Hey, STEP is universal CAD format. Any parametric cad software will handle it no problems, Alibre Atom3d (cheapest) included. Now STL is a mesh and that is a problem. Alibre just does not support STL in any tier. One would need to convert it to STEP first, to import it in Alibre.
Blender is another free option.Plasticity workflow is limited. I found shapr3d to be the easiest and if I had to pay for a CAD that would probably be this one. Learning Freecad 1.0 now, looks very complete, powerful and improved UX, but still steeper learning curve tan shapr3d
I understand all tools (Tinkercad, Freecad, OnShape, etc) can generate a design file (STL) that can be sent to a print-farm.. Do you have any favorite 3d printer service that will print a small part most affordably? Do they charge by amount of material/time, or how complex the shape is, or ??? Since I don't know any of these CAD software tools, is there any one that is especially better when designing a very simple enclosure (with a couple cutouts and standoffs)?
@@RoadSideMaker I would if it had CAM, instead I use Fusion. There are differences in the way things are done but it seems to have everything you can expect for a free package. It becomes difficult to change from one system to another when you’ve learned all the shortcuts and things that work for you. I’ve started using Fusion’s surfaces more of recent and the way it handles step files is really easy, hard to relearn those things.
@RoadSideMaker I got the mid tear package, it's great and intuitive, I didn't get the maintenance package so I missed out on the update that introduced slots. Only feature I miss from fusion is modelled threads
Yes, I kinda miss threads as well, but I very rarely need those. Had just one project when needed. I see the area for improvement, might make a video on that.
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Let us know what CAD package you are using and how you chose it
I am using shapr3d because it is free and works on iPad and Mac
@@stijntouw Hope you like it!
Great breakdown of the differences, mate. I have Alibre for the ownership of my designs and the perpetual license. The UI is nice and clean, too.
Great to hear, I settled on Alibre as well
There is also SolveSpace CAD as free OpenSource CAD which is parametric. Also Grid Space OpenSource 3DSlicer/3DMesh modeler and more is very nice.
@@jk3d48 Yes, the more options, the better!
Nice! I think the goal is compare how the free and cheap can handle remix stl and step. As far I can remember, alibre cheapest one cant handle stl
Hey, STEP is universal CAD format. Any parametric cad software will handle it no problems, Alibre Atom3d (cheapest) included. Now STL is a mesh and that is a problem. Alibre just does not support STL in any tier. One would need to convert it to STEP first, to import it in Alibre.
Great Job
Thank you!
F subscriptions, i want to OWN what I pay for. I want to keep my file on my PC!
Same here :)
Very good explanation👍
Thank you!
Nice video and software comparaison.
There is also Sketchup... :)
Thank you! Greatly appreciated!
Blender is another free option.Plasticity workflow is limited. I found shapr3d to be the easiest and if I had to pay for a CAD that would probably be this one. Learning Freecad 1.0 now, looks very complete, powerful and improved UX, but still steeper learning curve tan shapr3d
Yeah, use what suits you best 👍. Just one note - Blender is not CAD, but it has cad sketcher addon
Fusion 360 used to be my favorite until it's not free any more.
Same here, it is good untill it is not. Went back to FreeCAD and then found Alibre
I understand all tools (Tinkercad, Freecad, OnShape, etc) can generate a design file (STL) that can be sent to a print-farm..
Do you have any favorite 3d printer service that will print a small part most affordably? Do they charge by amount of material/time, or how complex the shape is, or ???
Since I don't know any of these CAD software tools, is there any one that is especially better when designing a very simple enclosure (with a couple cutouts and standoffs)?
No, unfortunatelly I do not have experience with 3d printing services
freecad 1.0 release candidates are out
Yes, I am using RC1 in the latest video, and very soon after RC2 was released.
Onshape!
Nice
Solid edge community edition?
Yeah, why not. Just apply same principles. Do you use it? Does it suit you?
@@RoadSideMaker I would if it had CAM, instead I use Fusion. There are differences in the way things are done but it seems to have everything you can expect for a free package. It becomes difficult to change from one system to another when you’ve learned all the shortcuts and things that work for you. I’ve started using Fusion’s surfaces more of recent and the way it handles step files is really easy, hard to relearn those things.
I hear a lot that CAM is something Fusion is good at. I found that after getting comfortable with one CAD, moving between CADs becomes much easier.
Great video. Also, raise the volume of your microphone a little.
Thank you and noted!
I can tell a Latvian just by hearing the voice
You got me 😅
alibre would be nice if i could import stl
Agreed
You forgot Rhino
Hey, this is not an exaustive list of CAD packages. It is list of flags to check when choosing package. One can apply same checks for Rhino
I use Sketchup :(
If it suits your needs, then great 👍 Keep at it
I moved to Alibre to avoid subscriptions
Great, me as well! How does it work for you out?
@RoadSideMaker I got the mid tear package, it's great and intuitive, I didn't get the maintenance package so I missed out on the update that introduced slots. Only feature I miss from fusion is modelled threads
Yes, I kinda miss threads as well, but I very rarely need those. Had just one project when needed. I see the area for improvement, might make a video on that.