Looking for a recommendation for further design software.

[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.