Do you use FreeCAD? There’s a plugin you definitely should install.
FreeCAD is an open-source tool that provides 3D CAD capability. It’s possible to design complex 3D models and assemblies with the tool, although it doesn’t quite have all the fancy features found in expensive commercial CAD tools. Nevertheless, it’s used by many to design 3D printable objects.
While it’s possible to design 3D printable objects, there are some situations where extra work is required in FreeCAD to create optimal geometry. For example, the best type of hole is the teardrop shape, which eliminates overhangs. Making a teardrop shape is a bit more work in FreeCAD than simply planting a circular hole.
Design elements of that type and more in FreeCAD just got a lot simpler to implement with a new add-on from Rahix called “FusedFilamentDesign”.
You may recall Rahix, who published an incredibly extensive guide to FFF 3D printing last month. If you haven’t seen the guide, you definitely should review it, as you will almost certainly learn some FFF tricks you’ve never seen before.
The plugin adds automatic generation of certain optimized geometries for FFF 3D printing directly in FreeCAD. The generators include:
- A hole wizard
- Zip Tie channels
- Seam groove (planned)
- Sacrificial layer (planned)
The hole wizard is quite interesting, as it implements automatic generation of several tips found in the Rahix guide. These include:
- Counterbore bridges
- Thread forming ridges
- Teardrop shape
- Roof bridge
The add-on is provided free of charge using the open-source LGPL license, and can be used on any FreeCAD installation.
If you’re using FreeCAD to design 3D printable objects, the FusedFilamentDesign add-on is a no-brainer. Download now!
Via GitHub
