FreeCAD is as free as its name suggests, with a large user community that regularly contributes to the development of new features and provides support. Supported file formats include STL, OBJ, DXF, and more. Like Fusion360 it's available on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. Like most other offerings here it is restricted to personal use and isn't as feature-rich as their flagship-level software options and currently, it is location-restricted (nothing a VPN won't fix).įreeCAD is an open-source CAD software designed for 3D modeling. Pros of a SOLIDWORKS Makers license include the wide range of design and simulation tools that are included and a strong community forum for support and collaboration if you're into that.Ĭons include the fact that while it is cheap, it isn't free like the title of this post indicates should be, however, $10 USD a month is going to be reachable for the vast majority of those interested. It also offers a library of pre-built models and tutorials for beginners, which is great, as it is a little intimidating to dive into for new players. SOLIDWORKS Makers is based on the industry-standard SOLIDWORKS software and is ideal for those looking to learn professional CAD skills. It offers powerful tools for 3D modeling, simulation, and rendering via its 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Professional platform. SOLIDWORKS Makers is a paid browser-based CAD software license option for hobbyists and makers, but at $10 a month (or $100 USD a year) it is so cheap it might as well be free which is why we have included it here. If you have never used CAD software to the point features or pros and cons lists mean nothing to you at all, we highly recommend you begin your 3D modelling learning journey with Fusion360. If you do not use it often and miss many of the auto updates, you can experience decreased performance while these occur in the background. The layout and functions quickly feel intuitive and logical for those starting.Ĭons of Fusion 360 include its limited offline capabilities, its lack of customization options, and its reliance on cloud storage which we think is awesome, but others find undesirable. Pros of Fusion 360 include its user-friendly interface, its cloud-based storage, and its integration with other Autodesk products. Fusion 360 is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux (note we have only used it on Windows and macOS ourselves) operating systems, and supports a workable range of file formats from the free license version. It also offers 3D printing and simulation tools at various levels of functionality depending on the user's license. You can find an explanation via a 3-minute read here instead.Īutodesk's Fusion360 is a popular CAD software that provides a free license for personal use which gives access to a well-equipped suite of 3D modeling tools. We won't cover the difference here today. It is worth mentioning that for our 3D modelling purposes, we wish to use software that employs parametric modeling instead of direct modeling. In this quick run down we are just scratching the surface to help those starting out and will glance at 5 of (arguably) the most popular & easily accessible CAD software options, including FreeCAD, Fusion360, SOLIDWORKS, Onshape and OpenSCAD. Fortunately, there are several free (and 1 almost free) CAD software options available on the market that offer powerful tools for creating detailed models. However, not all CAD software is created equal, and not all of it is affordable in dollar value OR wasted time. In this article: Autodesk Fusion360 | SOLIDWORKS Makers | FreeCAD | OpenSCAD | Onshape | Conclusion Applications range from custom battery boxes, and window washer bottle mounts to suspension components and tube-framed chassis where a user's skill sets suit. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software is a valuable tool for engineers, architects, and designers, or in our case, home hobbyists, professional motorsport fabricators and engineers to create precise 2D and 3D models of their designs.
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