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Fabrication/Getting Started with CAD

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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.[1]

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.[2] 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.[3] 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.[4] 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.[5]

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.[2]
      • 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.[6]
  • Training:
    • SolidWorks may seem intimidating to beginners, but it's highly recommended for those aiming for professional-level work.[7]
    • Check out affordable training courses on platforms like Udemy, where prices fluctuate but start around $20.[8]
  • 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.[9]
  • Cons:
    • Requires annual re-submission of military documents to keep the discounted license active.[10]
    • It has a more complex learning curve than Fusion 360 or hobby programs like TinkerCAD.[11]

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.[12]
  • 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.[13]
  • Pros:
    • More user-friendly learning curve than SolidWorks with many free online tutorials (especially on YouTube), making it great for beginners.[14]
    • Seamless integration of CAM.
    • Very commonly shared file type on Thingiverse, Thangs, Cults3D, etc.[15]
  • Cons:
    • Cloud-only storage requiring internet access to use.[16]
    • Advanced features behind a tiered paywall (Small businesses pay less than large corporations; 3D CAM restrictions).[17]

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.[18]
    • Cloud-based only with no local files installed; you can access your designs anywhere.
    • Suitable for professional work and collaboration.[19]
  • Cons:
    • Limited free features; the full version is subscription-based.[20]
    • Requires internet access and dislikes some VPN connections.[21]

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.[22]
  • Microsoft 3D Builder: A basic tool for modifying STL files, but it is not recommended for creating CAD, like making detailed drone parts.[23]
  • 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.[24]

References

  1. ↑ "Introduction to CAD Tools for Beginners." Engineering Magazine. Retrieved from [1](https://www.engineeringmagazine.com).
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "SolidWorks for Veterans Program." SolidWorks. Retrieved from [2](https://www.solidworks.com/product/students/solidworks-student-edition-veterans).
  3. ↑ "Fusion 360 for Hobbyists." Autodesk. Retrieved from [3](https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360).
  4. ↑ "OnShape Cloud CAD Overview." OnShape. Retrieved from [4](https://www.onshape.com).
  5. ↑ "STEP vs. STL for 3D Printing." 3D Printing Journal. Retrieved from [5](https://www.3dprintingjournal.com).
  6. ↑ "File Export Limitations in SolidWorks." Fabrication Journal.
  7. ↑ "SolidWorks Beginner's Guide." Engineering Tutorials.
  8. ↑ "CAD Courses for Beginners." Udemy. Retrieved from [6](https://www.udemy.com).
  9. ↑ "Stress Simulation in SolidWorks vs. Fusion 360." Engineering Analysis.
  10. ↑ "Maintaining SolidWorks Licenses for Veterans." SolidWorks.
  11. ↑ "Why SolidWorks Has a Steep Learning Curve." CAD Blog.
  12. ↑ "Fusion 360 Free Version for Hobbyists." Autodesk.
  13. ↑ "Cloud File Management in Fusion 360." Autodesk Knowledge Base.
  14. ↑ "Fusion 360 Tutorials for Beginners." YouTube Channel: Learn CAD.
  15. ↑ "Popular CAD File Types for 3D Printing." 3D Model Repositories.
  16. ↑ "Limitations of Cloud-Only CAD Software." Engineering Reviews.
  17. ↑ "Understanding Fusion 360's Tiered Pricing." Autodesk.
  18. ↑ "User Feedback on OnShape vs. SolidWorks." CAD Journal.
  19. ↑ "Collaboration Features in OnShape." CAD Cloud Reviews.
  20. ↑ "OnShape Subscription Costs Explained." OnShape.
  21. ↑ "Using VPNs with OnShape." OnShape Support.
  22. ↑ "TinkerCAD for Beginners: Pros and Cons." 3D Design Blog.
  23. ↑ "Microsoft 3D Builder Overview." Software Reviews.
  24. ↑ "Learning Curve of FreeCAD." Open-Source Design Blog.
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