CAD & 3D Modeling

AutoCAD vs SolidWorks isn’t really a fair fight, because the two tools aren’t built for the same job. AutoCAD is a 2D drafting tool that can do 3D. SOLIDWORKS is a parametric 3D tool built for manufacturing that can also produce 2D drawings. Once you know which job you actually have, the pick gets easy. … Read more

CAD software for mechanical engineers splits into two real questions: which tool fits your budget, and which one fits how you actually work. SOLIDWORKS and Fusion 360 lead on adoption; Onshape leads on cloud collaboration; FreeCAD leads on cost. This guide compares all of them on real, current pricing, and gives a direct pick for … Read more

3D printing software takes a finished 3D model and turns it into the print instructions a 3D printer needs. The most common type is a slicer, which divides the model into layers and creates the instructions used by the printer. Your printer should be the first thing you check when choosing software. You should also … Read more

3D CAD software lets you create and change three-dimensional designs on a computer. Engineers and designers use it to make parts, products, machines, and other objects before they are built. The best CAD software is the one that fits your budget, you work and can be easily in your budget. Some programs are made mainly … Read more

Orca Slicer is a free, open-source slicer for FDM 3D printers. It takes a 3D model and converts it into printer instructions such as G-code, while letting you control print quality, strength, speed, supports, materials, and other process settings. Its standout feature is a built-in calibration workflow that helps users tune printers and filaments without … Read more

OpenSCAD is free, open-source CAD software for creating precise 2D and 3D solid models from code. Instead of drawing features interactively, you write a script that defines the geometry, parameters, and operations, then the application generates the model. That makes it especially useful for parameter-driven parts, 3D printing, procedural designs, and repeatable models. For engineers … Read more

Revit is Autodesk’s Building Information Modeling (BIM) software for architecture, structural engineering, MEP engineering, construction, and multidisciplinary building projects. It connects 3D building models with drawings, schedules, quantities, and project information so changes can flow through related documentation. The current major release is Revit 2027, and Revit 2027.3 is the latest update as of September … Read more

FreeCAD is a free, open-source 3D CAD program used for engineering and product design. It lets you build precise 3D models, sketches, assemblies, and technical drawings. It also comes with tools for FEM (strength and stress testing), CAM (machine tool programs), BIM (building design), and Python-based scripting. FreeCAD runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, which … Read more

Autodesk Fusion is a cloud-connected product development platform that combines 3D CAD, CAM, CAE, PCB design, data management, and collaboration. The regular U.S. price is $680 per user per year for Autodesk Fusion, while Fusion for Manufacturing costs $2,040/year and Fusion for Design costs $2,190/year. Qualifying users can also access Personal Use, Education, startup, or … Read more

GrabCAD is an online engineering community and CAD library where engineers, designers, and students can find, view, download, upload, and share CAD models. It is not a conventional CAD modeling program such as SOLIDWORKS, PTC Creo, or Autodesk Inventor. The brand also covers software for additive manufacturing, including GrabCAD Print and GrabCAD Streamline Pro. The … Read more