I had my days of experimenting with AutoCAD although I am no architect or engineer. I can still remember the version 12 DOS version but did not seriously use this AutoCAD version. I then got training at an ATC and got certification in AutoCAD way back from Crescent Technologies but never practiced it well.
But one problem I noticed was converting versions of AutoCAD. I remember someone doing a project for a company in the US, while they were in the Philippines. They company that shared some .DWG files to the people who will work on it were in AutoCAD version 2004 and they were still running AutoCAD version 2000i that time. And they needed to buy new licenses for the 2004 version. Although upgrading should be a part of everyone’s company, sometimes the time may not be the right time to go for the upgrading.
A friend of mine Engr. Ferdie Omaoeng sent me an IM telling me about this AutoCAD plugin for changing versions of AutoCAD .DWG files called DWGgateway. And it looks like a perfect free solution for people with problems with changing versions of AutoCAD file type versions. It is a free AutoCAD plugin that works with all versions as it claims. And was made by Solidworks Corporation.
A useful plugin. A free plugin. Made by Solidworks Corporation, looks like a mild promotion of Solidworks, which was my first time to check out their website. And they really have a very very cool 3D software ideal for CAD/CAE solutions. It is not drawing/drafting alone, it has strenght of materials, it has various pre-set common materials, puts into account almost everything even weldings and deformities caused by applied force at a set amount of pressure. You work in a flat 3D view and conflicting objects are given some callout attention. A very good software to me I guess.
And the free plugin for AutoCAD version conversion is a good way to penetrate even more in the AutoCAD user market.
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