CADian
CADian is an open-source computer-aided design (CAD) software focused on 3D modeling for mechanical engineers. It offers solid modeling, assembly modeling, and 2D drafting functionality with a user-friendly interface.
opensource
cad
3d-modeling
mechanical-engineering
solid-modeling
assembly-modeling
drafting
CADian: Open-Source CAD Software for 3D Modeling
Open-source CAD software for mechanical engineers, offering solid modeling, assembly modeling, and 2D drafting with a user-friendly interface.
What is CADian?
CADian is an open-source, cross-platform computer-aided design (CAD) application focused on 3D modeling for mechanical design. It is developed by CADian LLC as a low-cost alternative to commercial CAD packages like SolidWorks, Inventor, or Creo.
Key features of CADian include:
- Solid modeling tools - Create and edit 3D parts with features like extrudes, revolves, lofts, sweeps, fillets, and more.
- Assembly modeling - Build assemblies by bringing together multiple parts and defining constraints between them. Manipulate and analyze assemblies.
- 2D drafting - Generate 2D drawings from 3D models, including views, sections, dimensions, BOMs, and annotations. Export drawings as PDFs or DWGs.
- CAM integration - Seamlessly export toolpaths for parts to CAM software like FreeCAD for machining purposes.
- Parametric modeling - Parameters and relationships between features leads to easy design changes.
- Open API - Programmatically automate CADian through Python scripting API.
- Cross-platform - Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux with a consistent UI across platforms.
An affordable yet powerful CAD package, CADian is aimed at engineers, designers, makers, and hobbyists. With its expansive features and free licensing, it presents a great open-source alternative to mainstream commercial CAD software.
CADian Features
Features
- Solid modeling
- Assembly modeling
- 2D drafting
- User-friendly interface
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Open source
Free to use
Good for mechanical engineering
User-friendly interface
Cons
Limited features compared to paid CAD software
May lack support or updates
Not suitable for complex CAD projects
Official Links
The Best CADian Alternatives
Top Development and Cad Software and other similar apps like CADian
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