FreeCAD vs CadQuery

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

FreeCAD is a Development solution with tags like 3d-modeling, cad, parametric-design, open-source.

It boasts features such as Parametric 3D modeling, Assembly modeling, Part modeling, Drafting, Finite element analysis, Sketcher, Robot simulation, Architecture design, Mesh modeling and pros including Free and open source, Highly customizable, Large community support, Multi-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux), Wide range of plugins and addons.

On the other hand, CadQuery is a Development product tagged with parametric, 3d-modeling, cad, python.

Its standout features include 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 it shines with pros like 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.

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.

FreeCAD

FreeCAD

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.

Categories:
3d-modeling cad parametric-design open-source

FreeCAD Features

  1. Parametric 3D modeling
  2. Assembly modeling
  3. Part modeling
  4. Drafting
  5. Finite element analysis
  6. Sketcher
  7. Robot simulation
  8. Architecture design
  9. Mesh modeling

Pricing

  • Open Source

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


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