Let's use FreeCAD

Philippe Coval

1. Introduction

2. Who are we ?

  • Philippe Coval
  • Boris Clenet
    • R&D Engineer, FreeCAD user (pro and hobby)

3. Motivations

  • Cooperation to create OSHW contents
  • Using a open format is not enough
    • Access to tools : Cost, platform support
    • meta data loss, compatibly (quality of exports)
  • So we need FLOSS software and support free communities.
  • Prority on cooperation

4. Why FreeCAD ?

  • Really for Computer Aided Design
  • Libre : LGPLv2, Open Development, Community
  • To be used by or along professionals
  • Cross-platform : GNU/Linux, Unix, Windows
  • Extensible for any developer

5. FreeCAD Features

  • 3D GUI
  • Native format: Native XML/ OpenCascade
    • in : .step .stl .svg .dxf …
    • out : .step .stl .svg .dxf .pdf …
  • plugins python
  • features : parametric, FEM, architecture, 2D drawing, …

6. Let's practice !

7. Kickstart

  • Install on you favorite Operating System
  • Most used mode: Part, Part design, Arch
  • Import / Export to STL for 3D printing
  • Hint: CSG : Constructive Solid Geometry

8. Basic: Redesign Object using CSG

8.1. Constructive

8.2. Solid

8.3. Geometry

8.4. Export to STL and Print

9. Advanced: capsule

  • 3D printed
  • 100% made with FreeCAD
  • DIY
  • Reusable

9.1. Top

9.2. Bottom

10. Challenge: Redesign a Vehicle

  • What is needed for a Libre Vehicle ?

    • Open platform for cooperative R&D
    • 100% FLOSS/OSHW community
    • Could be based on OpenSource Vehicle Tabby
      • OSVehicle provides one single huge step file !
      • Long term community project depends on openness

10.1. CampOSV

11. Join the community !

11.1. Support & References

11.2. Thanks