Looking for a recommendation for further design software.

[curious aardvark]

I keep hitting facet limitations on openscad.
So I'm looking for a free (so don't say rhino, autocad etc) design program with parametric abilities that doesn't fall over at 6000+ facets.
You try designing a golf ball or pin-board in openscad - just can't be done - at least I don't know how to do it without killing openscad in the process.
The more I look at the parent child command the less It makes sense.

So I need an easy to use cad program - that doesn't require any native artistic skills and can produce complex iterations at a pinch.

It also needs to be downloadable as the wifi in my workshop isn't brilliant and having to use web based packages just isn't going to do the job.
Does it exist ?
And if so - what's it called and where do i get it from :-)

[Sebastian Finke]

Good free programs are Designspark, 123D and Creo Elements... or so I've heard. I don't use them personally (I do use Creo 2.0 Parametric at work, along with Geomagic and Catia, but apparently it is very different from Creo Elements). I don't that they can only save as native format and stl, you won't be able to export as stp, igs, x_t, etc.

Good luck and would love to hear feedback on which you chose, why and how it works for you!

[curious aardvark]

Good free programs are Designspark, 123D and Creo Elements... or so I've heard. I don't use them personally (I do use Creo 2.0 Parametric at work, along with Geomagic and Catia, but apparently it is very different from Creo Elements). I don't that they can only save as native format and stl, you won't be able to export as stp, igs, x_t, etc.

Good luck and would love to hear feedback on which you chose, why and how it works for you!

I only want stl files :-)

DesignSpark PCB is a free-of-charge schematic capture and PCB layout tool for electronics design automation (EDA), for use by professional electronics design engineers, hobbyists, educators and students.[

well that's out.

creo elements:

Download this free 3D CAD software and create assemblies with up to 60 unique parts.

Hmm, I want something that'll handle hundreds of unique parts.
Might be useful for other things though - I'll look at it :-)

the autodesk stuff is all online and facebook linked. That just makes me shudder.

I know, I know, I'm a fussy bastard.

[Sebastian Finke]

See here:

DesignSpark Mechanical. This is a free MCAD package, exactly what you want.

Autodesk 123D. This version is downloadable, not online. And is very popular.

Creo Elements. I use Creo Parametric 2.0 at work along with Catia and Geomagic Design. While Elements is quite different from its big brother I can assure you that PTC make very powerful software.

All of the above save in native format and export stl's too, again exactly what you want.

[Sebastian Finke]

I should add that if you ever feel like buying a CAD package then I highly recommend Cubify Invent ($50) and Cubify Design ($200).

[curious aardvark]

I've got no problem acquiring commercial software. I just find that opensource is generally better written and easier to use.

And i do mean a lot. The golfball needs at least 3-400 and the pinboard was probably 1200 or so for the one it wouldn't let me render.

[Roxy]

I've got no problem acquiring commercial software. I just find that opensource is generally better written and easier to use.

And... If you want a change, you don't have to beg the company to do it. You can dig in and make it happen.

[Sebastian Finke]

I've got no problem acquiring commercial software. I just find that opensource is generally better written and easier to use.

The opensource software I have tried has led me to believe differently but each to his own...

[curious aardvark]

Or to put it another way: I don't need a 10 ton steam hammer to crack a hazelnut.

Just want something simple to use that will get me round the limitations of openscad when it comes to a lot of iterated shapes.

[Wolfie]

Or to put it another way: I don't need a 10 ton steam hammer to crack a hazelnut.

Maybe not but I suspect the 10 ton steam hammer would be a lot more fun than a pair of pliers.