If you are a college graduate or entrepreneur who don’t wants to invest in 3D CAD software. But still require cad software for 3D cad modeling, reviewing cad design etc. In this scenario free CAD software can be a good choice. Various free cad software are available in market.
We suggest you to read this article on essential software for mechanical engineers.
Fusion 360 ( free cad software for students and startup)
Fusion 360 is a professional Cloud Based 3D CAD, CAM and CAE tool that connects entire product development process. This tool gives you the power to test fit and motion, Perform simulation create assemblies, Make renders and animations.
Note : For students, startup and Hobbyist fusion 360 software is available free.
| Overview | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows, macOS | ||
| Price | Free (for Students and startups) | ||
| Format | catpart, dwg, dxf, f3d, igs, obj, pdf, sat, sldprt, STL, stp | ||
| Cloud Based | Yes | ||
| Applications | Professional Use, Free for Startups and students | ||
| Other Features | CAD, CAM, CAE | ||
| Website Link | Autodesk Fusion 360 | ||
SketchUp Free
Sketchup, is a 3D modeling CAD tool primarily used for building design and construction in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. It is also widely used in the entertainment industry.
| Overview | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows, macOS | ||
| Price | Free (with limited functionality) | ||
| Format | .skp, stl, png | ||
| Browser Based | Yes | ||
| Applications | architecture, engineering and construction industry | ||
| Photo-realistic Render | Limited | ||
| Website Link | Sketchup Free | ||
3D Slash
Its Fun to use 3D slash, Learning curve is small. You can generate output files in stl format, that can be used for 3D printing. 3D slash can be used online as well as offline.
| Overview | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows, macOS, Linux | ||
| Price | Free (pro is also available) | ||
| Format | 3dslash, stl, obj | ||
| Browser Based | Yes | ||
| Applications | Hobbyist, Kids | ||
| Photo-realistic Render | No | ||
| Website Link | 3D Slash | ||
FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler made primarily to design real-life objects of any size. Parametric modeling allows you to easily modify your design by going back into your model history and changing its parameters. FreeCAD is available free to download.
| FreeCAD Overview | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows, macOS | ||
| Price | Free (Opensource) | ||
| Format | fcstd | ||
| Browser Based | no | ||
| Applications | Architects, Interior Designers | ||
| Photo-realistic Render | Yes | ||
| Website Link | FreeCAD | ||
Onshape is a cloud based CAD, data management collaboration tool. It is also available in android and ios app. It is very advanced tool that helps in modernizing complete design process.
| Onshape Overview | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Browser based, Android and ios app | ||
| Price | Free (students and non professionals) | ||
| Format | |||
| Browser Based | Yes | ||
| Applications | Professionals | ||
| Photo-realistic Render | No | ||
| Website Link | onshape | ||
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a startup and don’t want to invest in costly cad software. You can use these free cad software. For some of these software pro version is also available. But are still have low cost and some of them are cloud based. Cloud based software does not require high investment in hardware.
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