Computer Aided Design (CAD)/3D Modelling

There are a lot of CAD/3D modelling software solutions available for turning an idea in your head into a computer based representation that can then be turned into a physical object via many manufacturing methods.

Software

Below is a non-exhaustive list of various packages, both free and not free, that members have used and recommend.


Autodesk Fusion 360

Autodesk’s Fusion 360 is a parametric design software package that includes features of 3D modelling (CAD), Machining (CAM), Simulation, and electronics design. It is a powerful tool that has a lot of features, and is constantly being updated.

While the application runs on your local computer, the data is stored in Autodesk’s Cloud storage platform, which allows you to work on the same design across multiple computers, or in a collaborative manner with other designers.

Fusion 360 offers both limited Free Hobbyist licensing, as well as yearly subscriptions for their software.

See https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/personal for more details.

Fusion 360 is designed to run on both Windows and MacOS computers.


Onshape

Onshape is a parametric design software package that includes features of 3D modelling (CAD), Simulation, and electronics design. It is a powerful tool that has a lot of features, and is constantly being updated.

Onshape runs entirely in the browser, and data is stored in Onshape’s cloud storage platform, which allows you to work from any supported computer/browser combo across multiple computers, or in a collaborative manner with other designers.

Onshape offers both limited Free Hobbyist licensing, as well as yearly subscriptions for their product.

See https://www.onshape.com/en/products/free for more details.


FreeCAD

FreeCAD is a Free, Open-Source parametric design software package that includes 3D modelling (CAD). It is a powerful, community developed CAD software that has been in development for many years. It is constantly being updated and is very extensible with Python based plugins.

FreeCAD runs on your local computer, which means you save and hold on to your designs in whatever storage solution you choose.

FreeCAD is Free (as in Beer) and Free (as in Speech) and requires no payment to use.

FreeCAD is available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux distributions.

See https://www.freecadweb.org/features.php for more details.


blender

Blender is a Free, Open-Source surface and body modelling software package that includes 3D modelling, sculpting, simulation, animation, and VFX tooling. It is a powerful tool, and is constantly being updated to meet industry needs, and is extensible with programming interfaces and plugins.

Blender runs on your local computer, which means you save and hold on to your designs in whatever storage solution you choose.

Blender is Free (as in Beer) and Free (as in Speech) and requires no payment to use.

Blender is available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux distributions.

See https://www.blender.org/ for more details.


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