Simple free 3d cad for windows

[Onoff]

I was quite impressed with nanocad free.

 

[indy4x]

I've use Lasered Components a few times, they can work with a variety of metals and they are very good if you need to discuss a project with them


Their website is really helpful with FAQs and example drawing of what they need for stuff that needs bending

They can also work with a variety of file types

 

[bricol]

I need to draw up a couple of simple parts to be laser cut from 30mm steel, basically two rings with six bolt holes each which will be used to crimp these parts together.

I've no cad experience, so want something fairy simple and quick to get started with.

Any suggestions on what to use?

These two parts to be crimped together.

View attachment 516942

If that goes together how I think it goes together, I would have thought you want seaming rolls to turn the lip over and form it tight against the flange

 

[daedalusminos]

If you only need simple shapes e.g. flange with PCD then Andover Laser have an online drawing package which is easy to use:

I assume you meant 3mm, not 30mm? Doubt you'll find many laser cutting places going much more than 20mm.

 

[Dr.Al]

Export, save as stl works for me.

STL? Does anyone still use STLs? Most 3D-printer slicers support STEP files these days, which are far superior as an export format and give you a useful-ish backup of your design.

 

[Agroshield]

...does anyone have a recommendation for a prototype laser cutting service?

In the initial post, you state 30mm thickness. It would be wise to check that is not too thick for laser cutting. Perhaps plasma, flame or water might be more competitive.

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

If that goes together how I think it goes together, I would have thought you want seaming rolls to turn the lip over and form it tight against the flange

I plan to machine in a bevel to form the bead.

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

Having looked at a range of suppliers seems like 20mm is more achievable..

The Merc tool looks like this but is now NLA.

 

[daedalusminos]

Ahhh, now I understand....

If it's just for a one-off I would fabricate the two halves out of thick wall tube (one with a recessed lip to take the part to be formed and the other with a bevel to start the crimp reversible with the other end flat to complete the crimp) and use a hydraulic press to apply pressure.

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

Ahhh, now I understand....

If it's just for a one-off I would fabricate the two halves out of thick wall tube (one with a recessed lip to take the part to be formed and the other with a bevel to start the crimp reversible with the other end flat to complete the crimp) and use a hydraulic press to apply pressure.

I thought about that but at it's widest point the CV joint won't fit between the bed of my press which is 100mm wide.

 

[daedalusminos]

What thickness steel are the covers?

You'd probably get away with some welded nuts/lugs and use bolts to pull the two halves together

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

What thickness steel are the covers?

You'd probably get away with some welded nuts/lugs and use bolts to pull the two halves together

About 1mm, that's my plan.

 

[Onoff]

STL? Does anyone still use STLs? Most 3D-printer slicers support STEP files these days, which are far superior as an export format and give you a useful-ish backup of your design.

All the time when I model in AutoCAD and send to my son for printing. My version doesn't do STEP files.

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

Thanks for all the help and suggestions.

Parts now ordered from Andover Laser.

 

[Dr.Al]

All the time when I model in AutoCAD and send to my son for printing. My version doesn't do STEP files.

I knew that was true of the free version of DesignSpark Mechanical but I'm surprised at AutoCAD.

Is it something they charge extra for then?

STEP export was one of my absolutely essential criteria for a 3D CAD application (with Parasolid export desirable but not essential). I wouldn't touch anything without STEP export capability as STEP files maximise the chances of you being able to load old models into a different CAD application if you ever lose access to an old one.

 

[Onoff]

Is it something they charge extra for then?

Probably because it's v2010.

 

[My Old Landy]

Probably because it's v2010.

Indeed, I have the updated (free) version and it exports step files no problem.
Edit to say it requires an internet connection but that's not normally an issue.

 

[Onoff]

Indeed, I have the updated (free) version and it exports step files no problem.
Edit to say it requires an internet connection but that's not normally an issue.

Free AutoCAD? 3D?

 

[My Old Landy]

Free AutoCAD? 3D?

Fusion, sorry I thought it was the same thing!