What is the current state of “free” professional CAD tools for 3D modeling?
There are countless CAD systems available, each specializing in one aspect of modeling or another. In the 3D printing world many people seek the ability to design mechanical parts, which typically requires a parametric-style CAD system.
There are several professional-grade CAD tools that can be used for this purpose, including Autodesk Fusion 360, SOLIDWORKS, Siemens NX, Siemens Solid Edge, and many others. The problem is that they tend to rather expensive. That’s not surprising, in that these tools are typically used by big manufacturers to design highly complex parts and systems. They gladly pay for the capabilities.
That leaves desktop 3D printer operators in a situation where they may not be able to afford a paid professional CAD tool license. Some opt for free alternatives, such as FreeCAD (or the better Ondsel), Tinkercad, OpenSCAD, or even Blender with some CAD plugins. All of these have issues for some or many users, which might include limited functionality or difficultly to learn or even set up.
There are ways to use professional CAD tools at low or even no cost, however. Many of the big CAD players offer reduced pricing for student or community versions. Let’s take a look at the major options.
Siemens Solid Edge
Solid Edge is a well-regarded professional CAD tool, used by many industries. They offer a “Community Edition”, intended for personal, non-profit use. They explain:
“This free download is available to any active maker, CAD enthusiast, or design challenge competitor interested in using CAD to bring their ideas to life.”
However, designs created in the community edition cannot be opened in the professional version, so if you’re considering upgrading later, be careful.
Solid Edge community edition is provided for Windows platforms only.
Autodesk Fusion 360
Autodesk does offer “Fusion 360 for Personal Use”, but there are some caveats. They explain:
“Autodesk Fusion for personal use is a limited, free version that includes basic functionality for qualifying users who generate less than $1,000 USD in annual revenue and use for home-based, non-commercial projects only.”
Fusion 360 is a massively comprehensive tool, but the personal edition does have a number of limitations in both space and functionality. It also seems that more features are becoming unavailable in the free version over time. However, files created in the personal edition can be used by professional Fusion 360 users, unlike Solid Edge.
Fusion 360 for Personal Use is a very popular option among makers, and can be used on both Windows and Mac OS.
OnShape
OnShape, launched some years ago by the folks that originally developed SOLIDWORKS, is a powerful CAD system, similar to the others. The big difference is that it works from a web interface, and does not require a beefy PC to run the tool. Because it’s a web app, your files are stored in their cloud, and storage becomes important.
They do provide a “Free Plan”, which costs literally zero. This provides access to their base system, which is quite comprehensive. However, you don’t get access to advanced features like simulation, project management, etc. Most of those are of less interest to desktop 3D printer operators.
The catch is that on the free plan all storage is considered public. Anyone can see and download your files. This is a showstopper for some, but for others they may not care. Some even disguise their public files by randomizing filenames.
SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS is perhaps the most popular CAD tool on the planet, and its pricing is pretty high among the tools presented. They do offer a “3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers” license. They explain:
”3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS® Makers is an innovative suite of software tools designed specifically for makers, hobbyists, and DIY enthusiasts who are passionate about creating, designing, and bringing their ideas to life. Whether you’re an experienced maker or just starting out on your creative journey, we provide you with the necessary tools and resources to unleash your imagination and turn your concepts into reality.”
Unfortunately this option is not free. You require a subscription at US$15/month or US$48/year. That’s incredibly lower than their commercial license subscriptions, but more than zero. For some this may work, but although I haven’t tried this edition, it is rumored to have a lot less functionality than users desire.
Which free (or near free) professional CAD tool would you choose?
