what is a good (free) 3d design software ?

Good Question. Ive been asking myself this for some time now and I have come up with the following analysis.

Beginner at 3D modelling?

Google/Timble Sketchup is what you are looking for.

Its an easy to use tool and with google warehouse with LOTS of models of everything to everything. If you use CadSoft Eagle, then you may get the skeckup plugin which allows you to create a 3D model of your PCB for FREE!

BUT... beware that you can create 3D models that MAY NOT get printed in sketchup. Why? Because it allows you to create objects with zero thickness like rectagles and circles which cannot be synthesized by a 3D printer.

Don't Like Sketchup?

Autocad 123D is the next best bet and allows you to create all the boxes you want. I have used this the least but its a good place to start with Autodesk.

Master of Mechanical Design and want precision?

RS Design Spark Mechanical

This is one powerful tool to create enclosure and multi part things. Its free and has a lot of great tutorials on YouTube and it is the choice of people who want precise control on their design.

You can save your files locally and share them online. BUT if you are a newbie, it will take some time to get used to and I recommend watching some videos BEFORE getting started or even downloading this tool. Its pro grade with very few features missing and it highly recommended for 3D print modelling.

Like coding/scripting instead of that mouse?

OpenSCAD is a completely scripted way of 3D modelling and many find it to be more comfortable. The true power of this tool is if you can exploit it's parametric approach and use paramters to dynamically modify and customize models on demand.

Warning. If you do not like writing code... don't get into this one!

Want to make complex Organic Shapes?

Blender is the standard for making 3D shapes like faces and other non-mechanical stuff. There are tutorials on how to convert a photograph into a 3D model and yes its complicated and no its not for a newbie. Blender will make you sweat and it will make you dizzy and it will make you hurt but it will produce the most amazing stuff anyone has seen(for free).

Want a balance of the mecha and orga?

Autodesk Fusion 360 is what you should look at. Its big and powerful and works like Autodesk 123D and DS Mechanical and takes some time to get used to. BUT once you get the hang of it, you will be making stuff like crazy. Want to add a little 3D flower to your Raspberry Pi Case? Sure you can do that! There is a tutorial on how to make a mouse using Fusion 360 and its quite simple. Hinges and joints and all are there and then you can render the models to your heart's content.

BUT its cloud based. Which means there is no 'Save as file' option. You can export it as an archive which is equivalent but you will need an internet connection every now and then just to start the app which can make you hate this app.

Personally, I use Fusion 360 most of the time but say hello to Design Spark Mechanical every now and then. I use EagleCad to create 3D models of PCBs and their enclosures which are simple enough.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

IP

Very nice write up Inderpreet.  When you say Autodesk 360 what exactly is the tool you are using.  As the 360 is in sense just Autodesk's cloud technology.  I just got back from a Autodesk convention and must say their new FormIt(Past name Vasari)  is a very nice tool.  http://www.autodesk.com/products/formit-360/overview.  It is actually be developed by a former office and employees that was part of Sketchup.

Nate

Oop! I meant Fusion 360... Corrected in my comment.

I think any tool that you can use without thinking too much is good for the user since guys like me are self trained 3D Designers

Oop! I meant Fusion 360... Corrected in my comment.

I think any tool that you can use without thinking too much is good for the user since guys like me are self trained 3D Designers