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07-06-2015, 06:28 AM #1
Looking for a recommendation for further design software.
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 :-)
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07-06-2015, 07:53 AM #2
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!
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07-07-2015, 02:00 PM #3
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.[
creo elements:Download this free 3D CAD software and create assemblies with up to 60 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.
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07-07-2015, 11:06 PM #4
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.
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07-06-2015, 07:59 AM #5
I should add that if you ever feel like buying a CAD package then I highly recommend Cubify Invent ($50) and Cubify Design ($200).
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07-06-2015, 01:40 PM #6
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.Last edited by curious aardvark; 07-06-2015 at 03:50 PM.
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07-06-2015, 02:31 PM #7
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07-06-2015, 03:17 PM #8
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07-06-2015, 03:42 PM #9
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.
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07-07-2015, 02:05 PM #10
Please explain to me how to...
05-13-2024, 03:08 PM in 3D Printer Parts, Filament & Materials