT for free with ORD is by far the most helpful feature because of the visualisation capabilities which most software does not include. ORD is well-suited for what the name of the product says - designing roads. I wouldn't say there are any scenarios in road design that it is less appropriate for.

Incentivized

• Tinkercad is a great baseline CAD program. This program is easy to implement and train people in.
• After on a short period of time my students are able to create complex forms using Tinkercads pre-generated shapes and holes.
• The Tinkercad provided projects aid in pushing the learning experience even further and reinforce the ideas that I train on and help my students explore the program before designing their own complex sculptural forms.

Incentivized

• Creating linear models, since the app is based on alignment models and templates to extrude along the alignment.
• Precise long section/profile along horizontal alignment. The app practically flatten the horizontal alignment for profile generation.
• Template control. Though the template creation takes a bit of effort to create due to the point rulings. However when done right allows the model to be specifically modified with use of functions like super-elevation, point control, widening, parametric etc.

Incentivized

• The tutorials could be more easily readable and easier for younger students
• Sometimes confusing how to use the mouse tools vs on an iPad
• Less professional, not often used in career fields

Incentivized

• Buggy at times and crashes
• Requires a lot of training to use the tools effectively
• Model management requires some work

Incentivized

We would not use ORD if is was not for clients' contract requirement to use ORD.

Tinkercad is free and easy to use. It's a great place for people to start learning about 3D Design before they invest time and money in professional-level tools.

Incentivized

ORD is a lot faster and a lot more modern than Civil 3D even though they're essentially the same product under different names (in terms of workflows). I find that the DGN file format used by ORD is far better than the DWG file format used by C3D because DGNs can contain much more information and multiple models per file. C3D is very heavy on memorizing keyboard inputs while ORD is a much more modern interface that relies mostly on using the mouse for inputs.

Incentivized

• I should definitely say that Tinkercad has no negative impact on my business.
• It shortened my 3d design process for my many simple projects.
• Tinkercad is a free tool, no investment needed.
• I suggest it to my customers who don't know 3d design, but desperately needs a 3d file for their projects.

• Drawing creation from model have speed up drawing delivery by 80%
• Model creation for linear project based on simple design speed up model delivery by 80%
• Capturing model change due to alignment change have help speed up change capture by 80%

Incentivized