Exploring the Power of FreeCAD for 3D Modeling

Introduction

• I consider myself fond of free software. Open-Source software, in my view, is the foundation of all great software. FreeCAD is one of those great software programs that is powerful, useful, and has allowed me to venture into the world of Computer Aided Design (CAD). The history of this software is worth reading and can be found here. I encourage everyone to have a read and understand how the initial release of private CAD software into the public domain has made the impact that it has today.

• I have used other CAD programs in the past and each one has its unique characteristics, and usually a unique price tag! FreeCAD, although not perfect and sometimes buggy, has come a long way in the few years I have been using it. What I really love about the program is the ability to incorporate "Work Benches" from other developers and use those workbenches to extend the capabilities of this humble, but powerful software. I still consider myself an intermediate user when it comes to CAD, but I needed something to easily create parts and objects for my 3d printer and I always seem to come back to FreeCAD, even after trying other products. I encourage others who may have never heard of this software to try it for themselves, especially if you are getting into 3d printing and need a straightforward and inexpensive way to make parts.

Understanding FreeCAD

• Essentially, FreeCAD offers "Work Benches" to do the CAD work in. These benches change the interface and options around so you can focus only on what you need to get to creating. There are over a dozen built in workbenches to choose between depending on what you need to do.

FreeCAD Workbench Options

• The most used benches for me are the Part Design, and the A2plus for assembling parts. There is also the ability to do CNC cutting, creating spreadsheets with dimensions for easy reference and modifications, as well as importing other 3d models to modify them.

• Much of the backend of FreeCAD can utilize python code and user modifiable variables to allow for a very flexible working environment. The program is not rigid and can be tailored more towards the user, instead of the user conforming to the CAD manufacturer's way of doing things.

Creating 3D Models

• The Part workbench allows for simple part creation by combining basic shapes and objects together, so if you need something simple to print or mock-up this is the bench for you.

• Advanced modeling techniques: Creating more intricate designs can be accomplished using the Part Design workbench and you create the basic shape with a sketch, and then extrude the sketch into a 3d object. From there you create more sketches on the faces of the 3d object and extrude or pocket the sketch.

• FreeCAD also offers the ability to constrain sketches to specific dimensions and reference their dimensions off other parts of the model.

FreeCAD Sketching Example

Examples of 3D Models

• Below are some of the 3d parts that I have created in FreeCAD.

Adapter for winch design

• I created a YouTube example of how I recreated this servo motor, here.

Example of Parallax Servo Motor

• There are various assembly workbenches that allow you to assemble your parts and create an exploded view.

• I was adventurous one day and tried to recreate a model of a round house. I did the first level and after realizing how it would look in real life and the size of the model I decided to stop there, as I would not be moving forward to building one in real life. (at least not yet). But being able to flush out a thought into 3D from just some paper plans has really been useful.

Yurt Architectural Design

Benefits of FreeCAD

• So, the cost is really a benefit, especially for those on a budget, as it is free. I suggest that you donate to the project if possible as it is not easy to create and maintain such a powerful program.

• Using the software has made me a better designer and expanded my ability to create and fully utilize my 3d printer. Even though I have many, many, many countless hours working with FreeCAD, there is always something new to learn and apply.

Conclusion

• I encourage all readers that have access to a 3d printer to give FreeCAD a try if they have only been making models from the internet and plan to venture into more complicated and customized solutions. If you are looking for a specific model or custom 3d part feel free to contact me.

• I plan to continue using FreeCAD in the passenger transportation industry to continue my mission of providing novel solutions for my customers. Check out my YouTube channel for upcoming videos of models that I have printed using FreeCAD and even some design tips.

• If you are in the market for an easy-to-use 3D printer, the one I have and has provided excellent value to me is the Anycubic Vyper, they have an upgraded version available now (Anycubic Kobra) on Amazon (affiliate link) if you are interested. What I find essential in a 3D printer is the ability for the bed to auto level, and have heat built in. If you don't have these features, it is likely there will be a lot of wasted time. With this printer I can automatically level the bed and then just put in the SD card and print. Using the heated bed allows me to make sure that the prints stick to the surface without the need for special glues or tape, etc... Subscribe to my channel to see uploads of printed objects with this printer to see for yourself how easy it is to use.