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0 pointsGormo2y ago0 comments

I tried to use FreeCAD a few years ago to do some simple object modeling for 3D-printed prototypes. The GUI was so complex and idiosyncratic that I found it more efficient to just learn OpenSCAD's modeling language instead (which served me really well).

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bemusedthrow752y ago· 1 in thread

Yes, absolutely. It was where GIMP still is now, for artists.

It's definitely been idiosyncratic (if not solipsistic), and still has IMO some maddening features. And it still [0] has a core flaw that is being mitigated.

OpenSCAD is actually very limited in ways that don't become obvious until you get into a bRep CAD system at least. But it's how I also got into CAD. I wanted to know there was at least something I'd be able to use for my own ideas, and the fact that OpenSCAD exists is definitely a blessing.

If you like it, you might find Build123D [1] interesting: this is a Python (and very pythonic) environment built around the same kernel as FreeCAD.

But I got from OpenSCAD to FreeCAD and I am very glad of it; it's an amazingly capable bit of software once you get past the pain (in the same way Blender is, I gather).

FreeCAD 0.21 has many nice new things in it. 0.22-dev has more, and 1.0, due at some point in this year now, is going to be a pretty major leap forward.

And at least now we have the amazing Mango Jelly Solutions videos on youtube. I recommend them; you'll learn the right way into FreeCAD.

GIMP is not an amazingly capable bit of software for typical designers. It's broken and hobbled.

[0] the topological naming problem: being corrected in the core distribution at the moment as they head to 1.0

[1] https://github.com/gumyr/build123d

GormoOP2y ago

Thanks for the pointer to Build123D -- I really like the idea of building 3D models as code, so this might be a great alternative.

My use case back then was working on prototypes for plastic products we'd eventually be injection molding. I found OpenSCAD to be an extremely effective tool for quickly iterating on designs. I'd tweak some parameters or code, 3D print a batch of samples, hand them out to testers for feedback, rinse and repeat.

Then, once the design was production ready, we'd hand off the final protos to the engineers who would design the injection molds. I'm sure they were using Solidworks or the like. OpenSCAD added a lot of value in the early design phase of these projects, but wasn't involved past prototyping, so I suppose we never encountered its limits.

mgalgs2y ago

FWIW I just picked up FreeCAD a few weeks ago with zero prior CAD experience and I was able to create a few simple widgets for my 3d printer (a shower soap dish and a bottle for my daughter's toy doll) without too much fuss (took a few hours of learning and few hours of actual CAD work). I did have to ask a few questions on the FreeCAD forum (and got a bunch of friendly, helpful responses), but that's to be expected learning complex software like a CAD program.

In short, the latest version of FreeCAD (I'm using 0.21.x) is absolutely approachable for beginners and apparently works well for advanced users. I'm quite impressed with the project!

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