In the examples so far we looked at shapes that are square and based on precisely measured objects. In a parametric software the position of the legs will automatically be adjusted as they reference the edge of the table rather than an absolute length.ĭoes the software support artistic sculpting? If you design a table in a non-parametric software and decrease the size of the table top you have to manually adjust the table legs. We will see that some CAD systems are better or worse in the assembly of several parts.ĭoes the software offer parametric designs?Īn important question is if your software is able to create a parametric design. Several objects that are positioned relative to one another. This table is a multi part object as it consists of 4 legs and a tabletop. In woodworking most of the time you will work with projects that have a lot of parts. If you work with a 3D program some are better designing a single parts.įor CNC work or 3dprinting you will most of the time be focused on an individual partĪnd have less of a focus on the connection between a lot of individual pieces.ĭoes the software support the design of multi part assemblies in a good way? Does the software support the design of single parts in a good way?

If 2 dimensions are not enough you are looking for a system that can model things in threeĭimensions so you can plan a woodworking project or create a shape for 3D printing. Or a vinyl plotter – so everything where we have no thickness but only 2 dimensions. To transfer to your material or that would enable you to create shapes for a lasercutter

The first any maybe most important differenceīetween CAD systems is if you are looking for a 2d model that could serve as a template Let’s look at the criteria that we will use in the second part to judge the different At the end we will talk about what software we use for 3D printing, woodworking, laser cutting, and other tasks. In this article we first talk about the criteria that are important for us when it comes to a free CAD software and then talk about some of the software solutions we are using and their advantages and challenges. In this article we discuss free CAD software for makers.

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