CadQuery vs FreeCAD

Struggling to choose between CadQuery and FreeCAD? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

CadQuery is a Development solution with tags like parametric, 3d-modeling, cad, python.

It boasts features such as Parametric CAD modeling, Scripting interface for defining models programmatically, Built on top of FreeCAD, Integrates with common Python libraries like NumPy and SciPy, OpenCascade geometry kernel, STL export for 3D printing, Step export for sharing CAD models, Boolean operations, 2D profiles and extrusions, Revolve and sweep operations and pros including Python scripting allows complex parametric models, Open source and free, Large user community and documentation, Integrates well with Python data science and engineering stacks, More flexible than traditional CAD software.

On the other hand, FreeCAD is a Development product tagged with 3d-modeling, cad, parametric-design, open-source.

Its standout features include Parametric 3D modeling, Assembly modeling, Part modeling, Drafting, Finite element analysis, Sketcher, Robot simulation, Architecture design, Mesh modeling, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Highly customizable, Large community support, Multi-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux), Wide range of plugins and addons.

Feature	CadQuery	FreeCAD
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Development	Development

Product Overview

CadQuery

Description: CadQuery is an open-source Python library for creating parametric 3D CAD models. It allows you to write scripts to define the geometry of your models in a programmatic way.

FreeCAD

Description: FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler made primarily for mechanical engineering product design. It allows you to sketch geometry constrained 2D shapes and use them to build solid 3D objects. Key features include part modeling, assembly modeling, drafting, finite element analysis, and more.

Key Features Comparison

CadQuery Features

• Parametric CAD modeling
• Scripting interface for defining models programmatically
• Built on top of FreeCAD
• Integrates with common Python libraries like NumPy and SciPy
• OpenCascade geometry kernel
• STL export for 3D printing
• Step export for sharing CAD models
• Boolean operations
• 2D profiles and extrusions
• Revolve and sweep operations

FreeCAD Features

• Parametric 3D modeling
• Assembly modeling
• Part modeling
• Drafting
• Finite element analysis
• Sketcher
• Robot simulation
• Architecture design
• Mesh modeling

Pros & Cons Analysis

CadQuery

Pros

• Python scripting allows complex parametric models
• Open source and free
• Large user community and documentation
• Integrates well with Python data science and engineering stacks
• More flexible than traditional CAD software

Cons

• Steep learning curve compared to traditional CAD
• More coding knowledge required than visual CAD software
• Smaller user base than commercial options
• Limited support and training resources

FreeCAD

Pros

• Free and open source
• Highly customizable
• Large community support
• Multi-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)
• Wide range of plugins and addons

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Limited tutorials and documentation
• Not as intuitive as some commercial options
• Rendering and textures not a focus

Pricing Comparison

CadQuery

• Open Source

FreeCAD

• Open Source