CAD software was always available for the big guys but AutoDesk opened a whole new market. In 1992 I wrote a Windows-based CAD package for designing sheetmetal parts using a machine shop metaphor where the designer would start with a flat piece of material, punch out a shape then fold it up. He could then dimension the 3D model as needed and it would resize the flat pattern and all the operations, accounting for bend allowances. It was a huge change from the drafting metaphor used by all the CAD packages at the time--hence, one reason it didn't sell very well. I did get an inquiry from a guy by the name of Jon Hirschtick who, with a couple of partners had written this neat little program called Solidworks and were looking for someone to do the sheetmetal package for it. I turned them down :-( That's my story and I'm sticking to it also!
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