3D CAD Design Software for Hobbyists | SOLIDWORKS for Makers
Seems like SolidWorks Maker is on a big time sale, at $24 for a year. Seems to basically have every capability I (and i suspect most hobbyists) would use.
I've spent too long trying to learn how to draft things in FreeCAD after already spending way too long learning how to model things in FreeCAD, so i'm definitely gonna take advantage of this!
Two big thumbs up for Solidworks Maker from me. It has way more export options than Fusion 360 and it's real CAD software not some strung together bullE36 M3 for "youtube makers"
In reply to RacetruckRon :
glad to hear it! Your comment about it on a previous thread got me thinking about it, and I figure i can't refuse a good sale lol
Correct me if I am wrong, but the lack of the CAM feature on the cloud-based version would preclude me from sending out files for 3D prints or "Send Cut Send" kind of services? No?
In reply to NOHOME :
No, CAM is actually creating toolpaths/speeds/machine settings to run a CNC mill yourself. All you need for sendcutsend or 3D printing is to export your models in a compatible file type (.STEP, .x_t, etc) which it can do
In reply to budget_bandit :
Thanks. That is what I thought but had someone telling me otherwise.
Kind of hard to go wrong at this price if you want to learn a new skill. It is a steep learning curve to get started.
Does it have a decent sheet metal module?
Kreb (Forum Supporter) said:Does it have a decent sheet metal module?
It has the best sheet metal module, it's essentially a Solidworks Premium license that watermarks 2d drawings.
In reply to RacetruckRon :
what does the watermark say? Is it something mundane, or is it "not to be used for such-and-such purposes"?
In reply to budget_bandit :
I honestly don't know, I'm assuming it watermarks the prints heavily like the education licenses do because that's what the former coworker that suggested I get Solidworks Maker told me. I haven't exported any 2d drawings yet with it but I really enjoy being able to export STEP files out of Solidworks Maker which you can't do without spending some serious dollars on Fusion360.
Is this the cloud version that doesn't do anything on your computer?
In reply to Mr_Asa :
The launcher for the license is cloud based but the application is stored on your computer. You can work offline for up to 30 days at a time without using the cloud launcher.
In reply to Mr_Asa :
they offer a cloud version and a downloadable version for the same price
In reply to RacetruckRon :
i'm reading the fine print on the website and i'm a little concerned about exporting anything other than a STEP file, basically. I was hoping to be able to print 2D drawings and send them out but i'm not sure that would be an option. it doesn't address printing specifically, but it seems like they are basically restricting anything other than STEP files.
In reply to budget_bandit :
And what constitutes a "commercial platform"?
In reply to Kreb (Forum Supporter) :
i'm hoping, practically, that means that if email a SolidWorks drawing file (the native .SLDRW) to a user with a commercial license, they can't open it. I would hope that i could download a PDF of the drawing i make and email it to them, but it might have some gargantuan watermark "not to be used for any purposes other than screwing around at home" or something
In reply to Kreb (Forum Supporter) :
Most likely the full version Solidworks with a professional or education license. I think they still sell it without subscription for like $4000.
Files created by Solidworks for Makers can only be opened by it. But you can still send a 3D .step file
I had to check on the drawing export watermark, it's actually pretty minor and you could clip it out if you wanted to with a PDF editor. Bottom left corner of the drawing.
In reply to Kreb (Forum Supporter) :
The key is the "neutral file formats" comment. the data restriction is only for native file types. It seems like it would just prevent someone in an enterprise environment from using the cheaper Makers license because a PLM system isn't going to be able to open the digitally marked files, or you wouldn't be able to share files unless, I suppose, everyone in the company was on a makers license. For home gamers or a small shop that only has a one seat license, it doesn't really matter - step, stl, iges, etc files can still get you a 3D part a shop could pull into Mastercam or something for machining. I think svg is the usual laser/water jet format, which I believe is a neutral format as well. You just wouldn't be able to share the native formats, which offer a higher precision and a better model structure that generally again, won't matter for a homegamer.
With this question I will intentionally put a portion of my ignorance on display.
Do 3d printers use STP files? AK2 hasn't touched her Ender3 in a year, so I think I'll repo it and try to make some stuff.
In reply to RacetruckRon :
hell yeah! that's nothing, i was expecting something much more intrusive than that. Thanks for the test run
In reply to AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) :
i suppose it would depend on the slicer software you're using, but I would be shocked if any of the popular ones wouldn't accept STP/STEP
Working in SW daily, and occasionally playing with stuff from my old student versions, the only thing SW does is gives a pop-up warning if you have a noncommercial copy.
"The file you are opening was made on a student version of Solidworks and cannot be used for any commercial purposes."
It wont give a care if you export as a STEP or DXF or whatever, and it is easy enough to remove the warning on DXFs and DWGs if you really want to, but no one is gonna care
In reply to AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) :
Yep.
Though I've only used MakerBot and Bambu software, stp is a widely used 3D standard. I've sent stp files to have parts CNC milled as well.
AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) said:With this question I will intentionally put a portion of my ignorance on display.
Do 3d printers use STP files? AK2 hasn't touched her Ender3 in a year, so I think I'll repo it and try to make some stuff.
STL usually, not STP. And probably depends on the slicer. OBJ is also an option, gcode, ply
Most non proprietary formats
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