FreeCAD and free tiers can cover substantial maker work before paid software is necessary.
CORE · SOFTWARE GUIDE
CAD & parametric modelling
Design mechanical parts, assemblies, enclosures and fabrication-ready geometry from dimensions and constraints.
EnclosuresMechanical partsAssembliesReverse engineeringFabrication drawings
THE QUESTIONDo you need parametric engineering CAD, direct modelling, collaboration or simply a fast route to printable geometry?
LISTED OPTIONS5
MULTI-REVIEWED0
What changes as the budget rises
Pay when workflow speed, collaboration or a specific modelling approach materially improves the work.
COMPARE THE ACTUAL OPTIONS
Compare models and tools
Compare the same job, not just the price.
Read each model in the same order: price and scope, best use, limitations, then the assessment. Match your material, working size and required output first. Include accessories, consumables, software and workspace needs before deciding.
build123d.readthedocs.iobuild123d
Discovered · Not yet assessed
build123d
Create a sensor enclosure from measured board dimensions; inspect mounting holes and wall thickness, then print a fit prototype.
FIRST EXPERIMENT
Model a simple bracket from measured dimensions and inspect the exported solid before printing.
What to try & help us assess
First experiment: Model a simple bracket from measured dimensions and inspect the exported solid before printing.
Budget scope: Software access and any optional AI service must be checked at review time. Hardware, materials, machine access and failed prototypes are separate; no complete build cost verified.
Source position: Design or software resource. A fabrication-ready physical result has not been verified by CAIBI.
Where AI fits: Python CAD library; a separate coding assistant can draft scripts, but build123d itself is not a generative AI product.
Help us find out: Can a novice understand and correct generated dimensions after the first physical fit test?
HELP US ASSESS IT
Can a novice understand and correct generated dimensions after the first physical fit test?
Explore source ↗Tried it? Share your experience →cadquery.readthedocs.ioCadQuery
Discovered · Not yet assessed
CadQuery
Generate three sizes of the same electronics enclosure and compare STEP output with a real board and fasteners.
FIRST EXPERIMENT
Generate two sizes of the same enclosure and inspect wall thickness and hole positions.
What to try & help us assess
First experiment: Generate two sizes of the same enclosure and inspect wall thickness and hole positions.
Budget scope: Software access and any optional AI service must be checked at review time. Hardware, materials, machine access and failed prototypes are separate; no complete build cost verified.
Source position: Design or software resource. A fabrication-ready physical result has not been verified by CAIBI.
Where AI fits: A coding assistant may help write or explain scripts; CadQuery is deterministic CAD and does not validate engineering intent.
Help us find out: Do parameter changes remain stable, and are the resulting parts easier to maintain than manually edited copies?
HELP US ASSESS IT
Do parameter changes remain stable, and are the resulting parts easier to maintain than manually edited copies?
Explore source ↗Tried it? Share your experience →openscad.orgOpenSCAD
Discovered · Not yet assessed
OpenSCAD
Make a parametric cable organiser with configurable cable diameter, spacing and mounting holes; print fit samples before a full batch.
FIRST EXPERIMENT
Change one dimension in a small practical model and inspect clearances before printing.
What to try & help us assess
First experiment: Change one dimension in a small practical model and inspect clearances before printing.
Budget scope: Software access and any optional AI service must be checked at review time. Hardware, materials, machine access and failed prototypes are separate; no complete build cost verified.
Source position: Design or software resource. A fabrication-ready physical result has not been verified by CAIBI.
Where AI fits: A separate AI assistant can draft or modify model code; OpenSCAD compiles geometry and is not a native text-to-CAD AI.
Help us find out: Can another person adjust the dimensions without breaking the model or creating impractical geometry?
HELP US ASSESS IT
Can another person adjust the dimensions without breaking the model or creating impractical geometry?
Explore source ↗Tried it? Share your experience →solvespace.comSolveSpace
Discovered · Not yet assessed
SolveSpace
Model a four-bar linkage for a kinetic sculpture, inspect its path and interference, then build a low-load prototype.
FIRST EXPERIMENT
Constrain a simple linkage and inspect its range of motion before printing parts.
What to try & help us assess
First experiment: Constrain a simple linkage and inspect its range of motion before printing parts.
Budget scope: Software access and any optional AI service must be checked at review time. Hardware, materials, machine access and failed prototypes are separate; no complete build cost verified.
Source position: Design or software resource. A fabrication-ready physical result has not been verified by CAIBI.
Where AI fits: Constraint-based CAD, not generative mechanism synthesis; AI can suggest a starting arrangement whose motion must be checked.
Help us find out: Does the real linkage move as predicted once clearance, friction and fabrication tolerance are introduced?
HELP US ASSESS IT
Does the real linkage move as predicted once clearance, friction and fabrication tolerance are introduced?
Explore source ↗Tried it? Share your experience →wiki.freecad.orgFreeCAD scripting
Discovered · Not yet assessed
FreeCAD scripting
Create a repeatable mounting-pattern operation or export a reviewed set of parts after a parameter change.
FIRST EXPERIMENT
Automate one change to a known model and compare the output with the original dimensions.
What to try & help us assess
First experiment: Automate one change to a known model and compare the output with the original dimensions.
Budget scope: Software access and any optional AI service must be checked at review time. Hardware, materials, machine access and failed prototypes are separate; no complete build cost verified.
Source position: Design or software resource. A fabrication-ready physical result has not been verified by CAIBI.
Where AI fits: AI can draft a macro against a specified FreeCAD version; the macro and generated geometry need review before use.
Help us find out: Does the macro handle the user's actual documents and report failures clearly rather than silently exporting the wrong parts?
HELP US ASSESS IT
Does the macro handle the user's actual documents and report failures clearly rather than silently exporting the wrong parts?
Explore source ↗Tried it? Share your experience →