FreeCAD

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FreeCAD

Release status: WIP

FreeCADLogo.svg
Description
Document; general overview and useful resources for FreeCAD
License
Author
Contributors
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Categories
CAD Models
External Link


FreeCAD is a general purpose feature-based, parametric 3D modeler for CAD, MCAD, CAx, CAE and PLM, aimed directly at mechanical engineering and product design but also fits a wider range of uses in engineering, such as architecture or other engineering specialties. It is 100% Open Source and extremely modular, allowing for very advanced extension and customization. FreeCAD is based on OpenCasCade, a powerful geometry kernel, features an Open Inventor-compliant 3D scene representation model provided by the Coin 3D library, and a broad Python API. The interface is built with Qt. FreeCAD runs exactly the same way on Windows, Mac OSX and Linux platforms. more here...

tl;dr:
If you wonder how to design & create usefull objects of your own?
FreeCAD can definitely be a good starting point for you! FreeCAD is in development but its quite useful even at this point.
As always; learning new things may seem daunting, but remember those dreams of yours and keep RepRaps philosophy close at heart!



It is also useful for amongst other things:
· Export/import of different format; such as IGES & STEP -> .stl. Such as the Free cellphone Neo Freerunners case files.
· Export/import of CSG (read OpenSCAD). See their respective export & import-threads. (WIP)



There are several helpful resources just clicks away:
· Getting started
· FreeCAD's Forum
· IRC: #freecad. (chat)

Tutorials

· FreeCAD's own Tutorial pages.

Youtube

Beginner

· TurboTute - Pockets & Pads.
Gives you an idea just how easy it can be to build a object in FreeCAD.

Series

Designing a bicycle

Avid Free software user 5needinput has made this series of Designing a bicycle.

Python Scripting