Last edit at 11:34AM by realthor.ĬAD generally falls into two catagories. On the commercial packages front, I think Rhino rocks.Įdited 1 time(s).

Onshape looks very compelling but ultimately, for a distribuable code, something like OpenScad or OpenJScad should be considered. DSM has a 3D objects repository from different vendors. For now there is no 'standardized' way of scripting in such a way that a GUI could pick up the modifyable values and present them in a noob-friendly way and, unless you extensively use github to clone repositories of already made modules, there is no easy way to just import a class of objects from internet and use it (maybe i'm wrong here I am just starting to get into OpenScad - I was looking at something like: include wormgear(parameters). OpenScad has a certain appeal from the opensource pov and the possibility to have an universal parametric ecosystem where anybody could use it for their own case by changing a few parameters. Oh, it also lacks a History like Solid Works for example. All these can be overcome using other software packages to complement and mirroring of all kinds can be done in the slicer. It lacks though some features like 3D text, scaling assemblies, mirroring assemblies and a few more. It is surprisingly easy and you will get productive after the first day or two. I recently started with Design Spark Mechanical and was able to do all the necessary drawings to design a scara attempt (see my sig). Here I created an assembly of components for a ULPA filter for 3D printers, and then an exploded view: The main advantage of that is support for other CAD formats.īeing able to create assemblies is powerful. Their pro CAD software is called Geomagic Design, and can only be purchased through dealers (not a great way to market software.). They had a lot of videos that got me started. Their 'Design' product is about what I started with when it was called Alibre Design - I only paid $100 for it back then.

Their 'Invent' product is about $49 and would be used for more basic objects, since you cannot make assemblies of objects. The basic drawing interface / dimensioning / constraining system is the same. Some time back Alibre was all purchased by 3DSystems and they now have a few entry-level 3D design products that are still very powerful, and output STL's too. I've been using this for several years and like it. I started with Alibre Design, and upgraded to their pro product later called Geomagic Design with a promotion.

Alibre design torrent