If I want to design my own part for 3D printing, rather than print something from a library, what CAD packages do I have to choose from and any recommendations?
Thanks,
Dave
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There are many.
Easy stuff and very inexpensive CAD programs are hard to come by these days. I found some 3D Modeling that can export to .stl or .stp files with ease but like with all programs, there is a medium learning curve.
Alibre Atom3D comes to mind. I use it at times. It is inexpensive and can handle the 3D modeling aspect to builds and export in .stl and .stp formatted files.
Outside of Alibre, I use Fusion from Autodesk. They have some non-commercial licenses.
They are somewhat difficult to find at times but if you search their website long enough, you will come across them.
But, if they catch you using it for commercial products, there is some type of catch 22 and you may be fined. I forget now what I read from their lengthy agreement “labeling.”
Seth
P.S. I once purchased a reasonably priced CorelCAD product but never really got it to work well enough to summarize a good response from myself. I always had to reinstall it and it is now EOL. The company that purchased CorelCAD is offering a good deal on CAD. The new CAD from the purchaser of CorelCAD is listed here: Official Offer for CorelCAD Users – Transition to ARES® Now
Also, the Alibre site for Atom3D can be found here: Alibre Atom 3D | 3D CAD for Hobbyists
In any light here, there are tons of them. From basic modeling to end use cases, 3D CAD programs are plenty.
I use Autodesk Inventor at work and I can also use that license at home. Some people at work are running FreeCAD, they can send me STEP files of their creations to print which seems to work.
Hello dmm153,
And now for something completely different …
CAD in a different form with bit of a learning curve…Openscad… it is FREE.
You will find there are many 3D designs “.stl” files on websites to print.
There are free tutorials and a manual plus extra module libraries to be found and it is opensource .
Cheers.
If you can get your head around the odd workflow there is also the free opensource Blender that has many add-ons.
Thanks Bonfireman, Autodesk, FreeCAD, and Blender. I’ve also noticed TinkerCAD is free and used by some videographers who 3D print. I appreciate your response!
Thanks R., for the Openscad suggestion. Tutorials are definitely my next stop! Best…
Hey Seth, thanks for the Alibre Atom3D suggestion and the link. I’ve had experience with AutoDesk products, and it seems to me I falls into both categories, expensive and hard to use. I’ll start with the free stuff and go from there.
Best regards… Dave