However, depsite the difficulties in 3D modeling, the FEM part is more straightforward to use and allows to obtain interesting results. Primary features of FreeCAD include geometry kernels, rendering, a sketcher, modular architecture, a robot. Designed as a scriptable CAD solution, the software allows users to manage architectural and electrical design functions. However, if some of the issues will not be solved and another more user friendly alternative will be present on the market, I feel like it will be abandoned quickly. FreeCAD is an open-source, customizable 3D modeler that helps users in mechanical engineering and product design. Right now, I feel it is one of the most valid alternatives, especially after Fusion 360 introduced limitations on the numbe of components that can be worked with for free. It reads and writes to many open file formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, DAE and many others, making it possible to seamlessly integrate it into your workflow. The biggest pro of this software is the number of features implemented and totally free, which makes it the best unrestrained free option for who requires a CAD or a FEM software but cannot pay for it, but unlike another 3D software, Blender, that despite being open source got highly user friendly, FreeCAD feels still quite hard to use, due to a not so agile workflow and some bugs that are still to be fixed. FreeCAD is a multiplatfom (Windows, Mac and Linux), highly customizable and extensible software. I have used FreeCAD as an hobbyist who has no availability for payed cad softwares, to produce models that I later 3D print. High potential with lots of space to improve

Review freecad