Fabrication/Getting Started with CAD: Difference between revisions

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== Summary ==

If you're looking for a CAD program for drone and parts design:

* '''[https://www.solidworks.com/product/students/solidworks-student-edition-veterans SolidWorks]''' is ideal for military veterans, thanks to its affordable $20/year offer and professional capabilities.

* '''[https://www.solidworks.com/product/students/solidworks-student-edition-veterans SolidWorks]''' is ideal for military veterans, thanks to its affordable $20/year offer and professional capabilities. It can be used offline.

* ''Fusion 360''' is a great free option for hobbyists. It has a robust set of features and an easier learning curve.

* ''Fusion 360''' is a great free option for hobbyists. It has a robust set of features and an easier learning curve. It stores all files in the cloud.

* '''OnShape''' offers cloud-based flexibility for users who need easy collaboration or professional-level features without installing local software.

* '''OnShape''' offers cloud-based flexibility for users who need easy collaboration or professional-level features without installing local software. It is entirely cloud based, with no local install.

Beginner tip: STEP saves a much more detailed/user friendly file than STL when exporting for another person, or post processing with a slicer for 3d printing.

== Which CAD Program is Best for Beginners? ==

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* '''Cost''':

** SolidWorks offers a significant military discount. If you're military or retired, you can get it for just $20/year through their [https://www.solidworks.com/product/students/solidworks-student-edition-veterans Student Edition for Vets].

*** This edition will mark all exported files as "for Academic/Educational use", including DXF. SendCutSend will see those letters and reject your DXF and doesn't like STEP exports. OshCut will accept those DXF, and SW .part files.

** This version includes the full suite of SolidWorks tools and free certification tests.

* '''Training''':

** SolidWorks may seem intimidating to beginners, but it's highly recommended for those aiming for professional-level work.

** Check out affordable training courses on platforms like [https://www.udemy.com/share/101WNs3@qNJkjMnSBAP2bac-dBa1SF7EeQS2YkIMXqA9F4VAl0Cvki5E3v1IhdXQPaSvBA2agA==|Udemy], where prices fluctuate but start around $20.

* '''File storage/connectivity required:'''

** Local, offline.

* '''Pros''':

** Best for those who want to work professionally in engineering or use highly detailed CAD models.

** ~~It is commonly used in college programs and professional environments~~.

** Files stored offline/doesn't require internet connection.

** Simulation of stresses on parts superior to Fusion360.

* '''Cons''':

** ~~It requires the~~ annual re-submission of military documents to keep the discounted license active.

** Requires annual re-submission of military documents to keep the discounted license active.

** It has a more complex learning curve than ~~hobbyist tools~~ like TinkerCAD ~~or Fusion 360~~.

** It has a more complex learning curve than Fusion 360, or hobby programs like TinkerCAD

** Complex Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) integration.

=== Fusion 360 ===

Fusion 360 is a versatile CAD software that has gained popularity among hobbyists and professionals. It offers cloud-based modeling, making it accessible and easy to collaborate on.

Fusion 360 is a versatile CAD software that has gained popularity among hobbyists and professionals. It offers cloud-based modeling, making it accessible and easy to collaborate on but requiring network connectivity/cloud storage.

* '''Cost''':

** Fusion 360 has a '''free version''' for hobbyists, which is ideal for non-commercial use. It's a great alternative for those not qualifying for SolidWorks discounts.

* '''File storage/connectivity required:'''

** Cloud, with "limited" storage for free version.

*** It is possible to export a local copy of the file, but the "working" files are still stored in the cloud and will not update local file without re-exporting.

* '''Pros''':

** ~~There are plenty of~~ free online tutorials, especially on ~~YouTube.~~

** More user friendly learning curve than SolidWorks with many free online tutorials (especially on Youtube), making it great for beginners.

** It has a lower learning curve than SolidWorks, making it great for beginners.

** Seemless integration of CAM.

** ~~Ideal for hobbyists working~~ on ~~drone parts~~, ~~3D printing~~, ~~and lightweight designs~~.

** Very commonly shared file type on thingiverse, thangs, cults3d, etc...

* '''Cons''':

** ~~Some advanced~~ features ~~require a paid license~~.

** Cloud only storage requiring internet access to use.

** Advanced features behind tiered paywall (Small business pay less than large corporations; 3D CAM restrictions).

** The free version has some limitations but is sufficient for most personal projects.

=== OnShape ===

OnShape is another popular CAD tool developed by one of SolidWorks' founders. It offers a cloud-based interface, making it accessible from any device with a browser.

OnShape is another popular CAD tool developed by one of SolidWorks' founders. It offers a cloud-based interface, making it accessible from any device with a browser but requiring sufficient internet access.

* '''Pros''':

** Easy to use, with an intuitive interface similar to SolidWorks.

** Cloud-based ~~means you don’t need to install any software locally, and~~ you can access your designs from anywhere.

** Cloud-based only with no local files installed; you can access your designs from anywhere.

** Suitable for professional work and collaboration.

* '''Cons''':

** Limited free features; the full version is subscription-based.

** Requires internet access and dislikes some VPN connections

* '''File storage/connectivity required:'''

** Cloud only, with less export options than Fusion360 for exporting file types.

=== Other CAD Tools ===

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 == Summary ==
 If you're looking for a CAD program for drone and parts design:
-* '''[https://www.solidworks.com/product/students/solidworks-student-edition-veterans SolidWorks]''' is ideal for military veterans, thanks to its affordable $20/year offer and professional capabilities.
+* '''[https://www.solidworks.com/product/students/solidworks-student-edition-veterans SolidWorks]''' is ideal for military veterans, thanks to its affordable $20/year offer and professional capabilities.  It can be used offline.
-* ''Fusion 360''' is a great free option for hobbyists. It has a robust set of features and an easier learning curve.
+* ''Fusion 360''' is a great free option for hobbyists. It has a robust set of features and an easier learning curve.  It stores all files in the cloud.
-* '''OnShape''' offers cloud-based flexibility for users who need easy collaboration or professional-level features without installing local software.
+* '''OnShape''' offers cloud-based flexibility for users who need easy collaboration or professional-level features without installing local software.  It is entirely cloud based, with no local install.
+Beginner tip:  STEP saves a much more detailed/user friendly file than STL when exporting for another person, or post processing with a slicer for 3d printing.
 == Which CAD Program is Best for Beginners? ==
@@ Line 17: / Line 20: @@
 * '''Cost''':
 ** SolidWorks offers a significant military discount. If you're military or retired, you can get it for just $20/year through their [https://www.solidworks.com/product/students/solidworks-student-edition-veterans Student Edition for Vets].
+*** This edition will mark all exported files as "for Academic/Educational use", including DXF.  SendCutSend will see those letters and reject your DXF and doesn't like STEP exports.  OshCut will accept those DXF, and SW .part files.
 ** This version includes the full suite of SolidWorks tools and free certification tests.
 * '''Training''':
 ** SolidWorks may seem intimidating to beginners, but it's highly recommended for those aiming for professional-level work.
 ** Check out affordable training courses on platforms like [https://www.udemy.com/share/101WNs3@qNJkjMnSBAP2bac-dBa1SF7EeQS2YkIMXqA9F4VAl0Cvki5E3v1IhdXQPaSvBA2agA==|Udemy], where prices fluctuate but start around $20.
+* '''File storage/connectivity required:'''
+** Local, offline.
 * '''Pros''':
 ** Best for those who want to work professionally in engineering or use highly detailed CAD models.
-** It is commonly used in college programs and professional environments.
+** Files stored offline/doesn't require internet connection.
+** Simulation of stresses on parts superior to Fusion360.
 * '''Cons''':
-** It requires the annual re-submission of military documents to keep the discounted license active.
+** Requires annual re-submission of military documents to keep the discounted license active.
-** It has a more complex learning curve than hobbyist tools like TinkerCAD or Fusion 360.
+** It has a more complex learning curve than Fusion 360, or hobby programs like TinkerCAD
+** Complex Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) integration.
 === Fusion 360 ===
-Fusion 360 is a versatile CAD software that has gained popularity among hobbyists and professionals. It offers cloud-based modeling, making it accessible and easy to collaborate on.
+Fusion 360 is a versatile CAD software that has gained popularity among hobbyists and professionals. It offers cloud-based modeling, making it accessible and easy to collaborate on but requiring network connectivity/cloud storage.
 * '''Cost''':
 ** Fusion 360 has a '''free version''' for hobbyists, which is ideal for non-commercial use. It's a great alternative for those not qualifying for SolidWorks discounts.
+* '''File storage/connectivity required:'''
+** Cloud, with "limited" storage for free version.
+*** It is possible to export a local copy of the file, but the "working" files are still stored in the cloud and will not update local file without re-exporting.
 * '''Pros''':
-** There are plenty of free online tutorials, especially on YouTube.
+** More user friendly learning curve than SolidWorks with many free online tutorials (especially on Youtube), making it great for beginners.
-** It has a lower learning curve than SolidWorks, making it great for beginners.
+** Seemless integration of CAM.
-** Ideal for hobbyists working on drone parts, 3D printing, and lightweight designs.
+** Very commonly shared file type on thingiverse, thangs, cults3d, etc...
 * '''Cons''':
-** Some advanced features require a paid license.
+** Cloud only storage requiring internet access to use.
+** Advanced features behind tiered paywall (Small business pay less than large corporations; 3D CAM restrictions).
 ** The free version has some limitations but is sufficient for most personal projects.
 === OnShape ===
-OnShape is another popular CAD tool developed by one of SolidWorks' founders. It offers a cloud-based interface, making it accessible from any device with a browser.
+OnShape is another popular CAD tool developed by one of SolidWorks' founders. It offers a cloud-based interface, making it accessible from any device with a browser but requiring sufficient internet access.
 * '''Pros''':
 ** Easy to use, with an intuitive interface similar to SolidWorks.
-** Cloud-based means you don’t need to install any software locally, and you can access your designs from anywhere.
+** Cloud-based only with no local files installed; you can access your designs from anywhere.
 ** Suitable for professional work and collaboration.
 * '''Cons''':
 ** Limited free features; the full version is subscription-based.
+** Requires internet access and dislikes some VPN connections
+* '''File storage/connectivity required:'''
+** Cloud only, with less export options than Fusion360 for exporting file types.
 === Other CAD Tools ===