Graphics / Drawing softwares
1. Thinker CAD
Tinker cad is an easy, browser-based 3D design and modeling tool for all and it allows users to imagine anything and then design it in minutes.
2. Wings 3D
Wings 3D brings to life your designs, drawings and illustration in 3D. It is a powerful advanced subdivision modeler program that is easy to use. It features a wide range of modeling tools, support for lights and materials, built in AutoUV mapping facility, a customizable interface and more.
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Alternative to: 3D Studio Max
3. Autodesk 123D
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The Autodesk 123D community is a place to design, create and share anything. No matter your technical skills and experience, you will always have a place to get the latest tools and information to support your adventures in 3D printing.
4. CAD
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Computer Aided Design (CAD) is the use of computer software to facilitate the generation, modification, and optimization of a part or a compilation of parts. Using software to facilitate part design allows for higher precision, simpler and more accurate design iterations, and comprehensive documentation for part and/or project management (e.g. integration with a traditional Bill of Materials or BoM). There are a number of vendors that provide CAD software. At Creative Mechanisms we use Solidworks. Some of the benefits of CAD over traditional drafting and/or 3-D model making include the following:
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CAD allows for the ability to conduct Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM). For example, integrating CAD technology with Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines or Additive Manufacturing processes (3D printers) e.g. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) machines.
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CAD takes into account material properties and interactivity characteristics between different materials.
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CAD allows for highly accurate dimensional analysis and mathematical scalability using vector graphic technology (digital images based on mathematical formulas).
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CAD provides highly precise part tolerance (much lower margin of error between parts).
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CAD for Static Mechanical Design or Mechanical Design Automation (MDA): One of the enormous benefits of CAD software is the ability to automate 3D imagery and integrate different pieces of the same product in tandem with one another.
5. FlatCam
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FlatCAM lets you take your designs to a CNC router. You can open Gerber, Excellon or G-code, edit it or create from scatch, and output G-Code. Isolation routing is one of many tasks that FlatCAM is perfect for. It's is open source, written in Python and runs smoothly on most platforms.
6. OpenScad
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OpenSCAD is a free software application for creating solid 3D CAD (computer-aided design) objects. It is a script-only based modeller that uses its own description language; parts can be previewed, but it cannot be interactively selected or modified by mouse in the 3D view. An OpenSCAD script specifies geometric primitives (such as spheres, boxes, cylinders, etc.) and defines how they are modified and combined (for instance by intersection, difference, envelope combination and Minkowski sums) to render a 3D model. As such, the program does constructive solid geometry (CSG).
Operating System: Windows, Linux and OS X.
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Use:
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OpenSCAD allows a designer to create accurate 3D models and parametric designs that can be easily adjusted by changing the parameters.
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OpenSCAD documents are human-readable scripts in plain ASCII text.
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As such, OpenSCAD is a programmer-oriented solid-modeling tool and has been recommended as an entry-level CAD tool for designing open-source hardware such as scientific tools for research and education.
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It is mostly used to design 3D printed parts, which are exported in STL format.
Other open sources Graphics / Drawing software:
Archimedes, Matter Machine, On Shape, Maxon, Tux paint, Pencil, sketch up