Exploring the available CAD software
Exploring the available CAD software
A collection of quick reviews of CAD software for the hobbyist. Features free and/or accessible options such as Onshape, FreeCAD and Fusion 360
Hey there! As a 3D printer addict I do a lot of small parts in CAD to print and use around the house. Lately I've been exploring all sorts of CAD software since finding out there's a more around than just Fusion360 and Onshape so I started exploring what's out there and jotting down my impressions.
Hope this is not spam, just want to help people see what's around and help them pick!
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It's worth noting that the version number of FreeCAD is 0.21 so it's still very much a work in progress. It has a solid base of a very powerful 3d engine and is the bare bones of a CAD system that is usable now and will only get better.
Yep! I was critical of FreeCAD but I also tried to make sure to point out that I think that for us hobbyists it is the sustainable choice, save for some other (CAD Sketcher/Solvespace) leapfrogging them but I don't really see that happening. I want to try out CAD Builder later on which is pretty much FreeCAD but managed by the OpenCASCADE/SALOME team, maybe it will be a similar experience with less boobytraps...
I think FreeCAD should feature freeze and redo it's entire GUI to make what's there more usable. Take a look at OnShape or Fusion 360 and do something similar. Hide infrequently used buttons, put labels on commonly used buttons, make everything more context sensitive, task-centric, forgiving and user friendly.