It is a rather simplistic program that will have limitations for some designs. The 3D models can be saved in STL, OBJ or SVG format. Tinkercad also offers additional features like adding electronic circuits or writing programs. Currently available in 16 languages, the software is based on a block construction, allowing you to develop models from a set of basic shapes – cylinders, triangles, circles, cones, etc. Tinkercad is Autodesk’s 100% free online 3D design application for beginners. Given the multiple features that software can have, we have separated them by level of expertise – beginner, intermediate, professional. Today we will focus on CAD software that is used to model future 3D printed parts.

CAD software can be very specific, whether it is for industrial, mechanical, architectural or aeronautical engineering design. But what is CAD software? The acronym stands for Computer-Aided Design and suggests that it facilitates the generation, modification and optimization of a design for a part or a series of more or less complex parts. Already we have introduced you to some 3D software for beginners. 3D modeling software is preferred when you want to have more artistic and conceptual freedom – historically, it is used in the video game and animation industry. Most often, CAD software will be used to create industrial objects that incorporate more or less complex mechanisms. In general, modeling software can be separated into two categories CAD software and 3D modeling software. Indeed, the complexity of your object will influence your final choice. The software you should use when designing a 3D printed part depends entirely on what it is.

Simple cad programs