CAD

Introduction

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is the creation of a 3D model of an object in computers using dedicated softwares.

In my university, I have learned solidworks and creo, I have never used any free or open source 3D design softwares. During PreFab academy, I have learned about 3 free 3D design softwares: Antimony, FreeCad and Openscad.

Antimony

Antimony is a free open source CAD software developed by Matthew Keeter. The software creates 3D objects by connecting nodes. More can be found in this link

I found it very easy and simple to use, just connect the blocks together and the shape will be generated !

Install

I have installed antimony from this , using the following commands

Install dependencies sudo apt install git build-essential libpng-dev python3-dev libboost-all-dev libgl1-mesa-dev lemon flex qt5-default ninja-build cmake

git clone https://github.com/mkeeter/antimony

cd antimony

mkdir build cd build

cmake -GNinja .. ninja ./app/antimony

A simple project I did using antimony is the design of heat gun heads holder

3D design can be found in this link

Put real photo of the holder

FreeCad

Openscad