Ar-cad freeCAD
ar-cad freeCAD is a free and open source 3D parametric modeler for CAD, CAM, CAE, and more. It is customizable and scriptable software aimed at mechanical engineering and product design, but can also be used for other applications such as architecture.
3d-modeling
cad
cam
cae
mechanical-engineering
architecture
open-source
freeCAD: Free 3D Parametric Modeler
Free and open source CAD software for mechanical engineering, product design, and more, with customizable and scriptable functionality
What is Ar-cad freeCAD?
ar-cad freeCAD is a free and open source 3D parametric modeler for CAD, CAM, CAE, and more.
It is customizable and scriptable software aimed at mechanical engineering and product design, but can also be used for other applications such as architecture, the creation of visual effects and animations, as well as additive manufacturing. It is available for all major operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Features of ar-cad freeCAD include 3D model parts creation, 3D parametric design, computational fluid dynamics simulation, finite element analysis for structural analysis, robot simulation, path generation and computer numerical control for machining, 3D printing, and more.
It includes many specialist tools developed by contributors for areas like architecture and electronics, as well as a feature-rich Python interpreter that allows users to customize or script their own tools and features. It is able to handle scientific data analysis (point clouds, meshes, voxels, and 2D slices) and features a workflow manager (Sofa) to handle 3D models reuse through several software applications.
Ar-cad freeCAD Features
Features
- Parametric 3D modeling
- Modular architecture allowing customization and extensibility via plugins
- Support for many CAD file formats for import/export
- Built-in rendering engine
- Simulation tools for FEA, CFD and more
- Path generation for CNC machining
- Architectural tools
- Sketcher with constraint solver
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Free and open source
Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Large community support
Extensive capabilities rivaling commercial CAD packages
Cons
Steep learning curve
Complex UI with many options
Limited documentation/tutorials
Reliability issues and bugs
Official Links
The Best Ar-cad freeCAD Alternatives
Top Development and Cad and other similar apps like Ar-cad freeCAD
Here are some alternatives to Ar-cad freeCAD:
Suggest an alternative ❐
SketchUp
SketchUp is a 3D modeling computer program designed for architectural, interior design, landscape architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, film and video game design. It was developed by startup company @Last Software in 1999, and acquired by Google in 2006. Google later sold SketchUp to Trimble Inc. in 2012.SketchUp stands out...
FreeCAD
FreeCAD is a free and open-source parametric 3D computer-aided design application. It is intended for mechanical engineering product design but also expands to a wider range of uses around engineering, such as architecture or electrical engineering. FreeCAD features tools similar to Catia, SolidWorks, or Solid Edge.FreeCAD allows users to sketch...
Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk AutoCAD is a leading computer-aided design (CAD) software application that allows users to create detailed 2D and 3D drawings and models. Developed by Autodesk, AutoCAD has become a standard tool in various industries, including architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and product design. Key Features: Drawing and Drafting Tools: AutoCAD provides...
SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS is a 3D CAD (computer-aided design) software application used by over 5 million engineers and designers across industries worldwide. First released in 1995 by Dassault Systèmes, SOLIDWORKS provides an integrated and user-friendly suite of tools for product design, simulation, visualization, data management, and manufacturing.At its core, SOLIDWORKS lets users...
LibreCAD
LibreCAD is a powerful free and open source 2D Computer Aided Design (CAD) application for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. It allows users to create professional technical drawings and blueprints for architectural, engineering, and construction projects.Some of the key features of LibreCAD include:User-friendly and intuitive interface, ideal for new...
Autodesk Inventor
Autodesk Inventor is a 3D CAD (computer-aided design) software application used for product design and engineering in industries like machinery, construction, automotive, aerospace, electronics and more. It provides a comprehensive set of design, simulation and manufacturing tools in one powerful software package.Some of the key features and tools in Autodesk...
Designspark Mechanical
Designspark Mechanical is a feature-rich, free CAD software targeted for mechanical engineers to accelerate the product development process. This software is specially built to design and model mechanical parts and assemblies. It comes packed with all the necessary CAD modeling and simulation tools for creating professional 2D drawings and 3D...
NanoCAD
nanoCAD is a free, open source, multi-platform 2D CAD application developed by Nanosoft. It works on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems.nanoCAD has an AutoCAD-like interface and set of basic 2D drafting and detailing tools for creating architectural, mechanical, electrical, and construction drawings, schematics, plans, elevations, sections, etc....
QCAD
QCAD is a free, open source 2D CAD (computer-aided design) application available for Windows, macOS and Linux operating systems. Developed by Ries & Ries, QCAD allows users to create professional technical drawings such as plans, schematics, diagrams, models and more.Some of the key features of QCAD include:Intuitive and easy-to-use graphical...
CMS IntelliCAD
CMS IntelliCAD is a feature-rich 2D and 3D CAD software used primarily for drafting, modeling, and visualization. As an AutoCAD alternative, IntelliCAD contains familiar tools and UI at a fraction of the price.Key features include:2D drafting tools like lines, arcs, circles, polylines for creating technical drawingsAdvanced 3D modeling with solid,...
Assetforge
Assetforge is a robust yet easy-to-use digital asset management (DAM) and brand management platform designed to help marketing, creative, and brand teams organize, manage, find, and share creative digital assets like images, videos, audio files, and documents.Key features of Assetforge include:Unlimited cloud storage and bandwidth for all file typesCustom metadata...
MakerSCAD
MakerSCAD is an open-source, accessible 3D modeling application designed as an alternative to OpenSCAD. It allows users to create 3D models programmatically using constructive solid geometry concepts and JavaScript code.Some key features of MakerSCAD include:Simplified syntax to make it more beginner-friendly compared to OpenSCADVisual programming environment for interactive modelingAccessible interface...
