AngelCAD - Open Source design software

[cacb]

AngelCAD is a free, open source design software that will allow you to design parts and export them as STL files or other formats. Being based around the AngelScript scripting language, you can create parametric designs.

A good starting point is this link, it contains download links to Windows and Linux binaries, as well as detailed documentation.


AngelCAD simply designs parts, it does not slice or print them, it can be used with any printer.

[RetireeJay]

Thank you, cacb!

There are two philosophies of CAD (probably many more if you count subsets). One is to draw things on-screen; the other is to draw things with text commands. AngelCAD is in the text command category. Text commands give you full control of the placement and size of elements, and you can create 3 dimensional objects all at once with simple commands. Most of the "draw" CAD systems have you start with 2D objects that you then "extrude" or "revolve" etc. You can, of course specify dimensions and locations precisely in these systems too. It boils down to personal preference. My Prusa printer's design files on GitHub are of the text variety.

I have not tried AngelCAD; I've been using the "draw on-screen" type of CAD for about 20 years and it would be a major effort to totally re-think how I design objects. But for someone starting out, I recommend examining both types and choosing whichever type best suits your style.

[cacb]

Thanks for the comments, Jay, most appreciated!

I would say there is a third approach, one that does not really involve "drawing". That's where AngelCAD is, it is a modeller that creates 3d models directly from basic primitives and boolean operations (union, difference, intersection etc.). You can do this in 3d or also in 2d and extrude or sweep them into 3d. You can also stay in 2d and export DXF or SVG. But most of the time the goal is 3d, exporting to STL, OBJ or OFF.

The modeller is based around a full blown scripting language (AngelScript), so you can describe your design algorithmically if you so prefer. For people with a bit of programming experience it should feel natural.