KeyCreator

Benefits:

The integrated G-code generator saves tons of time posting to my 3 axis mill

Drawbacks:

Migrating to the newest version is always an afternoon lost importing settings and tweeking all the menus as I wish them to appear. Although it was easier with the latest release.

In sum:

With the huge library of translators I'm able to open almost any format from auto industry parts manufactures and create vacuum hold down fixtures to fit their products. I ship the finished fixture with the tool paths for their machinery. Geometry based editing allows me to create files that are difficult to impossible to render with history based Cad.

Benefits:

No Design Tree like other software out on the market today, which I believe makes is easier to solid model. I use both SW and KeyCreator, by far I like KeyCreator more.

Drawbacks:

Most of the time when compressing or flattening a solid part it likes to leave little lines on the flattened shape, which can make it a pain when using the geometry for software like Espirt that uses 2d drawing for programing.

Benefits:

There are a few very powerful features in Keycreator which I use constantly one being box move the other being dimension driven editing these two features save me a lot of time in the kind of design work I do. I also like the fact that it comes with translators built in, enough of them so that I have never had an issue importing files from my customers.

Drawbacks:

For the kind of work I do I can not honestly say I have run into any cons with Keycreator I have been using it since about 1998 it was called something else back then but it is the same program and despite all the other CAD software out there I never considered switching to anything else. Keycreator is a perfect fit for the kind of design work I use it on it is very reasonably priced tech support has always been awesome. I really can not say I have any complaints about it.

In sum:

I have seen many benefits from keycreator and one that really comes to mind is the translators built in. I have been able to take work from many different customers using many different CAD programs. Most all documentation these days must be in electronic format so the ability to send files back to my customers which they can easily open I think has been a big plus. I use Keycreator on a daily basis for many different kinds of projects and it has never failed me. I have to say that there are many design projects I would have never been able to take on if it was not for the ability to work with just about any format out there as well as the ability to send back files to my customers that they can work with. Kubotec is constantly updating and improving Keycreator and over the years I have seen great new features added which save me a lot of time and that is kind of the whole point saving time since we all know time is money.

Benefits:

2D sketching is relatively easy. There are options available that save time, such as tangent lines to circles options.

Drawbacks:

The software seems glichy at times. I often experience odd issues, such as drawings disappearing when toggling between model and drawing views. They can usually be retrieved by highlighting the area. Another example is inconsistent snaps then dimensioning. Sometimes an additional line is required so the software recognizes where to snap, even though there is already a snap location there.

In sum:

KeyCreator is a legacy software where I work. We have since added a currently very popular modeling software. KeyCreator will likely become unnecessary for us at some point and will be discontinued here.

Benefits:

Having used KeyCreator since the 1980s when it was called CadKey, I appreciate the consistency of the platform and the power of the drawing components. Although the user interface evolves with new versions, it is always possible to set up a new installation with previous interfaces. We also use other CAD/CAM software, but find that KeyCreator is preferable for coding waterjet and laser programs.

Drawbacks:

The odd glitch in the program can be irritating, but customer support has been able to provide work-arounds. The cost is a major consideration, and in the last couple of years we have moved to a 2D version to compensate.

In sum:

CadKey was the first CAD program I used, and I am partial to it. We use it for 2D drawing and 3D projections, as well as output for CAM programs (primarily waterjet and laser) and it works very well for us. It also provides a very quick means of checking machining trigonometry and jig/fixture design.

Benefits:

Feature driven editing without a cumbersome history tree. Draw and Edit what you want, where you want when you want.

Drawbacks:

Animation and constrants could use some improvement.

In sum:

We are sent files generated on many different design platforms, once translated into KeyCreator I can work with them all to prepare my files for machining, assembly and secondary processes such as electrodes. After nearly 30 years of CAD, almost all of it on KeyCreator and it's predecessors I can't really imagine myself using anything else.

Benefits:

I like its versatility most. We use wireframe modeling a lot.

Drawbacks:

I wish it could handling free-form morphing of parts better.

In sum:

We are a consulting firm, and we need its versatility to be able to import lots of different file types. We use it to evaluate plastic injection mold designs, and then create centerlines of cooling lines, and runner systems to prepare for Moldflow simulation.

Benefits:

The SW gets constant updates, it is always compatible with new Windows versions with no problem to setup and use.

Drawbacks:

It is not the most expensive product, but it's also not the cheapest.

Benefits:

The Old menu driven system was a great system for teaching. It reinforced terms of geometry and helped in problem solving at the student level. All the new icon driven systems are great for the experienced Engineer, but are overkill and discouraging for the beginning students. Icon driven systems can become a video game where students can make all kinds of neat objects without understanding the geometry behind them.

Drawbacks:

My least favorite part is when a new edition is released, and all of the icons have been changed and its like starting over with lesson plans and handouts.

In sum:

Started with Cadkey 1.49 I think, taught KeyCreator through version 12. Its a great tool, but got to be harder to teach. A scaled down version for introductory classes, with steps to work up to a full blown version would be an improvement in my opinion. Taught Pre Engineering classes for 39 years, and Cadkey / KeyCreator for about 20 years to Juniors and seniors in high school.

Benefits:

It's just easy and fast. I am faster, self taught in a few months, in KeyCreator than I was in my old software with years of training.

Drawbacks:

There is a lack of organization to the the online lessons. It feels like everything was dumped into a bucket and you have to dig for something relevant to what you need. I also don't see anything new from the last 8 years or so.

In sum:

I use this software everyday for flat development and to translate customers cad files into something that can be shared with non cad users. I find the 3d pdf to be very useful to help people to see the "big picture" on complex assemblies.