So far I'm using Design Spark, which is free from RS Components. I found it really easy to get started with as I've always hit a brick wall with the learning curve on everything else and this one I just started and off I went. I work in 2D though it does have 3D capability but for cutting things out of plate I just do a plan view and save it as a dxf file which the laser cutters can work with rather than its own format.
I guess a plasma can work with DXF as it's just a different type of cut really just neater.
Yes. I took drawings to a place that does cnc plasma and they worked off dxf tiles too. It appears that most places can work off any of the standard formats, the biggest job for them is nesting everything to get the most out of the sheet.
I thought they were making their money by linking it to RS Components catalogue so you can drop standard components in, generate a bill of materials and order them, all with a couple of mouse clicks. I can't see it competing with expensive programmes otherwise, it has too many niggles like you can save a drawing as a dxf so other people/companies can read it but then you can't open the dxf file to edit it once you've saved it...
