Open source 3d models for printing
Opensource best 3D printer files・Cults
2020 Carriages for Magnetic Arms and Mini V-Wheels
Free
OpenRC 540 motor mod modified rear axle
Free
Dragon Racer1 - RC car
Free
OpenScan - 3D Scanner v4 (large version)
Free
Die Filer (WIP!!!)
Free
Laser pointer robot (Remotelly controlled + Arduino + Python control APP + EXTRAS)
Free
Modular Respirator/Mask
Free
Gripper arduino robot
Free
Thor - Open Source, 3D printable Robotic Arm
Free
Open Source Yoyo
Free
FR7 Mods
Free
Bionic Prosthesis Hand
Free
Numpy Logo (Python)
Free
Python Logo 2D
Free
OpenRC 1:10 RC Differential (Redesigned)
Free
Open Source Hardware Magnetic Pin
Free
SolidCore X-Carriage
Free
Open Builds OpenRail copy
Free
Customizable phone dock
Free
Remotely controlled - Arduino Self balancing robot
Free
Blimpduino.
Open source remotely controlled blimpFree
Picroft Housing
Free
2020 Profile Aluminum 3D Printable Erector Set
Free
Fully 3D Printed Locking Forceps / Hemostats with Interchangeable Tips
Free
Open Source Petri Dish Media Rotator
Free
GR1FF RACE - 2.5" Frame for 070x 080X 110x Motors
Free
Sigma/Sigmax keychain
Free
Vertical Bowden BCN3D
Free
Otto DIY build your own robot
Free
Electron - Command Module for Proton & Neutron
Free
plug and make
Free
Cults・Download free 3D printer models・STL, OBJ, 3MF, CAD
Top design
By FlexiFactory
This Flexi Phoenix is an articulated 3D print-in-place model that needs no supports, what an amazing modeling job! This beautiful bird can even perfectly stand on a rock, his cristal stand or simply on the floor. Its magnificent wings are made up of many articulated feathers.
Download STL Files
01
[Japanese Capsule Toy Machine]EduColon(Rich Design Set)
€4.76
02Winter Dragon
€3.84
03Nintendo Switch Crystal Dock - Classic and OLED version
€3.24
04FLEXI PRINT-IN-PLACE STANDING GIRAFFE
€3.18 -50% €1.59
Mushroom jewelry box and mushroom piggy bank
€3
06CHRISTMAS TREE WITH LEGS
€2. 94
07Ping Pong Game
Free
08Space Elves Ghost Titan - December Discount
€25.12 -25% €18.84
Hi-Han, the hilarious donkey....
€6
10Christmas Streetlamp with Bows and Garland
€5 -50% €2.50
Santa's Sleigh - Christmas decoration/Table center piece
€3.67 -20% €2. 94
MEDIEVAL TABLE KING ARTHUR - COMPLEMENT FOR PLAYMOBIL
€2.85
13Dancing Santa Clause Automata
Free
14King Cnidarian Fire Dispensers
Free
15Santa and Mrs Claus candle holder
Free
16surfboard 6'4
€10
17Snowman Spinner Fidget Keychain
€1.92
18geometric photo frame
€2
19Vase 01
€1.50 -20% €1. 20
Basketball wine stopper
Free
01
V8 engine print in place
€1.76 -50% €0.88
Articulated Snowman
€2.87
03Kölner Kathedrale
€4.50
04Fast-Print Stackable Parts Bins / Storage Boxes
€2.91
05Chopper Motorcycle Print-In-Place
€1
06bates motel house psycho house
€6.24
07App to turn your photo into 10 types of decoration
€3. 50
08wall key holder (dragon ball)
€1.25
01
String Spinner Machine for Knitwear
€3
02Reindeer - Flexi Articulated Animal (print in place, no supports)
€2 -30% €1.40
STAR WARS ADVENT CALENDAR 2022 DAY #8, VINTAGE WAMPA BUMBLE RUDOLPH FIGURE, ORNAMENT. 3.75", 1/18 KENNER, HASBRO
Free
04TRIBUNE 1/32
€9.43
05Double Chassis Container - Road Train Trailer
Free
06GINGERBREAD COOKIE CUTTER
Free
07Bracket Rindow Bullet Light fo Marin Nicasio+
Free
08GUARDA-CHUVA DA COPA DO MUNDO DO QATAR 2022, CHAPÉU, BONÉ, GUARDA-CHUVA
€3. 20
09HAPPY OCTOPUS
€1.88
10Parachuting Lemming Decoration
€1.45
11Thanatar Siege-Automata(plasma mortar)
€18
12Santa's Sleigh Tree Ornament (plus bonus scale model)
€2.15 -15% €1.83
TURBO PROTO 3 wheeler FULL MODELKIT 1/24
€12.49
14Olivia from Paper Mario: The Origami King (Christmas Tree Top Ornament)
Free
15Christmas decoration hook
Free
16U SHAP PIPE TOY
€1. 25
17Flexy Iguana Print In Place No Supports
Free
18Glowing Snowflake with LED Noodles
Free
19LUCY HEARTFILIA FROM FAIRY TAIL (3 VESIONS)
€12 -25% €9
Christmas headband
€1.25
01
Condors of Conjuration
Free
02Christmas Cool Gnome / Gnomo Cool Navideño
Free
03flexi turtle
Free
04Cute Mini Octopus
Free
05Road Runner
Free
06PRINT-IN-PLACE SPRING LOADED BOX
Free
07Articulated Lizard v2
Free
08imperial void line troopers
Free
🔁 Updated
Zelda Botw
€2. 40
CAEGIS defence barricade
€4.07
Glock17 Gen3*FIXED*
€0.62
photo frame decorations
Free
Guillotine Box
Star Wars: Young Count Dooku
Reindeer Ornament
Flexi Print-in-Place Phoenix
Anastasia jewelry box music box
€9
sculture the kiss woman and man bust without printing support
€2.50 -30% €1.75
Among Us Fanart Danish Christmas Hearts
Free
3D Picture of the Balrog Damage of Durin from Lord of the Rings
€11. 90
Thunderdome
€2
Undead dagger
€4
Injora Chassis Extension (scx10 clone)
€4.79
Dice Box for 27 Dice (15mm)(d6)
€2
See all 3D models
Cults, the 3D printing platform
Welcome to Cults, the world’s leading independent website for 3D printer files. Discover and download the best 3D models for all your 3D printing & DIY projects.
Cults is a digital marketplace for 3D printing and design. Use our 3D model library to discover everything you can do with a 3D printer (FDM, SLA, DLP, SLS) event with CNC machining and laser cutting. You don’t know how to make a 3D file but you want to 3D print objects? Cults is for you! Browse our different categories and download the best 3D printer models for free, open-source or paid mode. The formats you can download are in STL, OBJ, 3MF, CAD, STEP, SCAD or DXF, DWG, SVG format, they are all 3D printable guaranteed or CNC compatible.
We are connecting 3D print files makers with people who want to use their 3D printer. Our 3D model repository acts as a real source of inspiration since the best designers share their best STL files daily to offer you their latest inventions!
On Cults you can also find a 3D printer nearby, get voucher codes to buy cheap 3D printers or filaments at best prices and also a whole series of 3D printing contests. Cults is a joyful community that brings together all 3D printing fans to dialogue and create together.
Commission system
You are a designer and you want to sell your 3D models optimized for 3D printing? Thanks to Cults you can earn money with your files STL, OBJ, CAD, 3MF, etc.! For each download, you will receive 80% of the net selling price (excluding VAT) via PayPal. Cults keeps 20% of commission which is used to finance bank fees (about 5%) and then all the costs related to the technical maintenance of the platform: hosting, bandwidth, accounting, email communications, translations, etc. There is no subscription system or fixed fee to pay. You sell, you win!
If you are still hesitating to share your models on Cults, feel free to read this article Why publish my designs on Cults? List of advantages and benefits to get an idea.
- Designers 80%
- Cults 15%
- Banking fees 5%
Upload a 3D model
Top 20 Free 3D Printing & 3D Printing Software
Looking for 3D printing software? We've rounded up the top 20 software tools for beginners and professionals alike. Most slicers are free.
What is a slicer? This is a program for preparing a digital model for printing. Models for 3D printing are usually distributed in STL files. To turn an STL file into G-code (a language that a 3D printer understands), a slicer program is required. It is called a slicer because it cuts (to slice - English) a 3D model into many flat two-dimensional layers, from which a 3D printer will add a physical object.
Which slicer should I choose? In this article, we will tell you which slicer is best for 3D printing for each stage of your work. Which one is better for preparing a 3D model for printing? But what if you need to create a 3D model from scratch? And if you are only taking the first steps in 3D?
Don't be afraid: we've answered all of these questions, including the required skill level for each program and where you can download it. The great thing is that most of these programs are completely free and open source.
- Cura
- CraftWare
- 123D Catch
- 3D Slash
- TinkerCAD
- 3DTin
- Sculptris
- ViewSTL
- Netfabb Basic
- Repetier
- FreeCAD
- SketchUp
- 3D Tool
- Meshfix
- Simplify3D
- Slic3r
- Blender
- MeshLab
- Meshmixer
- OctoPrint
#1: Cura
For beginners who need a slicer to prepare STL files for 3D printing
Cura is the default slicer software for all Ultimaker 3D printers, but can be used with most others , including RepRap, Makerbot, Printrbot, Lulzbot and Witbox. The program is completely open source, its capabilities can be extended using plugins.
This program is very easy to use and allows you to manage the most important 3D printing settings through a clear interface. Start in Basic mode to quickly get up to speed and change print quality settings. If finer control is required, switch to Expert mode.
Cura can also be used to directly control the printer, but then the printer and computer must be connected to each other.
Download: Cura
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac, Linux
#2: CraftWare
3D printers by the Hungarian startup CraftUnique to support their CraftBot crowdfunding machine. However, the program works with other printers.
Like Cura, CraftWare allows you to switch from "Easy" to "Expert" mode, depending on how confident you feel. It's a colorful app that features a visual G-code visualization with each function represented by a different color. But the most outstanding feature is the individual support service. As far as we know, only the paid program Simplify3D has this.
Please note, however, that this program is still in beta, so bugs may occur.
Download: CraftWare
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac
#3: 123D Catch
-systems, smartphones and tablets, which allows you to convert images of objects into a 3D model. Pictures can be taken with a smartphone/tablet or digital camera.
You need many photos of an object from different angles - the more the better - after which they will be compiled into a 3D model.
123D Catch is more of a fun app than a professional 3D printing tool, but after some tambourine dancing, you can get good results, especially when paired with an STL editor like MeshLab or Meshmixer.
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Android, iOS, Windows Phone
#4: 3D Slash
and surprisingly simple, and refreshingly new. With 3D Slash, you can design 3D models using your dice skills.
You can start with a large block and, like a virtual sculptor, remove small cups from it with tools such as a hammer or drill, or start from empty space and build a model from cubes and other shapes. You can paint with flowers or use template pictures.
Other features worth mentioning are tools for creating logos and 3D text. The Logo Wizard imports an image and creates a 3D model, while the Text Wizard allows you to enter and format text, and then turn it into 3D.
Recommended!
Download: 3dslash.net
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac, Linux, Browser
#5: TinkerCAD
- A computer-aided design (CAD) system for 3D printing, which is a good starting point for beginners. Since its capabilities are limited compared to Blender, FreeCAD and SketchUp, many users switch to more powerful tools after some time.
As in 3D Slash, here you can build models from basic shapes. At the same time, unlike 3D Slash, TinkerCAD allows you to create vector shapes in 2D and convert them into three-dimensional models.
Come in: Autodesk TinkerCAD
Price: Free
Systems: Browser
#6: 3DTin
For beginners who want to create 3D printable models
another easy and intuitive online tool choice for beginners in 3D modeling. All you need is a Chrome or Firefox browser with WebGL enabled.
Choose from a huge library of 3D shapes and add them to your sketch. All sketches are stored in the cloud, access to them is free if you honor the Creative Commons license. Everything can be exported to STL or OBJ formats.
Enter: 3DTin
Price: Free
Systems: Browser
#7: Sculptris
For beginners who want to create 3D printable models
clay. This is a fantastic 3D modeling program if figurines are your main task. For example, you can make a bust of your favorite video game or comic book character. Sculptris is completely free and bills itself as a stepping stone to the more complex (and expensive) ZBrush tool.
Download: Pixologic Sculptris
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac
#8: ViewSTL
For beginners who want to view STL files
ViewSTL is the easiest way to view STL files . Simply open a web page and drag the STL onto the dotted box.
The STL online viewer allows you to display the model in one of three views: flat shading (for a quick view), smooth shading (for a high-quality image), and wireframe.
Enter: ViewSTL
Price: Free
Systems: Browser
#9: Netfabb Basic
some nice features that allow you to analyze, "repair" and edit STL files before moving on to the model cutting stage.
A good choice if you need more than just a slicer and want to be able to quickly fix STL files without having to learn programs like MeshLab or Meshmixer.
Don't let the 'Basic' in the title fool you, Netfabb Basic is actually a very powerful 3D printing tool. It's "basic" only in the sense that it doesn't cost €1,500 like Netfabb Professional!
Download: netfabb.de
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac, Linux
No. 10: Repetier
For advanced to prepare STL files for 3D printing
9002 the next level of 3D printer slicer software, but if you want to stay open source, you should look into Repetier. It is the great grandfather of 3D printing software and a favorite of the RepRap community.To date, the program is moving by leaps and bounds from the level for beginners to advanced users. Packaged in an all-in-one configuration, it supports up to 16 extruders, multi-slicing via plug-ins, and virtually every fusing 3D printer on the market. Get ready to tinker!
What's more, Repetier Host works remotely via Repetier Server, so that the 3D printer can be controlled via a browser, tablet or smartphone.
Download: Repetier
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac, Linux
#11: FreeCAD
The program is a great option for developing your design skills. More technically, this parametric 3D modeling program allows you to easily change the project by rolling back through the history of the model and editing the parameters.
Download: freecadweb.org
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac, Linux
#12: SketchUp
For beginners who want to create 3D printable models
SketchUp is the perfect combination of simplicity and the perfect combination functionality, with a user-friendly interface and a relatively flat learning curve (i. e., as experience grows with the time spent), the ideal program for developing three-dimensional models.
The Make SketchUp version is free and will include everything you need for 3D modeling if you also download and install the free STL exporter. There is also a professional edition for architects, interior designers and engineers.
Download: sketchup.com
Price: Free (SketchUp Make), $695 (SketchUp Pro)
Systems: PC, Mac, Linux
#13: 3D-Tool Free Viewer
view and validate STL files
3D-Tool Free Viewer is a sophisticated tool that, among other things, allows you to check the structural integrity and printability of your file. With the Cross-Section function, for example, you can look at the model from the inside and check the wall thickness. Very useful if you want to check your STL file for killer errors before printing.
Download: 3D-Tool
Price: Free
Systems: PC
#14: Meshfix
your model for errors.
Price: Free
Systems: Browser
#15: Simplify3D
For professionals to prepare STL files for 3D printing print. A flexible algorithm checks the model for problems, fixes them, shows a preview of the printing process (ideal for identifying potential problems), and then slices it.
This slicer offers the best infill pattern options in the competition. For models that require supports, Simplify3D will create the appropriate structures on its own and give you full control over their placement. For printers with a dual extruder, when printing with different materials, the Dual Extrusion wizard will help, as a result of which, for example, it will be easier to remove the dissolving filament.
Simplify3D supports 90% of today's commercially available desktop 3D printers and is compatible with Marlin, Sprinter, Repetier, XYZprinting, FlashForge, Sailfish and MakerBot firmware. Simplify3D can also be used to directly control the printer, but then the printer and computer must be connected to each other.
Download: simplify3d.com
Price: $149
Systems: PC, Mac, Linux
#16: Slic3r
source code, which has a reputation as a carrier of super new functionality, which you will not find anywhere else. The current version of the program is able to show the model from multiple angles, so that the user gets a better preview experience.
There's also an incredible 3D honeycomb infill, the first of its kind that can extend over multiple layers rather than repeating itself like a stamp. This significantly increases the strength of the internal filling of the model and the final printout.
Another option is direct integration with Octoprint. Once the files on the user's desktop are sliced, they can be directly uploaded to Octoprint with one click.
Download: Slic3r
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac, Linux
#17: Blender
For professionals who want to create 3D printable models
Blender is a popular computer-aided design (CAD) system with a steep learning curve. Not at all the best choice for beginners, but what you need if you are quite experienced and need something more complex for modeling and printing.
In short, Blender is one of the most powerful tools out there. Its community is always ready to help, there are a lot of educational materials. It's also open source, so enthusiasts often write extensions to make it even better and more powerful.
Download: blender.org
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac, Linux
#18: MeshLab
For professionals to prepare STL files for 3D printing
MeshLab - advanced editor. It allows you to remove parts of a 3D model, merge two models into one, patch holes. If you need a program to modify models for 3D printing or some kind of "repair" work, MeshLab is the right choice.
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac, Linux
#19: Meshmixer
For professionals to prepare STL files for 3D printing files. It's especially good for identifying potential problems and fixing them automatically. For example, it will show paper-thin walls that can lead to problems with 3D printing. Meshmixer is part of the Autodesk family of 3D printer software, so it should work well with tools like TinkerCAD.
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac
#20: OctoPrint
start, pause or interrupt 3D print jobs. Combined with Wi-Fi capable devices, it makes for a great monitor for remotely monitoring the 3D printing process.
Octoprint understands the G-codes of almost all 3D printers and slicers and includes a gCodeVisualizer to visualize this code before or during printing.
If you want to work away from your 3D printer and control it remotely, Octoprint is the best you can find.
Download: octoprint.org
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac, Linux
Source
top 12 programs for beginners
There are hundreds of different free 3D modeling software tools for beginners who want to create their own 3D models. Users can export their models and either 3D print them or post them online for others to download for free or for money.
These programs range from easy-to-use for beginners to professional ones that can take years to learn. That's why we've created our list of the best free 3D modeling software to help you make your choice.
Some free online programs run entirely in the browser, while others need to be downloaded. But they are all, at least in the short term, free.
List of the best free 3D modeling software in 2021:
1. TinkerCAD is the best program for beginners
2. 3D Slash is a simple program for beginners
3. FreeCAD is free and open source
4. Sketch Up
5. Blender - Extended Freeware
6. MeshMixer
7 Fusion 360
8. Vectary
9.SelfCAD
10 BlocksCAD
11.OpenSCAD
12. Wings 3D
Criteria used for evaluation:
1. TinkerCAD is the best free program for beginners
The country of the developer is the USA. Available to work in the browser.
It is one of the many programs of the 3D CAD giant Autodesk, TinkerCAD. The tool looks deceptively primitive, easy to use, but again and again it makes it to the top of the best free programs.
TinkerCAD allows you to create detailed 3D models using basic shapes by joining them together. The learning process is much easier than in other programs. It is perfect for beginners and kids to teach kids how to 3D print. It is most often used in schools and classrooms around the world. You can get started in minutes in your browser without downloading. What's more, you can download the TinkerCAD app and play with the models on your smartphone or tablet!
Autodesk produces many software products for various industries. TinkerCAD is perfect for beginners in 3D design to make something cool. You can export the model to STL and any other format and send it to a 3D printer. Once you gain the necessary experience, you may need a more sophisticated program such as AutoCAD. But at the same time, TinkerCAD remains a great program to start your career as a 3D designer.
2. 3D Slash is a simple free program for beginners
The basic version is free, the premium version costs $2 per month.
Ideal for beginners. 3D Slash is not like a regular program, more like a friendly, interactive 3D world where you can create whatever you want. The development team clearly thought out how to make the user interface as natural as possible, understandable to non-designers, without a complex learning process. The functionality is intuitive and convenient.
At the same time, you are not limited to just basic shapes. You can create impressive and more complex objects. The standard version is free, the premium version comes with a small monthly fee. School and professional plans are also available.
3. FreeCAD is free and open source software
FreeCAD was released back in 2002, and while it's still in beta, it's progressed a lot. It is designed to make the process of creating 3D versions of real objects as efficient and simple as possible.
A very useful feature is the ability to start with a static 2D sketch, from which you can then build the final 3D model. FreeCAD works well on Windows and Mac, you can easily export the model as STL, OBJ or even DXF files, for example for CNC.
Although FreeCAD was developed primarily for machine tools, it can also be used for 3D printing. What's more, FreeCAD is open source, so you can work with Python.
FreeCAD is ideal for users with some design experience, as some of the tools can be difficult for beginners. But overall it is a very powerful free 3D modeling tool.
4. SketchUp
The basic version is free, the Pro version costs $299 per year. The country of the developer is the USA.
The program is a veteran of the 3D modeling software industry, created in 2000 by Lastsoftware. In 2006, Google bought it to implement this versatile and powerful tool in its services. It has since been sold to Trimble Inc., who have offered a free version. SketchUp is a great choice for beginner designers. It, like TinkerCAD, is easier to learn than most other 3D programs. Contains almost all the tools you might need.
While SketchUp is mostly used by architects, it is gaining more and more popularity in 3D printing. The tools are surprisingly well suited to 3D CAD file creators. You can download the SketchUp STL extension to create files in STL.
SketchUp has a simple interface that is not overloaded with information. You can easily figure it out in a few hours and create a very realistic 3D model on the first day.
5. Blender - extended free program
The country of the developer is the Netherlands.
Possibly the most popular 3D design software. Blender has a huge active community that shares its STL files and 3D models as well as information on the web. A quick Google and YouTube search will turn up thousands of links where users showcase their 3D designs and share their Blender 3D experience. Such popularity is primarily due to the fact that the program is 100% free and open source. You can create almost anything in it. The choice of tools is huge.
The learning process is more complex than previous programs. However, thanks to its toolset, Blender is a versatile 3D modeling program. It is used in a variety of applications ranging from VFX for movies, video games, 3D model design to 3D printing. In addition, Blender comes with an integrated game engine as well as detailed modeling tools and video editing capabilities. This incredible free software is ideal for game developers and experienced 3D modelers.
6. MeshMixer
The country of the developer is the USA.
Meshmixer is a unique program that doesn't fit into any particular category. Another development from Autodesk, Meshmixer sets itself apart from the competition in that it allows you to edit existing models using a variety of tools, including animation, buckle/fill, repair. Meshmixer is well suited for design modification and quality assurance. Useful for both beginners and experts. Allows you to improve and prepare your models for 3D printing.
Another important advantage of the program is the possibility of its use in topological optimization. With simple tools, parts can be made lighter and more economically. This is especially useful for subsequent 3D printing in industries such as aerospace and automotive, where the weight of the model is very important.
All in all, Meshmixer is a versatile option for those who need to improve their 3D model. Beginners can change their models, experts can optimize industrial designs.
7. Fusion 360
The program is free for personal use for a year, the Pro version costs about $500 per year.
The country of the developer is the USA.
Another Autodesk development for schools and academic institutions. It is undoubtedly a tool for experts, but easy enough to use for an educated beginner. Fusion 360 is a sharing program that allows you to share STL files via the cloud for collaborative editing and model optimization.
It has powerful tools for working on almost any industrial 3D design. It has built-in functions for estimating the load that the components of a 3D model will face. This allows designers to find potential weaknesses before printing. Once created, you can easily export the model to an STL file or any other format. The program has recently become free for students, startups, and more. If you have some experience or want to improve your 3D design skills, this 3D software is perfect.
8. Vectary
Free program with premium features for $12 per month.
Vectary launched in 2014 and calls itself the most accessible 3D and AR design platform. This is a free web-based 3D modeling program. Vectary offers templates with pre-rendered and lit screens that you can place your 3D models in front of for product photography and other artistic purposes. A simple work interface with the necessary set of tools makes working with lighting and modeling easy. You can easily export your finished design or scene as an AR model.
The free package includes access to Vectary Studio for creating and designing models, as well as the ability to export your creations to OBJ or STL formats. For other formats, you will need an update. You can create up to 25 projects for free, as well as access a library of 3D assets, materials, and Vectary icons. A paid upgrade gives you access to AR preview tools, as well as project sharing features and teams for better and faster feedback between multiple people.
9. SelfCAD
Free program for education. For the rest, it costs $4.99 per month.
The country of the developer is the USA.
SelfCAD focuses on being the best browser-based, no-download free 3D modeling software for students around the world. It is popular in American schools teaching 3D design to students. Simple and easy to use, requiring a short training period, SelfCAD has all the necessary tools for creating models. It also has slicing tools to prepare STL or G-code files for 3D printing.
SelfCAD is a simple 3D design program with a very clear interface, suitable for beginners.
10. BlocksCAD
The program is provided free of charge. There are paid educational versions for schools.
The country of the developer is the USA.
BlocksCAD is learning-focused and was created for STEM students in grades 3 through 8. It is a cloud-based free 3D modeling software that promotes learning about mathematics, computational thinking, coding concepts, and designing models for 3D printing.
The free gallery has a wide selection of projects to use in personal and classroom work, ranging from snowmen, jewelry rings, fish, and even the infamous cafeteria. Works great with OpenSCAD, designed to be simple, fun and easy for kids to work with. 3D models can be created using colorful, easy-to-manage blocks and exported either as STL files or as files to be opened and edited in OpenSCAD. For beginners, BlocksCAD offers extensive tutorials on the basics of 3D modeling and how to use 3D software.
11. OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is a free downloadable program. It looks intimidating, because it “envelops” with codes and scripts. This is a powerful tool. But keep in mind that it is for those who are used to coding. The program was created back in 2010 by Marius Kintel and Clifford Wolf. New updates and patches are released regularly. OpenSCAD is loved by 3D designers who prefer a scripted rather than an artistic design method. It is also worth noting that a 3D part in OpenSCAD can be created using only the mouse, but this is not the only feature of the program.
Overall, we are impressed with OpenSCAD: it offers something new and free. However, at least intermediate knowledge of scripting languages is required.