Before a product is made, it is possible to develop 2D drawings and 3D models using computer-aided design digitally. You may swiftly introduce new, distinctive products to the market using 3D CAD to make designs easier to share, examine, simulate, and update.
Dr. Samuel Geisberg founded Parametric Technology Company (PTC) in 1985 and developed a completely new method for CAD software. This breakthrough created the first parametric and feature-based solid modeling CAD software, now known as Creo, and the de facto industry standard for product design and development software.
After more than 30 years, the product development business is starting to follow the lead of many other sectors in embracing the next wave of technology-driven innovation.
Use Cases for CAD Software
- Enhance Design Quality:
This program makes it possible to produce exact drawings. In addition to combining the functionality of instruments like rulers, paper, pens, and calculators, CAD devices also enhance their functions. With the manual design, it would be necessary to meticulously measure and verify each object to record its exact measurements. The most straightforward approach to finding points on an object using CAD software is to snap to an interval on a grid to locate them.
- Reduce errors:
Users may visualize the final product of an object before it is built thanks to CAD software, which makes 3D representations of actual objects. That implies you can fix problems before the object comes to life. Regarding buildings, CAD can help with important issues, including design errors that may jeopardize your building’s structural stability. Users can examine these problems at even more extraordinary lengths thanks to 3D printing.
- Saving time:
Drawing a model of a real object by hand was the only option before the invention of CAD software. Your team will save a lot of time by using these tools to create your model. In addition to saving time, CAD enables users to view their products in three dimensions, which manual drafting cannot do.
- Increase Inter-Departmental Cooperation:
If your company’s primary goal is the creation of tangible goods, this will necessitate extensive coordination across several divisions. Your work can be shared with your coworkers thanks to CAD software. Many of these apps allow you to save your work in various formats. Data will be recovered when transferring work to coworkers because CAD files are compatible with many formats.
CAD Software: Who Uses It?
Although it can be used in various industries, including construction and filmmaking, CAD software is more frequently employed by engineers. The invention of this tool allowed for the fusion of design and drafting with engineering, which was revolutionary in the engineering world.
These professionals use CAD software to create accurate 2D and 3D drawings and models of structures and material things. With its capacity to transfer information such as materials, procedures, measurements, and tolerance, CAD may be relied upon by engineers and other users to sketch their designs digitally. Engineers use this information to produce 2D or 3D objects.
Best Free CAD Software
1. Solidworks
It is frequently used by seasoned 3D designers and is produced by Dassault Systèmes. It is a model with features that is parametric. The software includes many features, including design validation tools and reverse engineering. It is frequently applied to industrial objects. It is detailed and helpful. Solidworks uses a system of NURBS, in contrast to most other software, which imitates curves by using flat structures that are gently inclined. This is one of its unique features.
This method enables the fabrication of highly intricate curves. Moreover, it uses dimensional sketching rather than polygonal modeling to simplify scaling. The limited ability to import is one drawback that software users frequently mention. STL data. Using a separate application is essential if you want to download and edit.STL files. The file format was not created for post-design processing but is primarily an output file format.
2. FreeCAD
You may create real-life things of any size using FreeCAD, a free, open-source parametric 3D modeling application. The parametric element facilitates editing. To get an alternative model, you can access the history of your current model and alter the settings. Although intended for something other than business use, this program might be helpful as a teaching tool. However, remember that it has some functions a user must learn to grasp to configure the tool properly. Thus, it is not the most straightforward program to learn, although it has the advantage of being free and open-source.
3. BlocksCAD
BlocksCAD was primarily designed for use in the classroom regarding education. It was created so that users can quickly switch to OpenSCAD, a more advanced CAD program, in the future. To make it more kid-friendly, commands for the objects’ growth and changes are represented by color blocks reminiscent of LEGO. Because BlocksCAD’s code is fully compatible with OpenSCAD’s, you can finish tweaking your models there. OpenSCAD or STL are the two available export formats. BlocksCAD has a Youtube channel with several 3D modeling videos, so anyone can learn how to use the software.
4. Rhino
Rhino is renowned for being a 3D modeler that is very versatile. Users of commercial 3D computer graphics and CAD applications can edit points, curves, meshes, surfaces, solids, and much more using the exact and mathematical NURB model. Rhino3D’s extensive selection of design features is one of its best qualities. With the addition of the new SubD tools with version 7, users may also make organic shapes. These tools work well with a new version 7 feature called Quadmesh, which allows users to generate quad meshes from pre-existing surfaces, solids, other meshes, and new Sub-Ds. This new geometry type can produce shapes more precisely than previously. The program is offered for download in some bundles at varying costs on their website.
5. Fusion 360
The most popular CAD program design professionals use Autodesk’s Fusion 360, which is fortunately available for free to enthusiasts. Although Autodesk does not offer the complete version for free, you can access all the essential features. After doing so, you may test the fit and decide if you want to pay the still-affordable $70 per month for the full version.
6. SketchUp Free
SketchUp is another program that CAD professionals frequently use. It is generally used by architects, landscapers, and interior designers, but it also functions as a straightforward, entertaining, and reliable modeling tool for 3D printing. The free edition is plenty to get you started, but the paid versions, Pro and Studio, are how the software’s developer, Trimble, makes their money. But you have access to web-browser-based model creation, 10 GB of cloud storage for your models, and restricted access to the 3D Warehouse of pre-built 3D models, so you don’t have to start from scratch. Fusion 360 is indeed significantly more feature-restrictive for free users.
7. Vectary
Vectary is an additional browser-based CAD program that has made it onto our list. It offers a readily available free plan, like SketchUp. Still, unlike the free versions of other professional software here, there are no restrictions so that you can use it for your company.
Although the program needs to be more proper for the same advanced applications like engineering, product design, or architecture as other software included here is, some advanced CAD users may sneer at its inclusion on this list. Nonetheless, Vectary is a potent program that may assist you in completing various design jobs.
8. Onshape
A strong, web-based CAD program called Onshape is intended for design teams that must work with engineers and other stakeholders, like those at automotive or industrial equipment companies. You can taste using a powerful piece of engineering software in a collaborative setting with the free version.
For non-professional designers, Onshape provides a professional-grade, cloud-native CAD tool (you can’t sell what you design here, though). Despite its extensive feature set, our commercial versions’ release management and photo rendering features are unavailable in Onshape Free. Also, anything you produce with Onshape Free is available online for everyone to see, which is a strange peculiarity of the free offer. Also, there is a free account with lesson plans for educators and schools.
9. ScultGL
3D sculpting software can quickly become expensive and challenging if you are not accustomed to it.
SculptGL is one of a few exceptions to this rule! With this browser-based option, you can start using all the standard 3D sculpting tools, such as brush, inflate, smooth, etc. Using this 3D modeling program, it is also possible to begin working on textures and paintings. With excellent algorithms, SculptGL makes it possible to work on multiresolution sculpting, dynamic topology, and voxel remeshing.
10. QCAD
Here is yet another 2D CAD application! QCAD can be the best option if you need to make 2D drawings. This software, similar to AutoCAD, would be excellent for beginners working on 2D CAD projects. This software can be used for mechanical applications, as shown in the following image, but it can also be used for architecture projects to create blueprints!
11. LeoCAD
LeoCAD is a user-friendly piece of software with much potential for educational use. This tool makes it possible to construct digital models using LEGO bricks, an excellent approach for kids to get started with 3D modeling. As you can see in the accompanying image, it works excellently for huge models with many parts. This tool is helpful for those new to 3D modeling and who need an introduction, but it also lets you use more sophisticated capabilities. Anyone can contribute to this open-source program and add new features.
12. Meshmixer
Meshmixer is a beneficial 3D program for 3D printing or even creating some new designs for your products. There are numerous 3D tools available, including features for mesh smoothing and 3D sculpting. You will still need the training to get the most out of this 3D modeling program. If you need assistance using this tool to prepare your 3D file for 3D printing, look at our Meshmixer guide.
Conclusion
Free CAD programs are a fantastic way to design and produce 3D models without spending money on pricey software. These may frequently be downloaded for free from the internet and are simple to learn and use. You can make gorgeous 3D models with a fair amount of ease and accuracy with free CAD software. Free CAD software is growing in popularity and is increasingly used by many due to the rising need for 3D models.
