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.

Feature	CadQuery	OpenSCAD
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.

OpenSCAD

Description: 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.

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

OpenSCAD Features

• 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

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

OpenSCAD

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

Pricing Comparison

CadQuery

• Open Source

OpenSCAD

• Open Source