stefanix/LasaurModel — Issue #1: Please provide Model files in open CAD exchange format
Author: normandc
Created: 2012-01-09 00:17:46+00:00
State: open

Hello,

I would like to answer to what you wrote in the README:
> We would also be happy to support an open source CAD app but haven't found anything usable yet.
> Let us know if you think there is a feasible solution."

I don't know for what reason you overlooked FreeCAD, but it has evolved a lot over the past 6 months and the development team, if small, is very active and responsive. FreeCAD produces parametric objects that can be modified easily. We have a small community of users and some would be eager to translate your files to FreeCAD. We've already started such work with RepRap projects like the Prusa Mendel and the MendelMax. See forum topic: https://sourceforge.net/apps/phpbb/free-cad/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1867

A true assembly module is still missing in FreeCAD, but work on it will start soon. In the meanwhile, parts can be assembled together in a manual fashion not much different from a professional CAD app like AutoCAD. I should also mention that FreeCAD is multiplatform and is available for Windows, Linux (notably Ubuntu) and MacOS X (presently the Mac version is outdated, but people are working on updating it)

But for that we would need your files to be in an open CAD exchange format. STEP (ISO 10303) would be ideal, and Rhino3D can export to this format. The added bonus is that STEP can be opened in most major CAD software.

Thank you!