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Author Topic: FreeCAD all the things  (Read 737 times)

Shadow

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FreeCAD all the things
« on: April 27, 2017, 10:23:55 PM »

I just tried CAD program for the first time FreeCAD part of what's available from a Debian GNU/Linux desktop computer system.

I can't figure out the things I can't figure out, but overall I did get some half-decent parametric drawings in for the Zero DS drop bars brackets and cross member so far. See attachment.

Does anyone else use FreeCAD and knows how to model this stuff better?  I got stuck on trying to make half a part and then mirror to the other side without making a seam.
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Doug S

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Re: FreeCAD all the things
« Reply #1 on: April 27, 2017, 11:05:57 PM »

Are you aware that there's such a thing as a 3D PDF? Most CAD packages can generate them, and Acrobat Reader can display them, although I'm not sure about the free version. It's a very cool way for many more people to be able to view a 3D rendering in 3D, rotating, zooming, without having to install a viewer. It seems to handle 3D renderings very well, too, without gigantic file sizes or tremendously slow redraws, though that might be more of a function of the generating software than Acrobat itself. But give it a whirl, assuming FreeCAD has it available as an output.

I use it with Altium (PCB layout software) at work all the time, and it's terrific. I used to hate trying to 3D render PCBs, but it works so quick and easy now I love it. When I show people a beautifully rendered PCB that's only half-way through the layout process, they're always blown away.
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BrianTRice@gmail.com

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Re: FreeCAD all the things
« Reply #2 on: April 29, 2017, 07:19:14 AM »

That is a good drawing. Can you figure out DXF/STL export? Those are easier to use across tools.

3D PDF is a good idea; I'm using Onshape which doesn't directly support it but I can probably work it out.
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togo

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Re: FreeCAD all the things
« Reply #3 on: April 16, 2018, 06:40:18 AM »

I just tried CAD program for the first time FreeCAD part of what's available from a Debian GNU/Linux desktop computer system.
...

Nice drawing of the upper mounting of the Zero SP crash bar!

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