How to use
FreeCAD
(see website)
in mechanical
engineering
Last update
2024/06/28
You want to :
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In another life, I used several 3D modelers. I have long dreamed of a free equivalent, our FreeCAD friends did it !
So I decided to bring my small grain of sand to the building, sharing my experience in mechanical design.
There are many ways to work in a modeler.
I do not claim to own the method, but I know from experience that to start, a little methodology is very useful.
This is why I have developed some basic ideas from my point of view. Your turn to judge.
By practicing FreeCAD, you will then develop your own experience and refine your own way of working.
For beginners, what is a geometric modeler ?
A geometric modeler usually allows you to interactively create :
The modelers are parametric, that is to say that one can record dimensions or geometrical constraints (perpendicularity, concentricity, coincidence, relations between identical volumes, relations between parts of an assembly, etc ...).
Thanks to this configuration, the modifications of the constraints will instantly generate the modification of the model.
In addition, they are associative : the 3D model being unique, the modification of a constraint of the model has repercussions on the other studies (drawings, mechanical studies, of manufacture), from where a high efficiency in the industry.
Warning :
I am not English-speaking, and despite the care given to my translation, it is likely that some of my remarks will not always be in appropriate language. Thank you to let me know on the FreeCAD forum or at this address.
This site is hosted by :
https://www.hostinger.fr
Hostinger International Ltd.
a Cyprus private limited company, legal address,
61 Lordou Vironos st. 6023 Larnaca, Cyprus
This website is written primarily as a training site,
As I have often noticed on the FreeCAD forum, many beginners imagine that you can draw with 3D software after a few hours. If you are one of these, sorry to disappoint you. Don't waste your time here.
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To create a mechanical part with PartDesign WB ... you must first of all know the possibilities offered by your software. Refer to "Creative features". Then you must study "Preparation of the work" and not embark on the adventure anyhow. Finally it is useful to know the "Classical construction principle". Consult or practice on "Simple examples" is recommended.
To work on assemblies with Assembly 3 WB ... basic knowledge is required ("Prior knowledge"). Know the basic "Constraints" available to you. Know the "Basic principle" of building an assembly for quick and easy examples.
In the case of complex examples, the "Methodology for creating assemblies" defines and shows the precautions to take to avoid unpleasant surprises and to know how to manage in the event of errors or omissions.
When you have this first knowledge ... you can generally trust your intuitions and experiment with them. If your idea doesn't work, it's almost always possible to go back and experiment with another solution. It is at this price that we acquire our autonomy in the use of these tools ! |