After watching some tutorials and exploring the interface, I’ve changed my mind. My first impression of OpenSCAD was that it has too large of a learning curve and is too clunky for widespread use. OpenSCAD is open source and is free to download. It uses script code (similar to JavaScript) to manipulate figures rather than a graphical interface. OpenSCAD is a completely different kind of 3D modeling program. The push/pull feature makes additive and subtractive processes easy to see and understand.īest for: All ages, but particularly for grades 6-12.Users can type in specific dimensions for lines and shapes, eliminating the need to resize and drag handles.SketchUp provides a variety of shortcuts, making it easy to draw lines and points that snap into place when reaching the midpoint of shapes. The learning curve is much steeper than for Tinkercad, but the tools are also more powerful. Like Tinkercad, SketchUp is browser-based, so students can access it easily from any device. SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that excels in usability and flexibility. Tinkercad Classroom provides teachers with an easy way to share designs, assess learning, and provide immediate feedback.īest for: All ages, but particularly great for grades K-8.The cohesive block and brick mods let kids transform their 3D designs into Minecraft and Lego worlds with the click of a button.The recent integration of both circuitry and block coding with the existing design features makes this a robust, cross-curricular tool.Although it isn’t as powerful as some of Autodesk’s other products, it is likely to meet the needs of most students.

There isn’t much of a learning curve, which is a huge benefit for K-8 classrooms.

It’s a web-based product, making it accessible from any device, whether it’s a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. Tinkercad’s interface is kid-friendly and easy to navigate. Tinkercad is the gold standard of design software, especially for younger students and beginners.

In this week’s blog, we’ll look at three popular (and FREE!) software programs you can use in your classroom. Selecting the best software for your 3D printer can feel like an overwhelming task, especially if you are operating on a limited budget.

Free cad software for 3d printing