Help! CAD Software Suggestions (Again)

[Inq]

I've read through many of the suggestions of CAD software on the forum and try to avoid the flaming wars like, "That CAD software sucks and why do you use that?" Many of the suggestions I can't use. Here is my situation and my requirements...

Situation

• I come from a background where I used several high-end CAD programs on workstations professionally. None of them are available on PC.
• For years, I've used an old version of SketchUp that Google owned (not Trimble). It has served me well and really there are very few features I miss, but there are a couple. I also have work-arounds for the few of its failings.
• I will be teaching a course starting next month at my local public library. The main focus is for people wanting to create their own models for 3D Printing. Like many places we have all levels of wealth here. However, there are no high-paying jobs in the area and so families with children tend to be living at the "new" standard of living... near poverty as defined by the government.

Requirements

1. It must be FREE
2. There will be un-supervised minors in the class. It must not have a sign-up requirement. If it legal for me to sign-up and distribute it indiscriminately, that would be acceptable.
3. We have very poor Internet availability in the area. Many households do not have it. It must not be an on-line version. It must not have a "phone-home" feature that would keep it from working on non networked computer.
4. It must be available on Windows and Mac.
5. It must 3D.
6. It must support STL exporting for 3D printing.
7. It must support importing of common standards, ie... DXF, DWG, IGES, STL
8. Extensive Internet tutorials and public forum to ask for help on features.
9. Probably goes without saying, but it must have Booleans (merging, intersecting bodies), fillets, chamfers. Think - creating the wing root of a scale Spitfire.

At the moment, these are the ones I am prepared to download, and start learning in preparation for the class. I've also added a pole to this thread, in case you don't want to reply, but do want to offer your recommendation. Any other CAD programs, I'll add if you leave a post.

1. FreeCAD
2. Blender

Thanks for your help.

 

[Merv]

I use SketchUp, the free version, with an add on, it will make a stl file. I am beginning to learn Fusion 360, the free version, it’s far more capable than SU, also far more difficult to learn.

I have used OpenScad, if you are a programmer, this the one is for you.

 

[Inq]

I use SketchUp, the free version, with an add on, it will make a stl file. I am beginning to learn Fusion 360, the free version, it’s far more capable than SU, also far more difficult to learn.

I have used OpenScad, if you are a programmer, this the one is for you.

• The last time I checked, the free version of SketchUp is on-line only. Has that changed?
• SketchUp - One of my biggest beef's with SketchUp is the fillets. Compared to what I've see other people do with other (Blender) fillets are brutal in SketchUp. The variable radius fillet of the wing-root would be near impossible in SketchUp.
• Fusion 360 - Although powerful, requires an adult to sign-up for it.
• OpenScad - Although I am a retired developer and will take a look at it for myself, the average student will not be.

 

[Merv]

...The last time I checked, the free version of SketchUp is on-line only. Has that changed?...

I think I’m using a 2016 or 2017 version of SU. I believe it’s still available as a download, look in the archive section. It is a download, no other internet required after the initial download.

Hopefully others will have better solutions.

 

[Piotrsko]

Since everyone seems to have a phone, especially poor kids, is there anything reasonable that would run on a somewhat recent phone? Blender might and file transfer can be done wifi or hotspot or even bluetooth. How many fillets does the average draftsman do? Optimally everything done off line.

In my experiences work interviews tend to be software name specific instead of skills, "no I don't have 123, I use librecalc". " (,Sorry, you don't have autodesk experience."

Edit: have a bluetooth keyboard that interfaces with everything I own via bluetooth, has a mouse pad

 

[Inq]

Since everyone seems to have a phone, especially poor kids, is there anything reasonable that would run on a somewhat recent phone? Blender might and file transfer can be done wifi or hotspot or even bluetooth. How many fillets does the average draftsman do? Optimally everything done off line.

I've seen several programs (Fusion 360...) that allow you to look at your drawings over the Internet/Cloud and make light changes mainly for collaborative, annotation type changes, but doing fine control of nodes, lines, patches and solids usually takes more fine mouse work simultaneously with keyboard keys. I may be wrong, but I can imagine using a touch based device. I've tried it on an 80" Smart Board and I wouldn't do it again.

In my experiences work interviews tend to be software name specific instead of skills, "no I don't have 123, I use librecalc". " (,Sorry, you don't have autodesk experience."

I haven't thought about it till you mentioned, but I don't plan on my class being college/employment training... just community volunteering to help people out so they can make 3D models for the Library's 3D Printer.

 

[Inq]

I think I’m using a 2016 or 2017 version of SU. I believe it’s still available as a download, look in the archive section. It is a download, no other internet required after the initial download.

I'm still using version 7.0.10247. It was the last one that included DXF import ability. But... I'll check the 2016/17 versions out. I'll also add it to the vote thing above although I don't think people do those things.

 

[Piotrsko]

i haven't thought about it till you mentioned, but I don't plan on my class being college/employment training... just community volunteering to help people out so they can make 3D models for the Library's 3D Printer.

I added a comment while you were posting a reply about my $5.99 bluetooth keyboard, haven't been in the business last 5 years so I am obviously obsolete. However with zoom and the bigscreen tv and a LOT of patience you can get really fine resolution. Unsure if your target or your hardware requires that.

Wasn't intending you to be job training, but the skills you are providing with this class are indeed that. An awareness of the arguments against is helpful.

 

[ezbruh]

Onshape.

 

[Mr Man]

Onshape.

Yup, works great for MS designs.

 

[SP0NZ]

I copied and pasted your post into ChatGTP and here are the results...

Given your specific needs and requirements, here are a few 3D modeling tools that are free, offline, and would work well for your class, especially for 3D printing purposes. I've kept in mind that the software needs to support Windows and Mac, be intuitive for beginners, and support essential 3D modeling features like Booleans, fillets, chamfers, and STL exporting.

1. FreeCAD​

• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
• Key Features:
  • Fully free and open-source.
  • Supports a wide range of file formats, including STL, DXF, DWG, and IGES (via plugins).
  • Built for mechanical engineering and product design, which makes it well-suited for creating 3D printable objects.
  • Has powerful Boolean operations (union, difference, intersection), fillets, chamfers, and more.
  • No internet required after download. The software works entirely offline.
  • There are plenty of tutorials available online, and an active community in forums.
• Why It Fits Your Needs: FreeCAD is very versatile, supporting a range of 3D printing workflows. It’s more technical, but it can be learned by beginners with some effort, and it will handle complex design needs like creating the wing root of a Spitfire.

Note: FreeCAD's interface might be a bit overwhelming for complete beginners, but the extensive online resources and community should help with any learning curve.

Download: FreeCAD

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2. TinkerCAD​

• Platforms: Windows, Mac (via browser) — However, there is an offline version for some operating systems.
• Key Features:
  • Free and very beginner-friendly. It is specifically designed for 3D printing.
  • Offers Boolean operations (union, subtract, intersect), basic fillets, and chamfers.
  • Direct STL export for 3D printing.
  • Intuitive interface and minimal learning curve.
  • Supports basic 3D model importing and exporting (STL, SVG, and more).
  • Extensive online tutorials and help resources.
• Why It Fits Your Needs: While it's primarily an online tool, it has a limited offline functionality available, which could work for your course. It’s straightforward for beginners and great for introducing 3D printing concepts. The tools for modeling are very user-friendly, and it includes features like Booleans.

Download: TinkerCAD

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3. Blender​

• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
• Key Features:
  • Completely free and open-source.
  • Supports STL export for 3D printing.
  • Advanced Boolean operations, fillets, and chamfers (though somewhat more technical).
  • Great for both beginners and advanced users. It has a steep learning curve but plenty of online tutorials.
  • Extensive documentation and a large active community, making it easier to find help and tutorials.
  • Works offline without requiring an internet connection after installation.
• Why It Fits Your Needs: Blender is a powerful tool that can create professional-level 3D models. Although it’s mainly used for animation, it also has extensive modeling capabilities suited for 3D printing. The learning curve might be a challenge for absolute beginners, but given your experience and the availability of online resources, it should be manageable.

Download: Blender

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4. Meshmixer​

• Platforms: Windows, Mac
• Key Features:
  • Free and designed specifically for 3D printing.
  • Focuses on mesh-based modeling, which is great for modifying existing STL files.
  • Supports Boolean operations and simple mesh editing features like chamfers and fillets.
  • Very beginner-friendly, intuitive interface, and designed with 3D printing in mind.
  • Offline mode; no need for an internet connection after installation.
  • Plenty of tutorials and a helpful online community.
• Why It Fits Your Needs: Meshmixer is perfect for editing existing 3D files (e.g., modifying STL files) and performing common operations like merging meshes. It has support for Boolean operations, though not as advanced as FreeCAD or Blender. It’s extremely easy to use and great for beginners.

Download: Meshmixer

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5. LibreCAD​

• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
• Key Features:
  • Free and open-source.
  • Primarily 2D, but can import and export DXF files for 3D work.
  • Suitable for those who focus on CAD and technical drawings before moving to 3D modeling.
  • Does not handle 3D modeling well, but can support the creation of 3D models in a way that is compatible with other software for 3D printing (combined with FreeCAD, for example).
  • Offline use with no internet requirements.
• Why It Fits Your Needs: While not a full 3D modeling program, LibreCAD can be useful for 2D-based modeling work and can complement tools like FreeCAD for the 3D printing workflow.

Download: LibreCAD

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Final Recommendation:​

Given your specific needs, FreeCAD and TinkerCAD stand out as the best candidates. FreeCAD offers robust 3D modeling tools, including Booleans and mesh editing, and is completely free and offline. It can be a bit daunting for beginners, but it has an active community and plenty of resources. TinkerCAD is incredibly simple and easy for beginners, but its offline capabilities are more limited unless you rely on the web version.

If you're looking for something with more professional-grade tools and don’t mind a bit of a learning curve, FreeCAD is probably your best option. If you're aiming for simplicity and ease of use, TinkerCAD would be a great place to start, especially for an introductory course in 3D printing.

 

[Mr Man]

😂tinkercad 🤣🤣🤣🤣 It is starting to get better though.

 

[Mr Man]

But I would put it on the bottom of the list.

 

[SP0NZ]

As someone who has been in the design field for 30+ years, this exercise has helped me to realize that in a few years I will no longer have access to the expensive design software that I am accustomed to using. I downloaded FreeCAD yesterday and started playing around with it. I am impressed with it's capabilities so far.

 

[Merv]

I have been using the free version of Fusion 360 for a couple of years now. It has a learning curve but I'm over the hump. It's extremely capable & I highly recommend it.

 

[Mr Man]

I have been using the free version of Fusion 360 for a couple of years now. It has a learning curve but I'm over the hump. It's extremely capable & I highly recommend it.

Yep, I still use fusion for 3d printing.

 

[tamuct01]

I taught myself enough Fusion to be dangerous with a 3D printer and a CNC router. I'd stick with Fusion or SolidWorks. They both offer hobby tiers and are industry leaders. My next would be OnShape. They seem to be growing in popularity and it doesn't seem to take a PhD to understand. My $0.02. I'm sure others have different ideas.

 

[Mr Man]

I taught myself enough Fusion to be dangerous with a 3D printer and a CNC router. I'd stick with Fusion or SolidWorks. They both offer hobby tiers and are industry leaders. My next would be OnShape. They seem to be growing in popularity and it doesn't seem to take a PhD to understand. My $0.02. I'm sure others have different ideas.

Agreed! It all really depends on what you’re using it for.👍

 

[Flying Monkey fab]

taught myself enough Fusion to be dangerous with a 3D printer and a CNC router

And laser cutter! The world is my oyster.

 

[Mr Man]

And laser cutter! The world is my oyster.

It’d be nice to have one.