Free Solidworks alternative?

MiniCouper · Post by **MiniCouper** » Fri Oct 09, 2020 8:39 am

Hi, I would like to do a bit of CAD modelling for a modelling project I'm about to start. I used to work with Solidedge and have also used Solidworks. But I don't have a license for either and can't justify buying one.

Anyone know of anything available free? Links?

Dave54 · Post by **Dave54** » Fri Oct 09, 2020 5:09 pm

I use FreeCad.
https://www.freecadweb.org/

TBH, it's the only one I have used. I'm a great supporter of the use of open source software.

I've been using it for around 12 months now. Plenty of YouTube tutorials, online help, and a good user forum.

MiniCouper · Post by **MiniCouper** » Fri Oct 09, 2020 6:51 pm

That looks perfect. Thank you.

Bob225 · Post by **Bob225** » Fri Oct 09, 2020 6:52 pm

I use fusion 360 what is free for home use it's very versatile takes a bit of learning but then it does flow, plenty of tutorials online and a great support community, i have been using it 5 plus years

SMW - Saunders Machine Works has some very good vids

https://www.autodesk.co.uk/products/fusion-360/personal

It can even generate renders

: yaris_pod2.png (116.5 KiB) Viewed 4463 times

3D print

: IMG_1471.JPG (33.66 KiB) Viewed 4463 times

stanleypon · Post by **stanleypon** » Wed Jan 20, 2021 11:30 am

Great suggestions. Thanks!

ahfix · Post by **ahfix** » Wed Jan 20, 2021 5:40 pm

Bob225 wrote: ↑Fri Oct 09, 2020 6:52 pm I use fusion 360 what is free for home use it's very versatile takes a bit of learning but then it does flow, plenty of tutorials online and a great support community, i have been using it 5 plus years

SMW - Saunders Machine Works has some very good vids

<a href="https://www.autodesk.co.uk/products/fusion-360/personal" class="skimlinks-unlinked" data-skimwords-word="https%3A%2F%2Fwww.autodesk.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Ffusion-360%2Fpersonal" data-skim-creative="500005" title="" style="">https://www.autodesk.co.uk/products/fus ... ersonal</a>

It can even generate renders

yaris_pod2.png

3D print

IMG_1471.JPG

Cup holder or knuckle duster ?

Which 3D printer do you have?

ah

Bob225 · Post by **Bob225** » Wed Jan 20, 2021 7:33 pm

Its a triple gauge pod - sold the prototype

Printer - Ultimaker 2+ with upgrades they have shot up in price over the last few years since I got mine

My first printer was Prusa I3 - that was a major learning curve

ahfix · Post by **ahfix** » Wed Jan 20, 2021 9:29 pm

I've been looking at the creality ender v3 which seems to be the go to printer for newbies.

The ultimaker waay out of my league just now!

ah

Dave54 · Post by **Dave54** » Wed Jan 20, 2021 9:42 pm

ahfix wrote: ↑Wed Jan 20, 2021 9:29 pm I've been looking at the creality ender v3 which seems to be the go to printer for newbies.

The ultimaker waay out of my league just now!

ah

I've got an Ender 5 + which was pretty good out of the box. The Ender 3 is supposed to be a good machine to start on as you say.
It's all a bit of a learning curve though to start with whichever machine you have.
One thing about the Ender is it's common, so there's lots of knowledge and support online. Cheap spares, and plenty of mods to print on the likes of Thingiverse.