3d design packages

[JohnB]

I want to draw up a fairly simple case which will be 3D printed.  What design package would you recommend that doesn't come with a ridiculously high price tag.  Ideally one which doesn't have too steep a learning curve.

[BriPSmith]

Hi JohnB, I would take a look at Onshape it's free and has a good reputation, it's one that is used in schools (13-18) and links well to 3D printing.

[RGV250]

Hi John,
Someone I used to work with uses Tinkercad.

Bob

[flosigud]

I use DesignSpark Mechanical by RS Components. Easy and free.

[diebobo]

SketchUp for me with export to STL plugin

[JohnB]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll take a look at them all and make a decision.

[joesaliba]

Fusion 360, free for hobbyist and has everything you need. A lot of videos and help on YouTube. Use it all the time from simple design to the most complex ones.

Joe   

[Wimax]

Fusion 360, free for hobbyist and has everything you need. A lot of videos and help on YouTube. Use it all the time from simple design to the most complex ones.

Joe 

Yes, I use the same tool, it's very nice!

[RGV250]

Fusion 360, free for hobbyist and has everything you need.

2 reasons I will not use it.
It is by Autodesk which I believe is the same as Eagle PCB, they may do the same as Eagle where they change it to a paid for option so you are left high and dry. Second, it is web only so not only is there the risk of not being able to use it if no internet but the risk of losing all your data as has happened to me in the past with other web only programs.

I think the learning curve is more than what John wants for a simple design.

Bob

[Stephen Moss]

I use Fusion 360 at work now for both Electronics and Mechanical, it has the advantage that if you are making something electronic and need to create an enclosure for it you can import the PCB into the Mechanical side and essentially create you enclosure around it which should ensure the dimensions are correct first time.

I have also used DesignSpark Mechancial, both have their quirks in that some operations are not obvious are appear to work when following the Help instructions, I guess they more keen to update the software that to make the help files keep up with the changes which can be frustrating.

But if you are only doing rather simple things then of the two I would definitely recommend DesignSpark over Fusion 360, it takes up less disk space, is easier to get to grips with, is free, and you can save files to your local drive. Fusion 360 just wants to save them to the cloud which is fine as long as your internet and their servers are working, but sometimes can result in anything from an hour to a day where it is effectively unusable.   

[joesaliba]

and you can save files to your local drive. Fusion 360 just wants to save them to the could which is fine as long as your internet and their servers are workin

You have the option to export files to a local drive.

Joe

[Oskar-svr]

Hello friend, there is one that is free and works very well. I hope it works for you. Greetings from Mexico
https://www.freecad.org/index.php?lang=es_ES

[Dompie]

Yes TinkerCad I use it for years (but is also from AutoDesk)

Johan

[JohnB]

Well I have bitten the bullet with my first 3D drawing and have sent it to JCLPCB for 3D printing.  Printing cost £35 one off with taxes and postage more than doubling it.  Tried to combine it with my next order for PCB but they have to be done separately because customs treat PCBs and 3D Models differently.

There must be a cheaper way of getting items across the pond.

Main Case v2.pdf

[RGV250]

Hi John,
Is it just me but the pdf is coming up as just a blank page.
If the case is not too big you could email me the stl file or whatever you have and I could have a go at printing it for you.

Bob

[Dompie]

No, it's a blank pdf by me too.

Johan

[JohnB]

you have to open it up in acrobat and set options to trust to enable 3D viewing

[Stephen Moss]

Well I have bitten the bullet with my first 3D drawing and have sent it to JCLPCB for 3D printing.  Printing cost £35 one off with taxes and postage more than doubling it

I don't know if they would be any cheaper but you could try Hubs.com next time, you upload your file and get an instant quote. They have manufacturing partners all over the world but I think now you can specify where you want it made, so limiting it to the UK producers should save on postage and any customs charges.

[JohnB]

I'll look into Hubs.com - I have another box still to complete, I'll see what quote I get back from them.

[Yakovlev]

I've been using www.3dprint-uk.co.uk for 6 years now and they consistently deliver quality prints, with good support too. Their minimum order is £40+Vat.
Rob R.