OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is open-sourced and free CAD software. CAD stands for Computer-Aided Drawing, and the software helps its users just with that, including a few other features. It is available for desktops running on Windows, macOS, and Linux. What makes it stand out is the factor that in times when CAD software charge a heavy premium, enthusiasts get to learn the ins and outs of Machine Designing for free as a courtesy of OpenSCAD.
Top OpenSCAD Alternatives
- AutoCAD
- SOLIDWORKS
- Inventor
- Octopart
- AutoCAD LT
- StarUML
- Siemens NX
- DesignSpark Mechanical
- SolidWorks Simulation
- IronCAD
- Onshape
- ZW3D
- CorelCAD
- Dymola
- Alias Design
Top OpenSCAD Alternatives and Overview
AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a Computer-Aided Design software that lets architects and designers create prototypes, plans, and 3-D structures with ease.
SOLIDWORKS
SolidWorks is design software that permits clients to make, recreate, distribute, and oversee 3D models.
Inventor
Inventor software offers proficient 3D mechanical design, product simulation, and documentation tools.
Octopart
Octopart is an online search engine that enables product designers to search online for various components and tools that they may require for their products.
Siemens NX
This software helps in parametric and direct surface modeling...
DesignSpark Mechanical
Mechanical engineers can create design drawings using powerful tools and building mechanisms...
SolidWorks Simulation
Create prototype machines and parts using the software and make 3D renders out of it...
IronCAD
The software also aids companies in developing innovative technology using 3D models and virtual simulators...
Onshape
It is usually preferred by large-scale or heavy industries but can be used by freelance...
CorelCAD
It helps to create professional-level designs with maximum output efficiency in the minimum possible time...
Dymola
Dymola stands for Dynamic Modelling Laboratory, and it provides a full environment in which you...
Alias Design
However, Autodesk Alias finds its requirement in computer-aided industrial design, where it focuses more on...
OpenSCAD Review and Overview
With the rapid development in science and technology, innovations needed to happen in the core engineering fields like Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering. This is when the concept of CAD first arrived on the whiteboard. It has been years since then, and today we have many advanced CAD software out there to help engineers and other professionals in the field. But a problem with the modern CAD software is that they aren’t available for everyone and don’t come cheap, and that’s where OpenSCAD comes into the conversation to help a user with designing models and drawing sheets in a more relaxed way than traditional methods.
Unmatched Techincal Art
OpenSCAD was primarily developed for helping the students and professionals in the field for drawing the sheets for work and assignments. And we have to say it stands out on that aspect as it not only makes the process of drawing faster and more comfortable but also lets users customize the elements of it. Users can also draw isometric views with the same ease as normal 2D drawings, which helps in presenting things in more detail. It can also build 3D models for users and save and open the file of different formats so that users get to work upon the format of their preference.
It works on CSG Geometry engine that allows users to produce complex geometry quite quickly for their drawings. Users are also facilitated to preview the models they built before they save them or share it with someone else. While exporting formats, they get the liberty to decide the quality of the export. If a drawing has too many elements, it should be saved in high-quality; however, it should be noted that high-quality exports are larger at size as well, so make your choice wisely.
My model, my wish
Anyone who has used premium CAD software can vouch for the fact how easy it gets to design and edit models, as whatever operations users perform upon the drawing get logged in a column at the left-hand side. It allows users to edit the design directly based on the operations so that they change the structure exactly where they want. OpenSCAD has something similar and follows the feature with numbers to make things easier. So, if you are looking for learning Machine Design free of cost from an open-sourced software, OpenSCAD is your best bet.
Company Information
Company Name: GNU
Founded in: 1984