FreeCAD is an opensource parametric modeler. The new version was long overdue and it solves some important usability issues.
NRK comments on BlenderArtists:
It has been a long time since they've put out a new version and I tried to use 0.13 and I couldn't use it due to bugs. I tried this latest release and WOW! I have years of experience with Pro-E and Solidworks and Free CAD is actually usable now! For those that do not know... this is a parametric modeler and is fundamentally different than blender in that geometry is 'built' one operation at a time and you can go back and edit any of these operations at any time. Free CAD is a manifold modeler in that all geometry is enclosed so the software knows the inside and outside of a part. It is also dimension driven allowing you to edit dimensions to alter your geometry at any time. The software is meant for mechanical engineers, but has a LOT of development in architectural realm as well. It has a LOT of import export capability. Unfortunately the Assembly mode is still under development and has bugs, but once these have been ironed out the real power of parametric modelling will come into play and this package will be amazing.
3 Comments
hope so
FreeCAD got me out of a very tight spot when an external source could only give me files in formats Blender couldn't understand (IGES, STP). FreeCAD imported some very large models and exported nice STL files for Blender. It even lets you choose Blender 3D view navigation controls. FreeCAD is a beacon of hope (just like Blender) in an area dominated by crazy multi-thousand dollar per-user per-year licences.
The issues freecad has is usability i used solidworks 2003 -04-05-06 and it(freecad) is an absolute unnessaccery ( I never spell this word right) click fest to get anything done
EG in sw click on plane draw profile click extrude simple and intuitive click surface click sketch do the sketch click cut extrude either enter cut depth or up to chosen surface easy !!
I think freecad has ENORMOUS potential but alot more intelligence needs to be built in to make it really useable.
To the developers I Want you to succeed for this is the type of freeware that im very interested in
it is a good learning tool for my 2.5 year old son to grow up on ( hes crazy about anything with wheels)
So I encourage you to observe how other software does the same or similar things and use the kiss (keep it simple stupid) system when you do improve it .
If i had a clue when it came to coding stuff i would help but i struggle to use microsoft word hahaha
this is not a rant this is an excited user wanting great things;)