What free CAD software is available for 3D printing?

Before you can 3D print a part, you must model it: this design step is essential and can be carried out using various tools, including CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. It allows you to create any shape, whether you are starting from scratch or starting with an existing model. The majority of these 3D software options also offer functionality to modify a 3D model, visualize it or simulate it before printing. As you can see, each CAD software has its own peculiarities and will suit the needs of novice or expert. So how should one choose from the multitude of tools available on the market today? We’ll get you one Overview of available free CAD software solutions, with which you can test different options without investing any money. Some providers also provide premium versions: some functions are then free, but if you want access to more specific tools, you have to pay a subscription. We have therefore divided our selection into two areas: the 100% free software and the premium software. You should know that there is also free CAD software for specific profiles (Fusion 360 for individuals, CATIA for students). We intentionally did not include them in our list.

Free CAD software

BlocksCAD

This free CAD software was designed primarily for beginners and the educational sector. It is easier to use than OpenSCAD and therefore it is recommended to start with BlocksCAD. The platform works similar to LEGO parts: you add or remove building blocks of different shapes to get the final part. You then need to export the file in STL format so you can 3D print it. If you want to design more technical and complex models in the future, you need to switch to OpenSCAD, which is the advanced version of BlocksCAD.

LeoCAD

If you are a LEGO fan, then LeoCAD is the perfect CAD program for you. This free CAD software is aimed at beginners and people who want to discover 3D modeling. It allows you to design models using LEGO bricks. The software has a design mode that makes the program more accessible for children and makes LeoCAD one of the most important software for educational purposes. In addition, the program allows you to create and model relatively large models that require many parts. Finally, LeoCAD is open-source and offers its users the possibility to share their models.

3D Builder, Microsoft’s free CAD software

Created in November 2013, 3D Builder is Microsoft’s 3D modeling software. 3D Builder is compatible with Microsoft PCs and systems (Windows Mobiles, Xbox One and Windows Hololense) and is 100% free. The CAD software includes a wide range of 3D models that you can download for free through the interface. For the creative among you, the software from Microsoft offers the creation of 3D models. This is relatively intuitive: Simple geometric shapes can be added, overlaid or crossed. Another option very appreciated by users is the possibility to scan objects that they want to 3D print with their smartphone.

TinkerCAD

Tinkercad by Autodesk is CAD software suitable for all levels. Tinkercad is easy to learn and used by teachers, beginners and designers. It can be used from any web browser. Launched in 2011 and acquired by Autodesk two years later, the software uses Solid Construction Geometry to create models. These can be saved in 3 different formats (STL, OBJ and SVG) and are therefore compatible with 3D printing. Finally, Autodesk software also allows the creation of electrical circuits and the creation of computer code.

FreeCAD

FreeCAD modeling software is designed to design objects of any size. FreeCAD is open source and suitable for all types of users, from beginners to designers. The free CAD software can export files in many formats (STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DEX, OBJ, IFC, DAE) and is compatible with Microsoft Windows, Linux and Mac. Mainly intended for mechanical construction, it is also used in other areas such as product design or architecture. The latest version of the free CAD software is 0.19.1, dated March 20, 2021.

The free CAD software OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD runs on Linux, Mac and Microsoft Windows and is more technically oriented software, as it relies on its own scripts and thus its own description language. It allows users to create 2D and 3D objects for 3D printing. OpenSCAD offers the possibility to export files in AMF, CSG, OFF, DXF and STL formats. The software is known for its ability to create designs for machine parts.

MeshMixer

Like TinkerCAD, MeshMixer is free CAD software provided by Autodesk. Available for Microsoft Windows and Mac, MeshMixer is designed for editing and designing 3D models. For example, it offers editing tools for hollowing out models. The great quality of this software lies in its accessibility. You don’t have to be a pro to use MeshMixer and get models with precise details – especially since there are many models in the software’s archives.

Free CAD software with a paid version

SketchUp

Originally intended for architects, SketchUp is free CAD software with a premium version. The free version, formerly called SketchUp Make, is now called SketchUp Free and is available through any web browser. SketchUp comes with a library of models and 10GB of storage space. As for the peculiarities of the paid version, they mainly concern the terrain modeling and rendering functions. For example, with SketchUp Pro you can: B. create immersive animations and have special tools for terrain modeling. It is offered at a price of €250 per year. Last but not least, there is also a final version of SketchUp intended for makers and designers. With it, just like on the Pro version, you can have unlimited cloud hosting. All these versions have the possibility of exporting files in STL format and are therefore compatible with 3D printing. This version is called SketchUp Shop and is available at a price of €100 per year.

Leopoly 3D

Designed for 3D Printing, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, Leopoly 3D offers a free and paid version. The Makersleopoly platform, available on web browsers, is considered by many to be a great way to get started with 3D modeling. Users can start with modeling clay or use existing models. It is of course also possible to export files in STL and OBJ format for printing. In addition, Leopoly 3D offers all interested parties to make an appointment with an expert so that he can determine their exact needs and the required functions. This results in a tailor-made price.

NanoCAD

The next free CAD software is NanoCAD. This provides its users with various design tools. Thanks to its functionalities, it allows the construction of simple and complex models intended for model making or construction. In addition, thanks to the parametric modeling principle, old constructions can be modified and modeled according to the needs of the user. However, for those who want to go further and benefit from more features, the Plus version of NanoCAD is available from €150.

OnShape

Founded in 2012 by two former SolidWorks CEOs, OnShape is CAD software. The strength of OnShape lies in the ability for users to collaborate on the same model via web servers. The platform offers various functionalities such as parts lists, configuration, data management and of course collaboration. Thanks to the cloud-based system, users can use OnShape on multiple devices (computer, tablet, phone). There are different versions of OnShape available on Mac PC, Linux and Chromebook. The standard version, which costs €1,260 per year, is for anyone who needs CAD software for collaborating and managing data. For those who want the professional version of the software, it is available for €1,766 per year.

Which free CAD software would you use? Feel free to leave us a comment, or let us know what you think on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIN or Xing. Would you also like to receive a summary of the most important news in 3D printing and additive manufacturing directly and conveniently in your mailbox? Then register now for our weekly newsletter.

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