Bend-Tech Software

[class7s]

I was on Baja Concepts and saw this software, it was the Version2 software that intrigued me. Any good or is it just hype?

[ZTFab]

I have version 1.5...it's pretty good but it's tempermental with laying out the dimensions of the part....no grid system to match sides of a multi-bend hoop or other complex bends....

I also have Bend Calculator Pro and I like it a lot...it's easy for the average level computer user to follow...myself included.....

It has predetermined bend shapes as well as a custom sequence portion that allows you to input your own....it's always been dead on with measurements and has a ton of c.l.r.'s for you to choose from or you can input a custom one if needed....it gives you bend start point, bend angles, and estimated tubing length needed.... :D

Bend-Tech 2.0 may be a better program than 1.5 is....I'd be interested to hear how it is, too....jm2c

[archangel2003]

So, after 4 years of having the bend tech software, how do you like it?

Did you get any updates or newer versions?

I was looking at getting bend tech pro so I could build on the computer rather than spend my cash and then later decide I would have rather one something else.

However, at $275 it is a bit of an investment right now.:(

[atomicjoe23]

I picked up BendTech Pro Version 4.xx in January. . .I got it on sale for $200 and it was worth every penny even if I never used again besides the first!!!

I used it for an SAE min Baja buggy chassis. . .I already had all of the measurements and angles because we designed the chassis in AutoCAD (I didn't have the BendTech program when we designed the chassis or else I could have designed it in AutoCAD as well). . .we were able to cut and bend every single piece of tubing for an 85" wheelbase, single seat buggy in two hours flat. . .and it only took me about 20 minutes in BendTech to get all of the info into the program and print the layout sheets. . .and that was the first time I had ever used the program. . .

When you are working with assemblies it's a little tricky at times. . .it's hard to initially figure out the way the program wants you to rotate the parts that you are importing into the assembly if you didn't have them layed out with the correct starting angle in the first place (like me. . .I didn't realize you could do that at first). . .but if you are building an entire assembly from scratch without importing any parts that you already have in the program that is really easy. . .

. . .you can also print out just the 3D isometric view of assemblies, entire chassis, etc. . .which is really cool and helps when you are putting stuff together if you have something to look at. . .

I know a couple of shots locally that have the program and they don't use it that often. . .one of them just uses it when they know they are gonna make more than one of a specific part down the road. . .they put the info into the program and save the layout sheet for later use, but they still make the initial part by eye. . .I prefer to use the program at the beginning though.

. . .overall I am extremely happy with the BendTech Pro software. . .and it has been very easy to use. . .I had to relearn a few things since I was coming from AutoCAD and it isn't exactly the same, but I have to do the same thing now that I'm getting into SolidWorks and I was able to use my BendTech Pro software the day I got it vs. having to read and learn for a couple of days before I can use the SolidWorks program.

[ZTFab]

Wow...this thread is OLD!!

I decided to upgrade my Bend Tech Software shortly after I replied to this thread in '05. I must say, I have been using weekly for 4 years now and have upgraded multiple times and it just keeps getting better and has paid for itself 10 fold.

The software is really easy to use and I would recommend it to anyone from amateurs to full blown race shops.

Also, Cris (the developer and owner of 20/20 software) is an outstanding guy. He will help you with any problems and even has a forum dedicated to the software for tech help and updates.

- Paul

[atomicjoe23]

Also, Cris (the developer and owner of 20/20 software) is an outstanding guy. He will help you with any problems


This is worth saying again. . .Cris is a great guy and responded personally to my message within 10 minutes of me sending it. . .and it was past 7 PM when I sent the message!!!

[archangel2003]

Anyone know of someone who is selling their Bend Tech program?
The term "inexpensive" should apply.:rolleyes:

[ZTFab]

Anyone know of someone who is selling their Bend Tech program?
The term "inexpensive" should apply.:rolleyes:

That would be a BIG no bueno.

Each copy of the software is keyed to the computer that it is installed on.

The program is not that expensive. Just pay for it.