And if you are a student or a freelancer, buying expensive CAD software becomes a distant dream. But there is nothing to worry about as we have curated a list of the top 10 free CAD software which are as good as the paid ones. So without any delay, let's check out the best free CAD software in 2021. Best Free CAD Software (Updated March 2021).
If you are an engineer and want to design any jigs and fixtures, then the main software that you will have to use is CAD CAM. You will need certain programming software that will be able to load these files and mill according to it. These 3D CAD Software can be used easily for that purpose and will have enhanced tools to make the process easier. Some of the CNC Cam Software are available for free.
K-3D is a powerful and flexible open-source 3D modeling and animation software. This free CAD software is great for beginners, including an advanced undo/redo. Creo and CATIA are better suited for more proficient users. Thus, your choice should depend on the CAD applications you're after. Free 2D Drafting Programs. There are also good CAD tools available for making 2D DXF drawings. Don't be deterred by the amount of commands available to you.
Related:
FreeMill
This free CAM software created by MecSoft Corporation is a programming software for CNC mills. The milling module is used for programming mills and routers and any number of codes can be done.
Visual CAD/CAM
This premium CAD CAM software from MecSoft Corporation is a standalone package that has a host platform for CAM and 3D printing. It will address all the CNC machining needs in the market.
EZ-MILL PRO
This premium software from Ezcam Solutions Inc. is designed to meet all the needs of tooling, die, mold and prototyping areas. It has surface creating and machining capabilities along with a simple to use a dialog box.
Tinker CAD
BobCAD-CAM CNC Lathe Software
Rhino 5
GeoMagic
Autodesk Inventor
Design CAD 3D Max 2016
Other File Transfer Software For Different Platforms
You will be able to find many file transfer software online for different operating systems like Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android. These software can be used only on the platform that it is designed for and not on any other operating system. Many of such software are available for different OS.
Heeks CAD for Windows
This premium software is an open source platform that can be used on Windows OS. Solid models from IGES and STEP files can be imported and edited after which it can be saved in different formats.
MeshCAM for Mac
This premium software from GRZ Software LLC can be used on the Mac platform to import a CAD file and get the mill to cut according to it. This can be used by anyone who wants to make parts quickly.
Siemens Manufacturing 360 for Android
This free Android app from Siemens AG will allow the user to get a digital manufacturing experience in a factory that is interactive. Advanced logistics and robotics simulation can be done.
Fusion360 – Most Popular Software
This premium software from Autodesk Inc. is a very popular 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE tools that will connect the entire product development process with a single cloud-based platform.
How to Install CAD CAM Software?
There are many CAD CAM software available online that can be used for various purposes. The first thing that you should do is select the software that you want to download and check the system requirements. All the software requirements like memory, GUI, operating system, etc. should be fulfilled so that it will be able to run properly. Then the links can be used to download the file onto the system and the readme text can be used. The file has to be unzipped after which the installation file should be run. You will have to follow all the instructions to install the software.
Roxio toast free. With this software, engineers will be able to test the fit and motion of the product, perform simulations, create certain assemblies and make photorealistic animations and renditions of the products that were designed using the software. All the designs that were created can be used for collaboration.
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Free CAD software is what you're looking for? Not everyone has access to professional modelling tools. But napkin scribbles won't do it for manufacturing purposes. If you cannot find a way to make proper models or drawings, we are here to guide you towards some free CAD software.
Instead on listing every possible free program, we are going to pinpoint only the best ones, so you can benefit from the many advantages of CAD software.
Free 3D CAD Software
Our system is well prepared to read STP files for giving you laser cutting price instantly. This is a universal CAD model file. Pretty much any proper 3D modelling software lets you converts the models into STP files.
A list of programs for free 3D modelling:
Fusion 360
Powerful CAD modelling platform from Autodesk that has a free version for students and hobbyists (or companies with a revenue under $100,000). They have a great step-by-step intro to using the program. This will bring your 3D design skills up to the necessary standard. There is also a variety of tutorials available on YouTube. For example, this video shows the ease of making a 2D drawing from your model.
Siemens Manufacturing 360 for Android
This free Android app from Siemens AG will allow the user to get a digital manufacturing experience in a factory that is interactive. Advanced logistics and robotics simulation can be done.
Fusion360 – Most Popular Software
This premium software from Autodesk Inc. is a very popular 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE tools that will connect the entire product development process with a single cloud-based platform.
How to Install CAD CAM Software?
There are many CAD CAM software available online that can be used for various purposes. The first thing that you should do is select the software that you want to download and check the system requirements. All the software requirements like memory, GUI, operating system, etc. should be fulfilled so that it will be able to run properly. Then the links can be used to download the file onto the system and the readme text can be used. The file has to be unzipped after which the installation file should be run. You will have to follow all the instructions to install the software.
Roxio toast free. With this software, engineers will be able to test the fit and motion of the product, perform simulations, create certain assemblies and make photorealistic animations and renditions of the products that were designed using the software. All the designs that were created can be used for collaboration.
Related Posts
Free CAD software is what you're looking for? Not everyone has access to professional modelling tools. But napkin scribbles won't do it for manufacturing purposes. If you cannot find a way to make proper models or drawings, we are here to guide you towards some free CAD software.
Instead on listing every possible free program, we are going to pinpoint only the best ones, so you can benefit from the many advantages of CAD software.
Free 3D CAD Software
Our system is well prepared to read STP files for giving you laser cutting price instantly. This is a universal CAD model file. Pretty much any proper 3D modelling software lets you converts the models into STP files.
A list of programs for free 3D modelling:
Fusion 360
Powerful CAD modelling platform from Autodesk that has a free version for students and hobbyists (or companies with a revenue under $100,000). They have a great step-by-step intro to using the program. This will bring your 3D design skills up to the necessary standard. There is also a variety of tutorials available on YouTube. For example, this video shows the ease of making a 2D drawing from your model.
FreeCAD
An open-source 3D modelling software. Another good solution when 3D solids are needed. It also has a separate sheet metal environment, which is really handy for avoiding design mistakes.
Also suitable when you want to make proper drawings of the models. Create your 3D parts first and then make easy drawings automatically.
Onshape
Onshape has a free version for hobbyists and makers. Very professional-looking software suitable for anyone interested in learning CAD. A big perk is that all the files are stored on a cloud, making it the ideal program for group work.
3D Modelling Program Trial Versions
Most of the professional solid modelling programs cost a lot. They also have more possibilities, like embedded Finite Element Analysis software. But you can first try educational or trial versions.
While trials last for maybe a month, student versions are often free for a year and can be further extended. The advantage for trial versions is full functionality. Student versions tend to restrict the capabilities and leave watermarks to drawings as they are meant for learning purposes, not actual engineering.
Here's a list of the best CAD programs around:
Solidworks
Probably the most popular CAD software out there. Solidworks has a lot of how-to videos on YouTube and you can find answers to any questions. The interface is pretty intuitive. Thus, it is often used by universities as the CAD program for students. The trial versions last for 14 to 30 days.
Solid Edge
Another very widely used 3D modelling program. Similarly to Solidworks, Solid Edge is easy to use and has a wide support network. The trial versions gives you a 45-day access to full functionality.
Inventor
Autodesk Inventor's user interface is a little different from the previous two, but the functions stay pretty much the same. The gap isn't big, though. If you know the functions, you'll find them in any program. Trial version lasts for 30 days.
CATIA
Like SolidWorks, it is developed by Dassault Systems. The reason for having different programs is that they're aimed at separate segments of the industry. Although CATIA has a steeper learning curve, the functionality is especially important for sectors like car manufacturing. It provides more possibilities with surface modelling and creating complex assemblies. There doesn't seem to be a proper trial version but there's a free student version with a 1 year license.
Creo
Another CAD program aimed at more proficient users. Like CATIA, it is friendly towards larger and more complex assemblies. The downside is needing proper CAD engineering fundamentals. Creo has a 30-day free trial.
Solidworks and SolidEdge are very forgiving towards simple mistakes. They are perfect for 3D modelling but tend to slow down with bigger assemblies. Inventor lets you go on despite mistakes but will, at some point, mess up the whole assembly, if not constrained and modelled properly. Creo and CATIA are better suited for more proficient users. Thus, your choice should depend on the CAD applications you're after. Automatic reader online, free.
Free 2D Drafting Programs
There are also good CAD tools available for making 2D DXF drawings. Don't be deterred by the amount of commands available to you. The designing of simple sheets with cutouts only needs proficiency in a fraction of those options. Just be sure you are not using inches instead of millimetres, or vice versa. Also, if you happen to have DWGs instead of DXF files, you can convert them using this.
QCAD
An open source CAD system for everyone. Supports DXFs and DWGs. As Draftsight will soon lose its free status, this is our first recommendation for 2D drawing software. Larger array of functions is available at an affordable price.
LibreCAD
A 2D CAD free and open source software. Recommended by many who don't use CAD enough to warrant a need for buying one. The learning curve is a bit steeper, as the user interface differs more from the CADs we are all used to. For a first-timer, it doesn't make much of a difference though.
Sketchup
This is an intuitive software that has many different pricing packages according to the necessary functions. The simple sketching version is free to use and good for making DXF drawings ready for production.
Adobe Illustrator
Not free but very popular among artists and graphic designers. Illustrator uses vectors for making the art. Thus, there is no need for getting any extra software. You can save your drawings as DXFs that are ready for laser cutting.
DXF Files Have Vectors
Digital images come in 2 forms: raster and vector. Raster graphics contain many small dots or pixels. Image files are usually built using pixels. The problem is that when enlarged, they get inaccurate and aren't really connected to each other. It's more like a cluster of dots.
The solution is using vectors in DXF file format. Vector graphics use points, lines and curves to convey your image. You can zoom in indefinitely, while the quality of a curve remains smooth. Laser cutting needs this quality to get the desired result.
Converting to Vector Files
There are some feeless services online to convert your PDFs to DXFs. It is useful when your drawings are simple. But you should still review it for glitches and scale ratio.
Good Free Cad
Check the scale by measuring the drawing. Make sure the measurements correspond to reality. If not, simple math can get you a ratio of the drawing's measurement to the one needed. Use this to set the value for scale.
Good Free Cad Software
- Zamzar. The results satisfied us after some testing. The scale got messed up during the conversion but a little tweaking was all it took. You can receive the download link in less than a minute.
- Cometdocs. Not much of a difference between Cometdocs and Zamzar. Provided quick results but the scale was off again. Still good enough to get the job done if the quantities are small and some manual labor doesn't put you off.
Hopefully you found a suitable free CAD software for your needs. If you have already produced your CAD files, submit them for instant quoting on our sheet metal fabrication platform!
