Overview
Parametric CAD for functional parts, fixtures, enclosures, and CAM-ready models for CNC and printing.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Best for
- 3D CAD · parametric
- Typical output
- STEP, STL, DXF
- Typical cost
- Free personal license; commercial from ~$70/mo
Excellent for
- Precise mechanical parts and parametric edits★★★★★
- CNC toolpaths and engineering tolerances★★★★★
- Designs that will be revised by measurement★★★★★
Compatible with
Pros & cons
Pros
- ✔Precise mechanical parts and parametric edits
- ✔CNC toolpaths and engineering tolerances
- ✔Designs that will be revised by measurement
Creator & maker guides
Preparing artwork
- Work in formats suited for export: STEP, STL, DXF, IGES
Resolution & export
- Export STEP for machine shops, STL for additive.
Bleed & safe areas
No items yet.
Common mistakes
- Personal license restrictions on commercial sales
- Over-engineered models that are expensive to print
- Exporting STL with too-fine tessellation (huge files)
Best practices
- 1Design print-friendly fillets; avoid impossible internal cavities for FDM.
- 2Use reference dimensions and parametric sketches for iteration.
- 3Export STEP for machine shops, STL for additive.
Common mistakes
Personal license restrictions on commercial sale…
Personal license restrictions on commercial sales
Over
engineered models that are expensive to print
Exporting STL with too
fine tessellation (huge files)
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Personal license restrictions on commercial sales | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
| Over-engineered models that are expensive to print | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
| Exporting STL with too-fine tessellation (huge files) | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
Helpful tools
DPI & resolution calculator
SoonImage size calculator
SoonBleed generator
SoonAspect ratio calculator
SoonHeat press time & temperature
SoonSublimation wrap calculator
Soon