Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Computer Aided Design (CAD) can be used for a huge number of things. In SparQ, we mostly care about the creation of 3D object files for printing, mesh editing, or CNC routing.

We like to make 3D objects in the format (.STL) or (.OBJ), which makes it easy to 3D print or Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM).

TinkerCAD
Cost: Free

Software: browser

Tutorial: video

Use for: simple 3D objects, learning CAD, weaker computers

This browser based CAD program is free and lightweight. It is very easy to learn and a surprisingly large number of things can be done with it. Advanced CAD users will likely require more features, but even experienced designers occasionally open up a program like this when they only need a simple object. There is also some simple electronics simulation and assembly on the same site that may be useful to beginners.

Fusion360
Cost: Free for students

Software: students, others

Tutorials: link (not full, many tips and features are application dependent).

Use for: making almost any 3D object, prepping for CNC routing with CAM, learning complex CAD

Fusion360 is most likely all you will need for CAD, if you are willing to learn to use it. It is a full scale CAD program and will require some time effort and learning. It also has a component of Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) which can be useful for turning an object into a set of tool paths that a CNC can mill for you, similar to VCarve. If you require external sketch software besides the built in sketch function, consider Inkscape, which is free.

Meshmixer
Cost: Free

Software: link

Tutorials: link

Use for: modifying existing 3D objects

Meshmixer is a "Swiss Army Knife" for 3D modelling. If you are making a new object, use one of the resources above, but if you have a starting point and need some modification done, use Meshmixer. It allows you to reshape, cut, splice, join, modify, add to, remove from, and otherwise edit existing 3D object files. Super useful for small changes you can do with a Swiss Army Knife instead of going at it with a chainsaw like Fusion.

Thingiverse
Website: link

Thingiverse is a large repository of free online 3D object files. There are thousands here so it is always a good idea to check this site before attempting to design an object yourself. Note: their search engine is .... less than optimal... so you may have to search several times using different search terms to locate something you are looking for.

Turbosquid
Website: link

Has both paid and free 3D object files.