FreeCAD

FreeCAD is a 3D CAD program, which is available as free software in source code as well as executable. It allows constructions in the technical field and in the architecture.

Areas of application

FreeCAD is suitable for production of continuous and predictable 3D objects. Even if it is The intention of no 2D drawing program, but it offers these possibilities. Although the authors see it still in beta, FreeCAD is applied broadly.

Functions

General

The actual design process includes the creation of three-dimensional objects. For FreeCAD uses the Open CASCADE Technology. There are 15 functions to create spatial objects and modify. The objects are described with user-specified parameters, which are permanently stored and changed.

With a built-in interpreter based on the Python programming language individual commands can be automated and summarized.

Most functions of the software are implemented by plugins, which are added by default or as needed. There are modules to create objects from a 2D geometry, the simulation of robot movements and others. Photo-realistic images are created through the export to external renderers.

2D drawing views are generated by the projection of the 3D model.

In addition to the usual input devices, a 3D mouse can be used.

Supported file formats

Files can be exported and imported in the FreeCAD file format as well as, inter alia, DXF, SVG, STEP, IGES and IFC.

DWG support and GPLv2 vs. GPLv3 incompatibility

The DWG format is not supported by FreeCAD. As part of the introduction of GPLv3 2007, this license has been extended so that it was in principle incompatible with the previous version. This ensures that existing projects that - for whatever reason - can not upgrade to GPLv3 or the " or later" clause have not incompatible with GPLv3 software and can not source code with this replace (at the most known of the Linux kernel). Since FreeCAD (and LibreCAD ) GPLv2 licensed contains source code, the GNU LibreDWG library, which was changed to GPLv3, will no longer be used. An attempt to reach a relicensing at the FSF failed.

Gallery

Model of a basket.

Model of a speaker.

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