Good CAD programmes?

[GT7810]

Anyone know of any good (ideally free!) CAD drawing programmes? Doesn't need to do 3D objects just simple shapes. Saves me drawing them out on paper and then photographing them in order to email to the local profilers

 

[gorgous]

cadstd lite is free and ok.

 

[PJ_Farmer_82]

I use this for 2D https://librecad.org/ (free) and for 3D I use autodesk fusion360. It's also free for a student download https://www.autodesk.co.uk/products/fusion-360/students-teachers-educators

 

[GT7810]

Ok thanks, i'll have a play with them and see how I get on

 

[traineefarmer]

LibreCAD is excellent and has many professional features.

 

[Bob c]

https://www.3ds.com/products-servic...&utm_content=freecadtools_&utm_term=link-text

by the same people which do solid-works

 

[TechWise]

+1 for Autodesk Inventor, Fusion or AutoCAD. All free on a Student License.

Each will allow you to export your profile as a .dxf file which you can send straight to the fabricator to begin cutting. No more paying for them to digitise drawings

 

[GT7810]

Do you need to prove to them you are a student when getting the student licence because whats stopping everyone from just getting the free student versions?

 

[bkg]

This is very good, i use it for my plasma table, give it a go
https://www.onshape.com/

 

[Steevo]

Do any of these open DWG files please?

 

[bkg]

Tech Tip: Importing and Exporting DXF Files in Onshape
https://www.onshape.com › cad-blog › te...
Try this

 

[Pheasant Surprise]

Do any of these open DWG files please?

For 2D drawings, I just use the AutoCAD app (free to use once registered) on my phone.

 

[Steevo]

For 2D drawings, I just use the AutoCAD app (free to use once registered) on my phone.

Thank you. Turns out it may not be quite so free any longer even if registered.

 

[Pheasant Surprise]

Thank you. Turns out it may not be quite so free any longer even if registered.

View attachment 728514

Nah it’s free. Just don’t subscribe to all that needless premium stuff

 

[Steevo]

Nah it’s free. Just don’t subscribe to all that needless premium stuff

Free trial for 7 days....and after that?

 

[Pheasant Surprise]

Free trial for 7 days....and after that?

Your mileage may vary as they say.

Have had the app installed on my phones and tablets for a couple of years. I’ve never paid a penny to Autodesk (or provided any credit card details). I only use it occasionally to open CAD files from shed builders, or architect/structural engineer when we were doing work to the house, and some random machine parts etc.

Tried other free apps, and they choked on some random files or had a hissy fit, didn’t display properly etc. Never had any issues with the Autocad mobile app though, sometimes it asks me to login to my account, but otherwise no “interruption to service”

 

[gavztheouch]

Fusion 360 is the best one I have used thats still free. For 2d parts you can create the 2d sketch with the sketch tool and then give it some thickness say 2mm and then you can use the 3d model to create 2d drawings for your profiler.