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Registered
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Dismal Nitch, AZ
Posts: 9,042
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FreeCAD is a parametric 3D modeler
made primarily to design real-life objects of any size. Parametric modeling allows you to easily modify your design by going back into your model history and changing its parameters. FreeCAD is open-source and highly customizable, scriptable and extensible.
FreeCAD is multiplatfom (Windows, Mac and Linux), and reads and writes many open file formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, DAE and many others. . Saw this link posted in a moto forum... . FreeCAD: An open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler
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Don . "Fully integrated people, in their transparency, tend to not be subject to mechanisms of defense, disguise, deceit, and fraudulence." - - Don R. 1994, an excerpt from My Ass From a Hole in the Ground - A Comparative View |
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09-15-2016, 05:16 PM
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Information Junky
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: an island, upper left coast, USA
Posts: 73,167
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Is it web-based, or stand-alone?
For a web-based freebee OnShape is looking pretty good. It's a product from the guys who started (and sold) SolidWorks. Solidworks is still the king (IMO) but thousands of $'s. :-\
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Everyone you meet knows something you don't. - - - and a whole bunch of crap that is wrong. Disclaimer: the above was 2˘ worth. More information is available as my professional opinion, which is provided for an exorbitant fee. 
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09-15-2016, 06:27 PM
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Registered
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Dismal Nitch, AZ
Posts: 9,042
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I know nothing about it or CAD.
Just saw it and the boys were talking about using it. Thought some of you Pelicans might be interested. 
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Don . "Fully integrated people, in their transparency, tend to not be subject to mechanisms of defense, disguise, deceit, and fraudulence." - - Don R. 1994, an excerpt from My Ass From a Hole in the Ground - A Comparative View |
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09-15-2016, 07:07 PM
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Registered
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Peoria, Arizona and Big Rock, IL
Posts: 296
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I modeled these Porsche headers using FreeCAD.
The software was then able to create prints for the fab shop. I used it for a couple of other engine parts as well. It takes some time to learn, but it's all fun. 
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07 911 Turbo - Pilot Sport Cup 2 ZP 96 Carrera 4 - Toyo R888r 73 911E - Hoosier R7 + twin 75's 92 Corvette - Nitto NT01 14 BMW X3 - Pilot Sport A/S 4 |
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09-16-2016, 05:26 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Sandton, South Africa
Posts: 916
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I also used it in the past, but the exported models had serious issues, and all but gave up on it. Subsequently tried BobCAD too, but that was just too painful.
Most recently started using Autodesk's Fusion 360. It is also free, much simpler to use, and with lots of YouTube based how-to's. It is really feature righ, allowing motion modeling, rendering, and also has a very powerful CAM module, which allows you to do tool path modeling and optimization.
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'70 911T (AKA Bottomless Pit) - Undergoing restoration '13 Audi A4 1.8T - Surprisingly fun means of getting to work |
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09-16-2016, 05:58 AM
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Dog-faced pony soldier
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Haven't messed around with it yet but I'll be curious to see how it stacks up against SketchUp and regular AutoCAD.
Of course my favorite drawing tool of choice (aside from a piece of paper) is VectorWorks but I'm weird like that.
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09-16-2016, 06:00 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Sandton, South Africa
Posts: 916
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Oh, and here's a pic of a throttle body I'm busy doing in Fusion 360:
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'70 911T (AKA Bottomless Pit) - Undergoing restoration '13 Audi A4 1.8T - Surprisingly fun means of getting to work |
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09-16-2016, 06:03 AM
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Information Junky
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: an island, upper left coast, USA
Posts: 73,167
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Quote:
I have to say, these "Free" CAD packages look like typical CAD of 20 years ago. (Clunky)
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Everyone you meet knows something you don't. - - - and a whole bunch of crap that is wrong. Disclaimer: the above was 2˘ worth. More information is available as my professional opinion, which is provided for an exorbitant fee.
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09-16-2016, 07:05 AM
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.
Posts: 21,126
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Quote:
You also can't shove your paper sketch in a USB port and get a full size plastic printed part. I am fairly well versed in Solidworks, but no longer have 'free access' as I am no longer mentoring the team. I have found Onshape & Freecad to be reasonable alternatives for mechanical designs. And Sketchup for kitchen/home/cabinet design, as there are thousands of cabinets/appliances/furniture already modeled and available for free download. |
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09-16-2016, 04:54 PM
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