Open-source software for parametric 3D modeling, simulation, BIM and CAM/CNC
FreeCAD
New on Amplifa
About FreeCAD
FreeCAD is an open-source application for parametric 3D modeling, primarily used to design real-world objects of any size. The parametric approach allows parameters to be changed via the model history, making designs traceably adjustable. 3D objects can be derived from geometrically constrained 2D sketches; conversely, manufacturing-ready technical drawings can be generated from 3D models. The software offers workbenches for finite element analysis (FEA), experimental CFD, BIM, geodata, CAM/CNC programming, and robot simulation for examining robot motion. FreeCAD is cross-platform, available on Windows, macOS and Linux, highly customizable and extensible, and supports open file formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC and DAE. No license fees are charged and there is no vendor lock-in; typical fields of application are mechanical engineering, product design, architecture, 3D printing and education.
- Processes
- 3D Parametric Modeling (CAD), 2D sketches with geometric constraints, Creation of manufacturing-ready drawings (2D from 3D), Prototyping / 3D printing preparation, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), CFD simulation (experimental), BIM modeling, CAM/CNC programming
- Materials
- STEP, STL, IGES, DXF, IFC, OBJ, SVG, Collada (DAE)
- Industries
- Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, Architecture, 3D Printing, Education
- 01
2D sketch with geometric constraints
- 02
3D modeling (parametric)
- 03
Simulation (FEA/CFD)
- 04
Manufacturing preparation (2D drawings, CAM/CNC)
Features and Formats
STEP
Open file format for exchanging 3D models.
STL
Format for preparing 3D printing.
IGES
Exchange format for 2D and 3D geometry data.
DXF
Format for 2D drawings.
IFC
Exchange format for BIM models.
OBJ
Format for 3D meshes.
SVG
Vector format for sketches and drawings.
Collada (DAE)
Format for exchanging 3D content.
Areas of Application
Inside the production
Industries
Processes & technical limits
| Processes | Tolerance | Max. part | Weight | Lot size | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Parametric Modeling (CAD)Engineering | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2D sketches with geometric constraintsEngineering | – | – | – | – | – |
| Creation of manufacturing-ready drawings (2D from 3D)Engineering | – | – | – | – | – |
| Prototyping / 3D printing preparationAdditive | – | – | – | – | – |
| Finite Element Analysis (FEA)Testing | – | – | – | – | – |
| CFD simulation (experimental)Testing | – | – | – | – | – |
| BIM modelingEngineering | – | – | – | – | – |
| CAM/CNC programmingMachining | – | – | – | – | – |
| Robot simulationEngineering | – | – | – | – | – |
Additional services