Fabrication/Getting Started with CAD

Getting Started with CAD for Drone Parts

If you're new to CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and looking to design drones or their parts, several options are available, depending on your needs and experience level. Below is a guide to help you choose a CAD program, with specific recommendations for military personnel or veterans.

Summary

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

• 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. 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.It is entirely cloud-based, with no local installation.

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?

Here are some popular CAD programs, with details on their ease of use and available options for hobbyists, professionals, and military members:

SolidWorks

SolidWorks is a leading CAD modeling and simulation software used in engineering. It's considered one of the best for professional and advanced users due to its comprehensive toolset.

• Cost:
  • SolidWorks offers a significant military discount. If you're military or retired, you can get it for just $20/year through their Student Edition for Vets.
    • This edition will mark all exported files as "for Academic/Educational use," including DXF. SendCutSend will see those letters, reject your DXF, and doesn't like STEP exports. OshCut will accept those DXF and SW .part files.
• Training:
  • Check out affordable training courses on platforms like 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.
  • Files stored offline/don't require an internet connection.
  • Simulation of stresses on parts superior to Fusion 360.
• Cons:
  • Requires annual re-submission of military documents to keep the discounted license active.
  • It has a more complex learning curve than Fusion 360, or hobby programs like TinkerCAD.

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 but requiring network connectivity/cloud storage.

• Cost:
  • Fusion 360 has a free version for hobbyists, which is ideal for non-commercial use.
• File storage/connectivity required:
  • Cloud, with "limited" storage for free version.
• Pros:
  • More user-friendly learning curve than SolidWorks with many free online tutorials (especially on YouTube), making it great for beginners.
  • Seamless integration of CAM.
  • Very commonly shared file type on Thingiverse, Thangs, Cults3D, etc.
• Cons:
  • Cloud-only storage requiring internet access to use.
  • Advanced features behind a tiered paywall.

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 but requiring sufficient internet access.

• Pros:
  • Easy to use, with an intuitive interface similar to SolidWorks.
  • Cloud-based only with no local files installed; you can access your designs anywhere.
  • Suitable for professional work and collaboration.
• Cons:
  • Limited free features; the full version is subscription-based.
  • Requires internet access.

Other CAD Tools

• TinkerCAD: While easy to use, TinkerCAD lacks advanced features and professional tools. It’s great for very simple projects, but it may not suit users who want more complexity or the ability to interface with more professional tools.
• Microsoft 3D Builder: A basic tool for modifying STL files, but it is not recommended for creating CAD, like making detailed drone parts.
• FreeCAD: An open-source alternative for those looking for a completely free tool, but the interface can be clunky, and it may take longer to learn.