CadQuery vs OpenSCAD

Struggling to choose between CadQuery and OpenSCAD? 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, OpenSCAD is a Development product tagged with open-source, free, 3d-modeling, cad, scriptbased, programming-language, define-geometry.

Its standout features include Script-based modeling using a C-like programming language, Support for constructive solid geometry, Parametric modeling capabilities, Ability to export 3D models in STL and CSG formats, Customizable user-defined modules and functions, Command line interface and preview window for iterative modeling, Open source and completely free to use, and it shines with pros like Very powerful for programmatic and parametric modeling, No limit on complexity, resolution, or size of models, Full control over the modeling process through scripting, Great for algorithmic modeling and repeating/iterative designs, Actively developed and maintained open source project.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

CadQuery

CadQuery

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.

Categories:
parametric 3d-modeling cad python

CadQuery Features

  1. Parametric CAD modeling
  2. Scripting interface for defining models programmatically
  3. Built on top of FreeCAD
  4. Integrates with common Python libraries like NumPy and SciPy
  5. OpenCascade geometry kernel
  6. STL export for 3D printing
  7. Step export for sharing CAD models
  8. Boolean operations
  9. 2D profiles and extrusions
  10. Revolve and sweep operations

Pricing

  • Open Source

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


OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD is an open source, free 3D modeling software used for creating solid 3D CAD models. It is script-based and uses a programming language to define the geometry of models rather than an interactive graphical interface.

Categories:
open-source free 3d-modeling cad scriptbased programming-language define-geometry

OpenSCAD Features

  1. Script-based modeling using a C-like programming language
  2. Support for constructive solid geometry
  3. Parametric modeling capabilities
  4. Ability to export 3D models in STL and CSG formats
  5. Customizable user-defined modules and functions
  6. Command line interface and preview window for iterative modeling
  7. Open source and completely free to use

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Very powerful for programmatic and parametric modeling

No limit on complexity, resolution, or size of models

Full control over the modeling process through scripting

Great for algorithmic modeling and repeating/iterative designs

Actively developed and maintained open source project

Cons

Steep learning curve for new users

Text-based interface is not intuitive for graphical modeling

Lack of interactive direct modeling tools

More difficult for organic and free-form shapes

Limited community and resources compared to commercial CAD options