If you've samples to hand then FreeCAD can already import DXF, OCA/ GCAD, SVG, STP/ STEP, IGS/ IGES and other formats, a quick way to get started and see what the program can do.īut if you prefer then you can also create a new document from scratch. The program's 0.12 version number tells you it's not yet ready for prime time, but if you're interested in this area - particularly if you're familiar with Python scripting - then there's already plenty to explore here. Data can be exported to spreadsheets or POVRay, a ray-tracing program.FreeCAD is a powerful 3D CAD modeler and drawing tool which is targeted squarely at the mechanical engineering and product design fields. Users can view forces and torques from joints, constraints, actuators, springs, dampers, applied forces and inertia. Acceleration data include transverse, centripetal and Coriollis accelerations. Data series available include linear and angular displacements, velocities, accelerations, forces, torques, momenta and kinetic energies. XY plots can be zoomed and set to equal scales. Users can study the mechanical dynamics in the form of plots and tabular output. Animation using the simulated data produces realistic dynamic behavior of the system. freeCAD performs full Multibody Dynamics Analysis on the assembly to predict the motion according to Newton's Laws. Both open and closed 3D loops are permitted.

The parts and connections define the structure, mechanism or machine of interest. The parts are simple 3D solids, which can be connected by joints, constraints, contacts, motors, actuators, springs, dampers, forces, torques or gravity. It is a freeware and can be distributed freely.įreeCAD allows users to create and manipulate assemblies of parts. Assembly data are unchanged across platforms. The program runs on Windows, Linux PC, Macintosh PPC and other Unix's. Educators, students and new engineers will find it ideal for the teaching and learning of geometry, kinematics, dynamics, vibrations, mechanisms, linkages, cams, machine design and physics. It is suitable for anyone interested in learning 3D CAD and Motion Simulation for free before using more sophisticated packages.

FreeCAD is a basic 3D CAD with advanced Motion Simulation capabilities.

Download the new version FreeCAD 0.21.0