KeyCreator

The solution for your 3D modeling and design needs.

Opmerkingen: KeyCreator is of great assistance to those in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and industrial design. Personally, it has helped me in industrial design.

Pluspunten:

The feature I liked is the direct modeling approach, which allows creators to directly modify 3D models without being limited by parametric history. It also offers the ability to create solid models and 2D drawings, enabling the creation of complex geometries.

Minpunten:

I believe that in terms of customization and automation, there should be further improvements. The ability to create macros and scripts is not very advanced and could benefit from a renovation.

Key Creator is the CAD you want

Opmerkingen: I really love this program I am retired now by keep my maintenance fees up. Getting help, the few times I've needed has always been fast and easy at no cost (maintenance feed is up to date) these guys are [SENSITIVE CONTENT] on the spot!!! I've never had to wait for help.

Pluspunten:

First: I've been using Kubotek KeyCreator since it was CadKey, at least 20 years ago. I am self taught and I am pretty good. The big thing with Keycreator is it is easily self taught. it has been button driven since it was Cadkey. It is set up by Mechanical engineers (I think) NOT ARCUTECTS or civil engineers. Dimensioning parts is pretty much like a machinist would do it. There is and never was a need to type in commands. I personally believe a new to CAD person could sit down and teach themselves this program is 3-4 days (8 hours per day). A day of "teaching" where to look and getting the proper mind set would definitely help but is not necessarily needed.

Minpunten:

No one has heard of it!! :) :) I usually make a solids and then burst various views after importing. This seems to save "space" and keep the file size down. it is a pain if changes must be made do the original solids since I have to change the 2D drawings of parts manually or just import can create new 2D drawings (again bursting the part views. No biggie however.

Keycreator Review

Opmerkingen: Our company is a specialty electrical mfg. solving unique applications, one off parts.

Pluspunten:

I am very familiar with the software, using it since CadKey ver 3.0. Flexible for designing

Minpunten:

Sheetmetal, it will form something and will not unfold the part it just formed. No option to change metal thickness unless you unfold the part. BOM is hard to use. Training documentation is not very easy use.

Satisfied aerospace user

Opmerkingen: KeyCreator is the right product for our aerospace job-shop environment. It is fast and accurate. We receive data in many formats from many customers, so quick, accurate CAD is a must.

Pluspunten:

The mathematics is flawless. We rely on KeyCreator for all our calculations and operation sheets for 5-axis milling machines. it is correct every time. The solid modeling is easy and consistent.

Minpunten:

We cannot make continuing section views except from a main view (you cannot section a section view). The dimensioning, though always correct, can be a little glitchy at times and may lose associativity (rarely). The dimension annotations are improving but can continue to be developed.

Great Product, packed with everything you will ever need.

Opmerkingen: I have been very pleased with this product and have been a power user for most of my career in Engineering. I have trained many users through the online University. Designers can work to their level of comfort and utilize past experience in other software to achieve the desired results with KeyCreator. So, if you are familiar with using a design tree approach, 2D extrusions, sheets and vectors, it doesn't matter, they are all available .

Pluspunten:

I have been using this software for over 30 years. From the early days of Cadkey, where you had to construct your solids by building wire frames, to the current KeyCreator product where you are designing with real solid elements. The software has the power to handle the most complicated of designs with the simplicity of tasks that achieve the design. Menus are intuitive, and well organized. The best feature by far is that you only have 1 file to manage. Your solid model, assembly and drawing are stored in 1 file. In these days of remote locations and outsourcing having to manage multiple files, as is the case in other software, is a treacherous road.

Minpunten:

The biggest shortcoming in my opinion has been the software help. Sometimes the self-contained help search in the software can get you out of trouble, but more often than not it is rather geeky. The online support, examples and tutorials are great, they need to be expanded into the fringes of the software where reside some very powerful tools.

Started with CADkey 3.0 and still using the software under KeyCreator name

Opmerkingen: KeyCreator is an essential software package for our custom tool & die shop. Since most of our work is unique and doesn't often get repeated (if ever), it's critical for our CAD software to get the job done efficiently and accurately. For the most part, KeyCreator fulfills that mission, with a few glaring gaps. The fact that it's non-parametric removes the worry that by changing one feature I risk screwing up other aspects of my geometry unintentionally.I do wish that the KeyCreator development team were more approachable with bug fixes and functionality improvements, and that some of the issues I have reported through the years would actually see improvements rather than being completely disregarded.

Pluspunten:

We have found that using a non-parametric 3D CAD modeling software in our custom tool & die work is preferable in most instances to using a parametric modeler like Solidworks. There have been a number of times we have received Solidworks or geometry in other parametric formats from our customers, and when they made a minor change to something it screwed up other aspects of the geometry because they didn't have their constraints set correctly. The worse thing is that they didn't know it, and I discovered it during my work. In the custom tooling world, those kinds of things can be catastrophic.In general terms, I have always found the interface to be reasonably easy to use, although there are some things that could be drastically improved. Most of the basic entity generation functionality works largely as I learned how to do things as a draftsman on the drafting table, so the process is generally straightforward.

Minpunten:

The feature generation and documentation (drilled and/or tapped holes, fasteners, etc.) is mostly an imported functionality set from the old Draftpak suite they imported into CADkey years ago. They have done very little to improve it, it's pretty buggy and there are some large holes in the way it works. Compared to other CAD software I've played with, KeyCreator's functionality in this area is substandard. Like most software these days, the documentation and help system are terrible, and often haven't even been updated to match the current version of the software.

Reliable and versatile CAD software

Opmerkingen: I have been a long term user of Key Creator (17 years) I originally learned CAD on AutoCad and found the solid modeling in KeyCreator to be much more fluid. The ability to manipulate solids on the fly is a big part of what I love about the software. With my use primarily being sheet metal, unbending and creating flat cut files is extremely easy. Inputting bend allowances and corner reliefs is simple and allows easy exportation of flat DXF files to use for manufacturing.The support is excellent when needed and they have a great option to submit customer requested features.

Pluspunten:

The ease of importing and healing customer supplied files makes preparing cut files to be used in manufacturing sheet metal parts extremely simple. It is capable of importing many mainstream file types and is very dependable.

Minpunten:

A couple of the negatives of this software are the inability to merge entire native files or to copy complete drawing layouts into other native files. I also hope that the ability to export multi-page PDF files is added to the features, as of now the need to export single page PDF files and then combined them in a separate software to create drawing packages.

Long Time User, First Time Caller

Opmerkingen: It has been good.

Pluspunten:

It is very good for creating part geometry and features quickly. Most of the popular neutral formats can be imported and exported, and a few of the most popular native formats can also be imported. You can easily drop assemblies in to a new model in free space and locate them quickly with just a few steps. The way you use the software may be totally different than the way another user works with it. The way you access tools and features is user configurable. Compared to the most popular packages, it is less expensive per seat and the AUC is also less expensive but in some cases the functionality is quite a bit better.

Minpunten:

I’m not a big fan of the animation feature, but aside from that I can’t find anything I don’t really like. I’ve been a user since 1991 so I am kind of institutionalized. The software fits my needs and always has. I am probably using about 30% of it’s capabilities, but that’s OK because I can get things that I need done, done quickly while only occasionally utilizing many of the available features.

Intuitive and Easy to Learn

Pluspunten:

I have used KeyCreator for 15 yrs and one of the most important things to me is the ease of translation importing and exporting file types and how fast the program allows me to work. I use KC to design progressive stamping dies as well as custom machinery. Designing in 3D and being able to see my projects from all aspects is critical to my business. KeyCreator provides the direct drawing experience that makes 3D CAD easy to learn and use.

Minpunten:

Having used KeyCreator for so long, I have found ways of working around almost all obstacles. I do not have any problems with the software.

Very User Friendly

Pluspunten:

Very easy to use. I like that it is compatible with multiple file types.

Minpunten:

The main issue I have is the the online university. The tutorials are helpful but the order is chaotic. I wish it were more organized step by step, from the beginner stage and gradually get more advanced.Specifically there is one feature I think could be added. On a folded model there should be a way to change the sheet thickness without unfolding and re-folding after extruding the sheet.

thankful that the program had the same options as the version I used back in the 90's

Opmerkingen: this works very well with the part of the company that I manage

Pluspunten:

the software is easy to use for me because its similar to the software I was using so thankfully I didn't have to learn a brand new and different software

Minpunten:

some features I haven't looked at closely are bothersome but I know there are settings that can be changed to make those functions operate differently

My Review

Opmerkingen: Work with it everyday and is a great software to use.

Pluspunten:

We started with the software way back when it was Cadkey. I like the ability to customize with KXL's for our tooling which reduces a lot of design / detailing time.

Minpunten:

I wish all the translator's were integrated into the standard software and not an extra $$$. We can't justify this cost for just needing to translate something once or twice a year.

KeyCreator Review

Opmerkingen: I use KeyCreator on a daily basis for mechanical design. It allows us to design in 3D and quickly produce prints for fabrication.

Pluspunten:

I like the 3D design features. The software is easy to use and the customization is a plus.

Minpunten:

I wish there were more detailed rendering tools.

Keycreator

Opmerkingen: Large or small, one can draw whatever you need to. The only limit is your abilities.

Pluspunten:

The software is easy to use and figure out. Unlike other software, you can draw whatever you want and as many of what you want in a single file with out being constrained.

Minpunten:

It is frustrating that less people use this software and that many people have never heard of it. With the abundance of translators I never have trouble communicating with third parties when the need arises though.

Ease of use

Pluspunten:

3D modeling and import export features. Ease of use.

Minpunten:

I do no use the software to it's full capabilities but I like every feature I use.

KeyCreator Solid Modeling

Opmerkingen: Fast, easy, accurate, and flexible.

Pluspunten:

Very flexible direct solid modeling. Easy to make and modify rather complex shapes.

Minpunten:

I miss the finite element analysis that used to be offered with KeyCreator. It was fast, accurate, and easy to use.

KeyCreator Review

Opmerkingen: KeyCreator allows me to review part designs and mold designs from different vendors with out the need of multiple CAD programs to read the different file formats.
I have had only one problem and it is self inflected and has to do with product liscensing which at times can be confusing.

Pluspunten:

KeyCreator has been used by our company for around 30 years in reviewing plastic part and mold designs. It has also been used for fixture and gauge designs and mold designs. I like the software for its ease of use and ability to make changes easily. One of its greatest advantages is its ability to work with both Auto Desk Inventor and Pro-E Creo native files which are the main softwares used by our engineering and design staff.

Minpunten:

Personally I have nothing negative to say about the KeyCreator software. What causes us the most issues is that our engineers are not able to open KeyCreator files in the software they use, specifically Auto Desk Inventor and Pro-E Creo. Step files must be provided and since KeyCreator is not parametric based, the other softwares do not work well with the step files. In our situation the KeyCreator step files are considered dumb files.

Great stable and versatile platform.

Opmerkingen: Have been using it uninterrupted for 30 years. We design millions of dollars of new products annually with this software.

Pluspunten:

It works with any and all CAD files. We work with many companies and they all use different systems. It has crashed 10-15 times since 1989 when I began with Cadkey V1.62. (And I knew what I did to cause it each time...) They have also not moved a single button on me since 1989 as well. The classic "skin" that I use is still working, despite two newer interfaces being developed in the passing years. There is NO HISTORY, which means it truly is DIRECT MODELLING. I can produce work about 5-10 times quicker than the other leading platforms. I would retire and open a coffee shop if KeyCreator was no longer available.

Minpunten:

FEA analysis is no longer integrated in the package.

Nice program but room for improvements in the help tool

Opmerkingen: I use it to create various parts, molds, 3D printed parts, fixtures, etc.

Pluspunten:

I found it relatively easy to use this program after using another software for over 30 years. It's reasonably powerful in the tools it offers, and very forgiving and I like that you can back-track and try something else if it doesn't give you the results you were looking for.

Minpunten:

The help function is lacking, they should show examples of the tool you are asking for help with and walk thru each option explaining how, and when, to use them. This is one of my biggest complaints with the software. I also would like to see it retain the values from the last time you used a tool, some of them do, but many do not. When copying items it would be great if it would evenly space the copies between two selected points, that would save a lot of time.

Pretty good, but difficult to interface with industry standard Solidworks

Opmerkingen: I have used KeyCreator for 10 years so I have loved it, but the difficulty working with Solidworks files is almost an insurmountable problem at the moment.

Pluspunten:

The price is good compared to Solidworks. The interface is relatively easy to use. The customer service response time is sometimes good, and other times very difficult.

Minpunten:

The biggest problem KeyCreator has is that the industry standard in 3D modeling has gone to Solidworks which means that Kubotek needs to be able to interface with it. That appears to be a challenge. Most of my customers use Solidworks so it becomes a challenge to interface with them. Also, it is really easy to have files become messed up (meaning extra lines, faces warped, etc.) and not so easy to fix.

Keycreator Review

Opmerkingen: Being a 20+ user of Keycreator and know the software Inside out and it is a great tool for read and review files from our suppliers / customers. It also a great tool to make quick sketch or 3d reprensentation but Don't expect this tool to be a very robust solution for handling more complicate task of managing files. I think it fits well in small organization that are looking for a good bang for the buck solution

Pluspunten:

Keycreator is cheaper than ost MCAD software on the market. Easy to install and use one you are use to it you can import and work with almost any CAD file format and use the geometries as they were created in Keycreator.

Minpunten:

Keycreator is far from being perfect. The interface is a bit outdated and many of the latest new features are not really well implemented as if there is a lack of cohesion. Layout mode is not the greatest and is not robust or reliable enought for most use (drawing updates create akward results). Defeaturing is one great feature of Keycreator but it is not working all the time.

KeyCreator

Opmerkingen: We have been using CadKey/KeyCreator for over 12 years now and have been able to grow our business.

Pluspunten:

Easy to use, very little file maintenance required. It has a good translator package for importing files.

Minpunten:

3D Solids package is not as user friendly as other software packages I have used.

Easy to use

Opmerkingen: I have been using KeyCreator, and before that it's predecessor, CadKey for almost 30 years and I like the fact that when they release new versions of the software, I can keep my old icons so I don't need to relearn symbols or locations like some software I have used in the past.

Pluspunten:

This software comes with translators that allow you to import from all of the major CAD programs that are on the market. Once you learn the essentials, drawing in 3D is easy to do.

Minpunten:

Printing photo realistic models needs a separate module, it would be nice if it was included in the base software.

Strong Drafting from your model

Pluspunten:

The software is complete in that you can easily create solid models and detail them in layout mode while keeping the association back to the model for most instances. This makes revisions easier to handle especially when setting the job up as a template and having your model and documentation associated to each other in one file.

Minpunten:

I would like to have section views from an instance keep the association. I would also like to have a dialog box stay open if I right click.

Consultant

Opmerkingen: So far all I use it for is to open and view 3D files

Pluspunten:

I may like it a lot more with some 3D training

Minpunten:

I would like to have access to on line training with 3D.