The software you need to use when designing a 3D printed part depends entirely on what the part is. The complexity of your object will really affect your final choice. CAD software is often used to create industrial objects that contain more or less complex mechanisms. 3D modeling software is preferred when you need more artistic and conceptual freedom – historically used in the computer game and animation industries. But what exactly is CAD software? The acronym stands for Computer-Aided Design and indicates that it facilitates the generation, modification and optimization of a style for a part or some more or less complex parts. CAD software can be very specific, whether it is industrial, mechanical, architectural or aerospace engineering design. Today we will focus on the CAD software used to model future 3D printed parts. Because of the many features the software can have, we’ve broken it down by skill level – beginner, intermediate, professional.
CAD software for beginners
Currently for sale in 16 languages, the program is based on a block structure that allows you to create models from a set of basic shapes – cylinders, triangles, circles, cones, etc. Tinkercad also offers other features such as adding electronic circuits or writing programs. It’s really a rather simplistic program that can have limitations for many designs. However, it is great for someone new to 3D modeling.
FreeCAD is truly a completely free parametric 3D modeling tool that is open-source and allows you to design real-world objects of any size. A parametric component makes editing easier. You can go to your model history and change the parameters to get a different model. This software is not made for professional purposes, but it is actually a good training tool. However, remember that it integrates several functions that the user must learn to refine in order to find a way to properly set up the tool. So it’s not the easiest software for beginners to pick up, but it does have the advantage of being free and open source.
BlocksCAD has been specifically designed for educational purposes, especially for use in the classroom. It was developed to ensure that its users could later easily use OpenSCAD, a much more professional CAD software. The commands for developing objects and transforming them are actually represented by colored blocks that resemble LEGOs to make them more kid-friendly. BlocksCAD’s code is fully compatible with OpenSCAD’s to help you put the finishing touches on your models. To ensure that anyone can learn how to use the software, BlocksCAD has a Youtube channel with various 3D modeling tutorials.
CAD software for intermediate users
CREATE
Creo is truly a 3D CAD solution that focuses on rapid product innovation to enable better products to be realized faster. CAD software is known to be easy to use and guides the user from the initial design to the production of the final product and beyond. By using Creo, powerful functions can be combined with new technologies such as generative design, augmented reality and, needless to say, additive manufacturing. Creo thus represents the ideal CAD software that promises higher competitive advantages and market share.
Cost: $2,310 for a typical license; A 30-day trial can be obtained for free.
Solid Edge is truly CAD software that is easy to use and has even simpler features, making it ideal for both beginners and professionals. Originally released in 1996 by Intergraph and later sold and distributed by Siemens, the program has been refined over time and is now a reliable choice for many users in a variety of industries. Solid Edge uses its own synchronous technology. This modeling technique combines parametric and direct modeling, increasing simplicity while providing high-level control with the help of history-based modeling. In addition, conventional parametric and direct modeling is still possible. Other strengths of the program include its graphical user interface with artificial intelligence, overall high processing speed, and cloud capabilities that allow you to use CAD from any device. For the latest version 2022, the developers have added many more improvements that support modern product development processes enabling greater resource utilization and new ways of working.
- From beginner to professional
– Prices vary by version, starting at $75/month
Fusion 360
Autodesk’s Fusion 360 program includes a cloud-based software platform. It is especially useful for product design and 3D modeling, CAD, CAM and PCB. The ability to work online allows design teams to meet and collaborate on complex projects at exactly the same time. In addition to storing the entire process history, it offers various design options, including modeling of free, solid and lattice structures. Additionally, it ensures manufacturability using simulation and generative design tools. If you intend to save your design for 3D printing, you can use Fusion 360 to export it to formats like STL or OBJ. To work with Fusion 360, you need to know that a fixed monthly subscription is required. It is among the leading CAD software that users choose for its versatility and functionality. You can learn about the latest features of this system in 2022 in the video below:
Price: $60/month or $495/year
4D_Additive
4D_Additive, produced by the Franco-German company CoreTechnologie, is a computer software that offers its users the ability to repair all forms of models and enables modeling in precise geometry. With its numerous features for optimized CAD model preparation, 4D_Additive also offers, for example, analysis functions that can determine the best orientation of the part and fill the printing plate in a great way. With the ability to export models in .3mf, .amf, .obj and .stl formats, CoreTechnology software also enables the use of over 5,000 surface textures and a wide variety of By regularly updating, 4D_Additive evolves year after year.
CAD Computer software for specialists
SolidWorks
Printed by Dassault Systèmes and often used by skilled 3D designers. It is truly a parametric feature-based model. The software includes a wide range of features, such as style verification or reverse engineering tools. It is used for professional items. It is really realistic and detailed. One of its unique features is that, unlike vastly different computer software that mimics curves through gently sloping smooth structures, Solidworks runs on the NURBS process. This system makes it possible to create truly stepped curvature. It also uses dimensional drawing, unlike polygonal modeling, so resizing is much less difficult. One problem that users of the application often mention can be the limited ability to transfer .STL files. A second plan will most likely be required if you want to download and edit .STL documents. The fsormat record is very much a production record format and may not be intended for post-design processing.
– Professional level
– One certificate is $3,995
AutoCAD
Autodesk’s AutoCAD application was among the first CAD applications to be released in 1982, making it a truly recognized CAD application across industries. Although AutoCAD is common and trusted, its adoption in 3D printing has decreased recently, according to a survey by i.materialise. Many consumers report that while it is great for 2D compositing, it may not be the easiest to use for 3D modeling. The training curve for mastering macros and programs is certainly high when it comes to getting past the simple parts. The software is aimed at professionals with knowledge of algorithmic development models. When you have this skill yourself, there’s little you can’t do with AutoCAD. 3D models can be routinely transformed into STL documents for 3D printing. Because in 2010, AutoCAD was released as effectively for mobile and web application called AutoCAD 360.
– Qualified phase
– From $185/month or $1,470/year
– A free and fully functional variation to obtain for pupils and faculties.
CATIA
CATIA is among the world’s leading product design and knowledge solutions, used by arguably the most respected businesses across industries to create the products we see and use every day. CATIA’s CAD solution enables system architects, engineers, developers and construction professionals to create models in the cloud, removing the limitations required by standard job distribution methods.
– Skilled level
– Starting value around $10,000
OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is a computer software used to create stable 3D CAD models. It is completely free and can be obtained for GNU/Linux, Microsoft Windows and Mac OS. Unlike many free 3D modeling programs (such as the well-known Blender), OpenSCAD does not pay attention to the artistic areas of 3D modeling, but instead focuses on CAD factors. So it’s an excellent choice if you want to develop 3D models of machine elements, but it’s probably not an ideal application if you’re interested in creating computer-animated movies. OpenSCAD is fully focused on the description language, so this program is difficult for all consumers and we recommend its use to professionals.
– Qualified stage
- Free, release
rhinoceros
Rhino is known for being a remarkably adaptable 3D modeler. The commercial 3D computer art and CAD application uses a specific and mathematical model called NURB, which allows consumers to manipulate details, curves, meshes, surfaces, shades and significantly more. One of the best features of Rhino3D is its wide range of design features. Since upgrading to variant 7, consumers may also be able to create natural patterns with the freshly included SubD tools. These tools work perfectly with yet another new Variant 7 called Quadmesh, which allows consumers to create quad meshes from existing areas, shade other meshes, and the new Sub-D, a new type of geometry that can create designs more accurately than before. The software can be obtained in many different packages on the web at different prices.
– Qualified stage
– Includes various packages; Rhino 7 starts at $995 per month for Windows and Mac
Siemens NX
Siemens is not really a multinational conglomerate and may be known for additive manufacturing among the largest commercial manufacturing companies in the world. Therefore, it will come as no surprise that the organization is introducing its own built-in CAD software. Indeed, this qualified provision combines CAD, CAM and CAE in a single application with different features considering the price. The trading company notes that it has been designed to assist all aspects of product development from basic design (with CAD) through engineering and manufacturing, as the integral toolset simplifies the entire process.
– Qualified stage
– From $3,444
Designer from Autodesk
The CAD application Designer from Autodesk is a really efficient application designed for technical designing and is therefore a specialized software for 3D designing, paperwork in addition to product simulation. Designer is computer software that uses a combination of parametric, primal, free-form and rule-based design functions to provide the consumer with integrated tools for designing steel plates, bodies, piping and performance. Designer allows you to create efficient models thanks to specific toolsets and in addition to take advantage of design automation thanks to iLogic. In addition to trading ideas in a secure cloud service, this CAD application also allows you to text models with incoming client data.