pythonOCC

PythonOCC

pythonOCC is an open source 3D modeling library for Python that allows creating, modifying, and displaying CAD models. It provides a Python interface to the open source CAD kernel OpenCASCADE.
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python opensource 3dmodeling cad

pythonOCC: 3D Modeling Library for Python

An open source 3D modeling library for Python, allowing creation, modification, and display of CAD models with a Python interface to OpenCASCADE.

What is PythonOCC?

pythonOCC is an open source 3D modeling library for Python that allows creating, modifying, and displaying CAD models. It provides a Python interface to the open source CAD kernel OpenCASCADE.

Some key features of pythonOCC include:

  • Ability to create, edit, and view CAD models programmatically in Python
  • Support for key CAD concepts like topological data structures, modeling algorithms, shape healing, etc.
  • Integration with various Python GUI frameworks like Tkinter, Qt, wxPython for developing CAD applications
  • Advanced visualizations including AIS viewer to rotate/pan/zoom CAD models on screen
  • Support for IGES, STEP and other standard CAD file formats for importing and exporting models
  • Active development community with documentation and examples available

pythonOCC enables developing full-fledged CAD applications with Python by leveraging the power of OpenCASCADE. Complex CAD operations can be performed using simple Python code. The library is useful for developers looking to integrate CAD capabilities into their Python applications across domains like engineering, architecture, industrial design etc.

PythonOCC Features

Features

  1. 3D modeling and visualization
  2. CAD kernel bindings for Python
  3. Support for STEP, IGES, and BREP formats
  4. Geometry construction and topological operations
  5. Mesh generation and rendering
  6. Built-in viewers based on VTK and Qt

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Open source and free to use

Large set of CAD functionalities

Good documentation and tutorials

Active community support

Integrates well with Python ecosystem

Cons

Steep learning curve

Not as feature rich as commercial CAD packages

Limited support for advanced CAD workflows

Rendering performance could be better


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