What cad software does everyone use. Looking for a good one. Currently using Libre Cad and it works but used to using BobCad but I don’t want to pay the high price of it. Is there something similar to BobCad that is cheaper?
Check fusion360 it is great, and built in cam is nice too. Another free option is onshape, but no cam with that one.
if is the simple piece, openscad,
Fusion 360 here. Free to hobbyist and comes with CAM
Awesome I appreciate all of the comments.
CAD does seem to be one of those places where you get what you pay for. There is cheap stuff out there but none of that seems to come close to the expensive commercial offerings.
Fusion 360 is awesome. Even I can use it. You can fanagle a free subscription via student, educator or some other offering they have for startups etc.
@Paul_Frederick that definitely used to be the case. Most of the free stuff was really deficient. However, I think that is changing. Fusion360 and OnShape both compete very nicely with the big boys, and the price is right as well.
I don’t have any real world experience. If your objects are 2d, you could get away with inkscape and the included image to gcode converter. If you are willing to scout a bit, HackaDay ran a few lightening quick tutorials on some CAD software that could be used to create objects for 3d printing. They are all CAD programs, so, no 3d printing specifics. Do a search for 3dprintering on HaD.
Fusion 360 is not free, they have a promotion for start ups, which would make it free for a year or profit less than a predefined amount. I understand, after a year you can continue using it without paying, but must review and accept
Another for Fusion360
@Anthony_Webb
The cloud makes me nervous. As others have pointed out Fusion360 is far from free too.
Even though I qualified for the free year with possible extensions, I choose to spend the $300/yr. Now with the $300/yr giving you the full version of Fusion360, it’s one of the best deals out there. I spent more than $300/yr on updates and support for BobCAD and Geomagic separately. Unless you are a business worried about intellectual property, Fusions 360’s use of the cloud is a good thing.
It depends what you want to do with your CNC. Fusion 360, to cut a square is probably too much of a hassle. If you want to build curves and do engravings, or carvings you probably will never figure out how to do that with most of the free solutions on the market. If you are interested in Bas relief look into Artistic Software Solutions like ArtClip3D. http://www.artclip3d.com
+1 ^ for make sure the software is appropriate for what you are wanting to use it for.
Also to clear up any confusion about fusion360:
Free for students, enthusiasts, hobbyists, and startups
Full use of Fusion 360 for as long as you need it
Start by downloading the 30-day trial
Once you’re in, simply register for free use
this is from the fusion try / buy page.
I am in no way associated with atuodesk or fusion360.
Yeah I am more than likely going to doing 2d work with my cnc.
Check out inkscape. Get the newest/newer version 0.92 or some such. Check out a video or two to get around it. Worst case you are out a couple hours of your time.
I know I said this before. Just thought I would refine my comment.
Yeah I have inkscape already and it is ok but not what I am looking for. I also have mill wizard and it works but that is about it.
Fusion360 again. For 2d specific work Draftsight is a great option. For free CAM you can look at CAMBAM but I really don’t like it. Fusion360’s CAM is super easy and you can even import a .dxf and drive code off curves just like another 2d CAM (you don’t have to 3d model).
Seriously after 10 years in Creo, AutoCAD, NX and all the related CAM packages fusion360 is one of my favorite softwares ive ever picked up. I have access to all of the above but I do all my personal work in Fusion now because its just that good.