I'm Ditching Blender for Onshape

[@thenextlayer]

Thanks for watching! Let me know if you liked the video, disagreed, agreed...? I love your comments.

[@ScarletwingRuri]

To be honest, You can't ditch something that is free. For CAD modeling, it primarily revolves around having the knowledge to use the appropriate tools effectively. If the user understands how to create what they need, even software like SketchUp can suffice. CAD becomes unnecessary when the desired outcome doesn't demand intricate engineering.

[@sermonesyhomiliascatolicas6640]

From one point of view, I wold prefer not to use OnShape BECAUSE its not a software that I could INSTALL on *MY* pc... _its a SERVICE that could exist or not tomorrow... and you have no control over it_ its not a thing that YOU 'HAVE' , but a "favor" that they GRANT to you for a moment

[@alexandremarhic5526]

Fusion360 do like onshape at the beginning, a free licence for hobbyst, then they limit your assembly.... If you want parametric you can stay on Blender with modifier or geometry node. The only part is bad with Blender is the fact you can not select face, edge or point after a modifier. Freecad is the best option if you want CAD always free. Morehover simulation is free in Blender ;)

[@nikthefix8918]

@@ScarletwingRuri I think anyone interested in industrial design should get comfortable with parametric. If you regularly use FDM printing for making brackets, enclosures and other mechanical substructures then struggling with mesh is probably counterproductive in the long run. Creating variations of an existing design - scaling, wall thickness, changing the radius of a rounded corner, adding holes etc is a breeze. It's really the global parametric changes that make it a joy to design with IMO. And if and when you find yourself backed into a corner with a desired geometry the software can't resolve because you've unwittingly created a geometrical paradox (always pilot error) you can, in the case of Fusion 360, Inventor, Solidworks (I don't know OnShape) resort to the built in mesh tools / patch tools / surface tools to inject a bit of Blender style fudge to 'fix it in the mix'. Personal licence Fusion 360 users (and Fusion 360 is popular for very good reasons - amazing interface and interop etc) are at the mercy of Autodesk and their willingness to give and take away features, but at the time of writing it's very good. I'll give OnShape a try tho - just so I can claim not to be a total Autodesk / Dassault fan boy.

[@ScarletwingRuri]

@@nikthefix8918 I am proficient in using ZBrush, Blender, Rhino, CAD, and SOLIDWORKS. Additionally, I have experience handling industrial custom projects. What I mean to say is that there is no need to abandon one tool for the sake of another. Each tool has its own strengths and weaknesses, and it's up to the user to know how to utilize them effectively.

[@doodleslice]

OnShape is great, but it is important to know that if you want to own the rights to your creations, or use them commercially, then you have to bump up to at least the standard plan which was $1500 annually at last look. On their free plan all models are public and it specifies non-commercial use only. Definitely a great tool but those things can be deal breakers depending on your budget and project needs.

[@johnnyheightsplus8744]

Wow that’s very discouraging

[@1bliss3]

This right here is why OnShape is a big PASS for me.

[@LiveseyMD]

This is a really great point. The only thing that I want to add to it is that everything commercial requires you to invest your money (good IDEs cost huge amount of money). I did some modeling in FreeCAD and I have to say it may be really painful to do some things that are much easier in OnShape. So, if you use it as a hobby, it's a great choice.

[@tamgaming9861]

Absolute right - so this comparison is totally bullshit. Because the one is totally free and private. And the other is not private if it's free. This alone disqualifies this video.

[@CobraFat2000]

Being browser based kind of also hinted there probably being some additional "but" in it being "free".

[@MostlyHarmlessEDC]

FYI, there is a 3D printing add-on for Blender that helps find and fix non-manifold geometry. I have really only just gotten started with blender, but it seems to work pretty well so far. I agree that it makes sense to learn blender along with a proper CAD program though. As you said, they're fundamentally different tools that serve different purposes.

[@JayquanDeMarcusWashington]

Right? I'm predominantly a solidworks user, but that's for printing and mechanical design.. I use blender for art and organic design. Sometimes 3d printing things. But knowing many programs opens a ton of doors. Blender got me into 3d work, now I'm a designer for an international company, and I design testing systems for any and all ground vehicles.

[@Lumpappsofficial]

In edit mode, deselect all, go to menu select -> select all by trade -> non manifold. No plugin needed.

[@giovannimontagnana6262]

@@Lumpappsofficial plus there are thousands of way to merge vertices close to each others

[@jmalmsten]

I would also add that you can usually model those precise parametric models, then export and use them in programs such as Blender to get the best of both worlds. :)

[@glowpon3]

@@Lumpappsofficial How did I miss this? I've been using the plugin for ages. Select by trait just keeps getting better. Note: you have to be in vertex select mode for the option to pop up I think.

[@cerebralvision]

My problem with Onshape is privacy. With blender or fusion360 you can keep the stuff you design private.

[@janneliiti8898]

Exactly 😅

[@EnchiladaBro]

Oh wow.. that's an absolute deal breaker for me, and should be for any maker out there! Sheesh.

[@skipdraco4501]

1500$ a year to keep my designs private I’ll pass. Pretty sure there’s enough addons for blender to make up for anything I’ll ever need.

[@skilledcamman4752]

what do you wanna hide bro

[@skilledcamman4752]

@@skipdraco4501 you can get for free

[@RocktCityTim]

I started with Fusion and then jumped to FreeCAD. A lot of the Fusion workflow translated to FreeCAD (plus, I've had real mechanical engineering and design training so I already had a basic knowledge of the general workflow). Since I spend 3/4 of my computing life in Linux, using FreeCAD on my Linux platform without resorting to a VM was another plus. Aside from decorative minis just because, the bulk of my work is in the design and testing of engineered mechanical parts. FreeCAD gives me the power to handle even the most complex assembly that I need to create.

[@GaryParris]

Freecad & Blender best of both worlds

[@redheadsg1]

"A lot of the Fusion workflow translated to FreeCAD" ... then why the hell i have so many problems to get used to FreeCAD ??? I just cannot handle how UI is so bad, so many unnecessary buttons, FreeCAD is way more constricted and so on.

[@Paulklampeeps]

@@redheadsg1 i wish they declutter the ui of both freecad and blender.

[@thedabblingwarlock]

Just wanted to point out that there are non-destructive workflows for Blender. Chipp Walters is one of the guys that's worked on this. I think his Nitrox 3d workflow is meant to be used with vanilla blender. There are also plugins that help with this, like Meshmachine (though that plugin does a lot more than just non-destructive workgflows.) Blender is more of a 3d modeling, animation, and video toolbox than it is just a 3d animation software. You can use it to make models, animate models, composite video, edit video, do 2d animation with the grease pencil, sculpting (like with zbrush,) and even some parametric modeling with plugins like Cad Sketcher. While it's been a while since I've checked, it also had NURBS and metaballs which are not strictly mesh modeling features. NURBS are more akin to the models that parametric CAD software puts out. Metaballs were, as far as I can tell, a way to generate organic shapes that were then refined by sculpting. There's a lot to Blender, but at the end of the day, what software you use is up to your preferences and what you need out of it. Blender is a great option for making things that don't need a lot of precision or are more organic, even if you can use it to make precision mesh models. CAD, specifically parametric CAD, is great if you do need precision and the ability to iterate. Just my two cents.

[@FictionCautious]

He made a promo video for Onshape. Not about capabilities or possibilities.

[@thedabblingwarlock]

@@FictionCautious Your point being? As I said, I was pointing out features and capabilities in Blender that he may not have mentioned or known about. I've used OnShape and it's a pretty good tool. Them sponsoring him doesn't change that or the reasons he might have for switching, though it probably adds a financial one.

[@bruhnah4life]

Yeah even before 2.8, blender have game engine

[@thedabblingwarlock]

@@bruhnah4life Forgot about that. Thanks for the reminder. 😁

[@darrennew8211]

@@bruhnah4life That's apparently coming back via someone else. Default Cube just had a video about it that I didn't watch past the intro.

[@chillonfunsmart4929]

Open source software is always going to have the longevity factor and not come with licensing issues. Some software is going to have new features that make them stand out, but eventually the open source software will also implement those features and just be better.

[@felipetomaz1087]

facts. the whole industry turned to Blender over time for a reason

[@MrBrigadierArchived]

I'm actually not an 3D printing guy (at least for now), but I would say the Blender add-on mentioned is "CAD Sketcher" which really helped me to make correct house plan and keep it usable both for 2D and 3D view.

[@thenextlayer]

Thanks for sharing

[@felineboy]

Blender and Onshape serve different purposes and excel in their respective domains. However, if you're seeking a middle ground, consider exploring Plasticity as an alternative option.

[@az3dip]

I started using Blender years ago before I got into 3d printing. And for me personally, this is still the best program, with huge modeling capabilities. But there are few lessons for 3D printing. And at the level at which I use it, I did not find it at all. The biggest problem so far for me in modeling is rounding and chamfering, but mostly this is because I often model non-destructively. And I made the technical details. And unlike cad programs, I easily combine technical elements with artistic ones. It helps me a lot at work.

[@Joshplv]

I personally prefer Bleder bc how fast I can setup a rough draft if its a slightly complicated part. I can usually have a complete idea of a model in around 30 minutes, this saves time when making the actual part in CAD

[@martinsvensson6884]

If you're going to make pure functional creations then a CAD program is superior. For artistic purpuses though not so much.

[@robfrydryck127]

​@@martinsvensson6884 So agree. This is just a comerical for onshape without any real examples of either to back up the claims..

[@darrennew8211]

The only thing I've had problem with is overlapping geometry during bevels. There's a paid add-on called Mesh Machine that I haven't tried but looks like it totally fixes the problem.

[@az3dip]

@@darrennew8211 For non-destructive modeling meshmashine not work. But i sometime use this addon for remove bevel.

[@brianprice7020]

I agree with your observations between organic and parametric modelling. I prefer Freecad because it is NOT cloud based and my internet connection is not always reliable. I enjoy seeing different approaches to CAD modelling so welcome to the band of u-tube demonstrators.

[@proterotype]

Do you see any downfalls at all with FreeCAD? I'm just learning it

[@cat_citizen]

I tried onshape, and for a few simple objects it worked fine, but when faced with a more complex part in a project I encountered a few annoying bugs, so I went back to fusion. Mostly while trying to select things, or when I wanted to enter constraints and exact numerical values to multiple dimensions when placing simple geometric shapes in sketches.

[@bikeninja956]

Advanced Solidworks user here. So CAD software = NURBS based (Non Uniform Rational B-Splines) , 3D graphics Software = Mesh based (triangles). If you're designing building parts via machines (CNC, 3DP), learn to CAD, if you're doing digital animation, video FX and the occasional 3D print, go with Mesh based software. Still waiting for the holy grail that does both :)

[@rbettsx]

Nice straightforward assessment. Blender is a visualization and animation application, whose modeling workflow is centrally geared towards creating meshes that deform well and play well with physically-based rendering. Those constraints simply do not apply to 3D printers, who, on the other hand, need more precision. Optimizing one application's architecture and UI for both is pretty much impossible. It's better to have two. 'Bye Bye Blender' is a bit harsh..😅.

[@illustreightr2630]

The title got your attention. Mission accomplished.

[@NathanielStickley]

I've been using FreeCAD, but Onshape seems cool. I might try it out. One thing I like about FreeCAD is that the parameters can be put into a spreadsheet and you can simply modify the spreadsheet to change the dimensions of things in the 3D model / sketch.

[@joeking433]

Freecad has a bad reputation from what I've seen.

[@randelmatt]

@@joeking433 you've just got to know why and how to use it. There are very important concepts or buttons to trow such as the 'refine' option on each feature. Has a MAJOR impact on the exported files, for example.

[@randelmatt]

​@@joeking433 generally speaking I only use FreeCAD for milled or turned parts. As soon as you get into sheet metal or compound stuff don't even open the program. You are in for a world of hurt

[@MikeFoxLive]

If you ditch Blender or preferer Others to Blender it is up to you but just remember that Blender has been and will always be a game changer as far as content goes! Free and has all you need xx

[@anispinner]

I'm ditching Blender because they didn't sponsor this video.

[@Frederick.Grant.Banting]

😅

[@erikringwalters]

For those interested in Blender for 3DP, I recommend taking a look at CAD Sketcher add-on, which allows for a fully parametric, non-destructive workflow. MakerTales has some great videos about CAD Sketcher as well as precision mesh modeling in Blender.

[@villageidiot8718]

I've been using OpenSCAD for years and have been very happy with it. But for organic shapes, I've been wanting to learn Blender. Just haven't got to it yet. Liked your video.

[@DJProPlusMax]

I mostly knew that Blender was a mesh program and that Onshape was a parametric CAD program, but I am sure others who don't know will find this useful. I personally started using Fusion 360. I think a video about Marlin vs. Klipper would be interesting.

[@leeroyjenkins7915]

Klipper, period. The limitations of marlin of current gen printers are everywhere but can most of the time boiled down to one argument: for marlin, the processing unit has to run the printer control AND the kinematic calculations, which is very limiting for current gen printers in terms of speed and features. outsourcing cpu hungry stuff to a raspberry (clone) frees up ressources of the kinamtic processing unit.

[@DejitaruJin]

@@leeroyjenkins7915 Ah, no? I've got one printer on Marlin, and one on Klipper. The split processing of Klipper is only an advantage on less powerful hardware, like, say, an ATMega2560. Once you start getting into more modern ARM boards, processing power isn't going to be holding you back.

[@GaryParris]

Freecad with Blender is the best option

[@sboeke91]

I’m a big fan on Onshape. I’m an engineer and I used Solidworks, NX, AutoCAD, and Creo. Onshape is just so easy to use. I do all of my DIY stuff in Onshape. If I ever start my own engineering company, Onshape would be my choice.

[@notsonerdgaming3406]

Careful woth that, they are going to start locking features behind a subscription of some kind once the userbase is big enough

[@adronblount]

how would you compare onshape to fusion360 or inventor?

[@GlennBrockett]

Great video. I started using OnShape about a month ago and love the work flow. Still learning the advanced stuff like assemblies.

[@noumalhassni9311]

so your best argument for switching is your personal incredulity? You want to work procedurally in blender? you don't need to learn only blender for this but also the whole philosophy of proceduralism as well. Blender has two options for procedural workflows, the soft method is by using the "Modifiers", and one that is more powerful but complex to grasp at first is by the use of "Geometry Nodes", This node based programming is found not only in game engines like "Unreal5" and "Unity3D" but also found in 3D software like "HoudiniFX" ,you want your designs to be "Water Tight"?, Learn to make good and coherent topology. at 6:00 you seem to be trying to convert some "Tries to Quads", just the select the whole mesh in edit mode by pressing "A" on your keyboard, then press "Alt+J" to convert tries to quads, want more smoothing? use Sub-Division modeling. learn about the stuff before misleading people. the only rational debate about blender that I can think of is weather it is an Industry standard like Maya or 3dsMax, even this debate is never about the ease of use at a personal standpoint, or the power of blender. the reasons lie in the legacy of competitors in the game design and CGI industry and the pipeline related issues that the mega studios face. I have never come across such nonsense as this video in my days in the industry. before talking about something, Learn that thing and get a good idea about it. To give you an example, have you ever heard the term, "Hard surface modeling"? it is a technique and not a software limitation. then there is this statement of yours "Simply too powerful to handle these small things" I can only laugh at this irrational thought. this can only be a joke.

[@sprinteroz2239]

@The Next Layer , I just went to checkout onshape and I now remember why I did never learn the free version and that is because all your files are "public" as it states its a public document so if you wanted to build something for a idea that you do not want public then you have to pay. This is why I learnt Fusion 360 and I just pay a month subscription when needed and then I can download my files.

[@thenextlayer]

That's fair!

[@sprinteroz2239]

@@thenextlayer I have a question: If a person was to have a paid account on OnShape and then stop paying for higher service, dose all your files/ designs become "Public Domain" once you switch back to a free plan or stop using it? I ask this question because the way they have it setup, you have no creative rights if the files you make are public, as you have very little chance of putting a patent on your design if done on this free version of software, I say this due to the fact the files/designs were made in a public domain environment, so they become open source files... so do your files become public domain after you stop paying for there paid services.

[@davehrcfpv]

I am a complete noob -and a TNL Subscriber. I've only just ordered my first printer, a K1C, and some spools. Your videos have helped my research and final decision which to purchase. So thanks for that. Venturing into my first search on YT for CAD software for 3D-Printing, this is the first video that I've watched! Notwithstanding the obvious caveat, so yes, TNL offering a tutorial series on OnShape would be great! Get to it!

[@Fley1965]

I use parametric modeling in Blender all the time. I use modifiers to create my models, which is more or less how parametric CAD works. Also, in the newer versions, geometry nodes are even more powerfull and are fully parametric. When using booleans, the result usually is watertight unless you do some strange things.

[@thenextlayer]

I’ve never been able to get along with it. Maybe it’s me.

[@omegadeepblue1407]

It also has Sverchok, the visual programming node similar to Rhynoceros Grasshopper.

[@martinsvensson6884]

If you're going to create pure functional models then a CAD program is superior.

[@hd-be7di]

@@martinsvensson6884 CAD program is great for building an already finished design on blueprint... not so great for making big changes while designing something in 3D

[@martinsvensson6884]

@@hd-be7di Whole purpose of CAD is to build something from scratch to exact measurements while being able to easily make changes to it at any point in the process. The whole program is designed for that at its fundamental core. Its one of CAD programs main feature and where it fundamentally differs from design programs like 3D studio and similar that are made for more artistic purposes.

[@paulalcock4948]

I’d be really interested in seeing more tutorial or “learn with me” type videos on Onshape. I started 3D printing less than 1 month ago. From the start I had some very specific builds in mind for my kit car. I found Onshape in exactly the same way via the teaching tech videos, which are excellent. I’m already up and running designing parts that I imagined may take me many, many months, if not years, to learn how to do. It’s an excellent product with a reasonable learning curve, but there’s loads I’m still to learn.

[@kurtlandrus857]

For me OpenSCAD works great, I really like I can import any STL to re-mix and build off other components. I want to learn FreeCAD, and Blender for their different use strengths.

[@projecthivemind3239]

FreeCAD has an OpenSCAD workbench that somehow integrates the two. I've just stuck with OpenSCAD and the SolidPython wrapper for OpenSCAD, so far.

[@radnukespeoplesminds]

I love openscad too. I tried freecad first though, didnt like it as much as openscad or cadquery even though i learned cad with autodesk inventor which is most similar in gui to freecad

[@peircedan]

I have been using OpenSCAD for over a decade and any time I started looking at something else I ended up going back to what was familiar. I have been planning to learn how to use blender when I retire and that is just around the corner now. I'd like to expand beyond 3d modelling for 3d printing. I'm accustom to using Git for version control and it works well with OpenSCAD. Last point is I like using OpenSource and running it on my machine. Cloud storage is one thing. Cloud applications is something else entirely. I'm not that trusting.

[@HuskerTheCat]

I personally use a mix of Fusion and Blender mostly because i hate the idea of not owning my own designs, but also OnShape doesn't have quite as many, or quite as good of features as Fusion does. I use Fusion whenever i have something that needs to be exact, pretty much any non organic model or if i just need to do something quickly because i am much faster at Fusion than Blender, on the other hand i use Blender for anything organic or that will be animated/rigged in any way. Fusion has a animation/rigging tab although it is very very basic and more meant for just simulating joints and stuff rather than an animation that is actually intended to be used for anything important. Also Blenders rendering tab is WAY more comprehensive than fusion, although fusion was never designed for rendering anything major in the first place. They both have their strong and weak points so even though the very steep learning curve for both software's can be EXSTREMLY daunting i highly recommend learning both Fusion and Blender, just stay away from OnShape in my opinion. If you only have time to learn one, just pick whichever suits you needs more because nether of the skillsets transfer over from one software to the other unfortunately.

[@Sembazuru]

Kind of amusing to hear FreeCAD being labeled "simple" alongside TinkerCAD... FreeCAD is super powerful, but the learning curve to unlock that power (knowing which workbench has the tool you need, and which tools are compatible and incompatible with which other tools) is quite steep. This learning curve can be quite off-putting to many people. MangoJelly here on KZbin has quite a few really good tutorials if you want to get into FreeCAD. I chose to go FreeCAD for my parametric designs because of the offline aspect. I don't have to rely on someone else keeping their servers up to use FreeCAD, but I do recognize the cost of not having any collaboration tools beyond sharing files (and the headaches of version tracking) available.

[@localhost123456]

Yep. FreeCAD should be supported more so that the UI etc. can be streamlined further by the devs.

[@falsonaga]

Commenting so I can come back to this comment

[@gymntonic]

This is spot on. I use FreeCAD quite a bit, mainly due to it being an "offline" tool. However the non compatible tools across multiple workbenches can be confusing. I sometimes think a revamp to *remove* some of those duplicate but incompatible tools would benefit the project as a whole. Probably not a popular opinion, but WTH...

[@kenthouston467]

It's worth noting that there are a few ways (probably more) to turn non-manifold geometry into manifold geometry in Blender. There are a few modifiers that make this very easy. For example, if you have a model that your slicer is complaining about, you can apply the "Remesh" modifier in Blender and then adjust the voxel size to get the definition you want - this will work because the modifier is looking at volume, not necessarily if the geometry is really clean. Remesh will also work on just a collection of shapes - you only have to join them into one object before applying the Remesh modifier. Remesh won't add "thickness" to non-manifold geometry - so - add a "Solidify" modifier first, then the Remesh (or just rearrange them in the stack). If your model is getting kind of angular, add a Subdivision Surface higher in the stack, etc, etc. You can even have live booleans for holes and things like that (the live boolean allows you to move the hole or other feature around at will). Finally, you can add a Decimate modifier at the bottom of the stack if you need to export a lower-resolution model. When you export to STL, Blender will apply all of the modifiers before exporting - which allows you to keep your model "live" to make any adjustments you might need later on. Having said that, I still use Plasticity for models that require a bit more precision and more flexible surfacing. I guess at the end of the day, you just use the tool that works the best for you :)

[@BlackDragonBE]

I wish there was a free and open-source CAD application that didn't suck like FreeCAD. I love the interface of Fusion360, so that's what I use for parametric modelling. For organic shapes and other more artsy models, I prefer Blender. Cad Sketcher for Blender is also looking promising, but it needs a lot more time in the oven.

[@_droid]

Agree. Blender is a terrible CAD app and while FreeCAD has some awesome features, it's really buggy which makes it incredibly frustrating and time consuming to use. Plus FreeCAD is really slow for anything more than simple projects due to Python junk. I won't touch F360, OnShape, or any other "cloud" crap where they have their boot on your throat.

[@Tottorul]

@@_droid what software are you touching?

[@VeniceInventors]

I use Blender for nearly everything, including as a parametric CAD tool. Modifiers allow non destructive modeling workflows typical of CAD software, and using keyframes allows creating some sort of "snapshot" of each shape before making changes to the geometry, even though that's not its intended purpose. The trick is to find the functions which do what you need, which is still a challenge in Blender, as it doesn't offer presets like "engineering", "cartoon", "interior design", etc. Same with materials, something as simple as selecting "glass" in Cinema 4D requires lots of manual tweaking in Blender unless using someone else's pre-made material library. If there would be one tool that does it all, I'd say it's Blender, but that means dealing with so many settings and options that it often requires finding tutorials to do simple tasks because it can be difficult to find or remember some procedures. Regardless of my personal preference, my advice would be to try as many programs as possible to find the best one for the job at hand.

[@SornDP]

Nice green screen work in this one. For me, I've been doing me personal designs in OpenSCAD, but I have been wondering if it might be faster in something a little more visual. I'm leaning towards FreeCAD I think

[@rickybevi]

I'm using FreeCAD and it is a bit challenging at first, but eventually I got the hang of it. Open scad was my first choice and I still use it for simple parametric parts.

[@proterotype]

I'm in the same boat as you two I like FreeCAD because you save the files locally. You know what was cool, I tried using ChatGPT to print out code for OpenSCAD by describing what I wanted. It was pretty rough but eventually got to a part. The whole process blew me away

[@SornDP]

@@proterotype that's a cool idea!

[@proterotype]

@@SornDP thanks man! I told ChatGPT to think like an OpenSCAD coder at the beginning of the chat. You might have to examine the first part OpenSCAD outputs to see where ChatGPT got it wrong and then type in the chat what needs to be modified. Also I copied the error messages from OpenSCAD and pasted them which seemed to help.

[@SornDP]

@@proterotype thanks for the tips, I'll give that a try on my next project

[@CPNSTRAdiction5925]

Finally! I was beginning to give up on looking for this video to post. Can't wait to dig in when I get home.

[@thenextlayer]

Yeahhh I've been promising it forever, just haven't had time!

[@kmartyCZ]

I use Onshape now, but before that I used FreeCAD. I still prefer FreeCAD for modding existing STL's since working with STL as input in Onshape is pita. In worst case, FreeCAD for import STL, convert to STEP and this STEP import to Onshape. In short, when you compare FreeCAD and Onshape (ridiculous, isn't it? :-) ), Onshape is not able to work with STL as input file. Not even close as FreeCAD can. Or, which is possible cause, I still didn't found how to do in Onshape process similar to FreeCAD: Part-> "Create shape from mesh" -> "Refine shape" -> "Convert to solid". Which is imho essential when you want to call CAD "it can work with STL as input".

[@jamiemacdonald436]

I worked with Onshape for several months before buying my first 3D printer. Since then I can count on one hand the number of models that I have directly printed from someone else's design. I've mostly designed all of my own prints, and only very occasionally modified someone else's design for my own particular purpose. If you haven't started already, I highly recommend learning one of these CAD packages. It's very rewarding seeing your design develop and progress to a final working printed part.

[@MarkRouleau]

I would love to see real world idea to product design. Like if you see you need something around the house, start recording and go through the design process to final print.

[@prauwnsauce]

I’ve been using my printer a week and already I’m at that point where I search for something and it’s either paid for or not there, as much as I love supporting creators I only have so much money and I’d rather spend it on resin. So finding a software I can use to create things all the way down to hairs on a foot would be lovely

[@Matt-lp1xp]

I'm invested in Blender at this point. I think it's a safe bet because ultimately as I actually get good at using it there are endless possibilities and complete control over my models. I've found that Merge by Distance, Recalculate Normals, and then the 3D print plugin Check All > Make Manifold cleans up what I have been doing, at least so far. But as I use it I can tell that my workflow is inefficient and overly complicated. I am also remixing existing models most of the time. I come from an AutoCAD background and was surprised at how obscure doing simple things seems to be in Blender, however, and I bet OnShape is more akin to my workflow in AutoCAD so I will probably look into a parametric suite at some point.

[@thenextlayer]

"make manifold" almost never works right for me.

[@martinsvensson6884]

OnShape will hopefully be more like Autodesk Inventor or Fusion..

[@magicgundam]

Just looked into Onshape and started an account. Noticed though that the free account is "public", which I'm assuming means any designs created are public domain and can be viewed/downloaded by anyone?

[@thenextlayer]

Yep that’s the trade off

[@magicgundam]

@@thenextlayer Good to know! That rules out their free version for me then.

[@bcarroll03]

I have been using Onshape in a professional environment for 6 years now. I started with the free version and learned CAD as a hobbiest, I put around 500 hours into the program in the first 6 months. I guess that amount of usage flagged sales team and I was bombarded with VERY aggressive pressure to upgrade to a commercial license, they threatened to close my account so I would lose access to all of my files, it's felt very predatory and has left a bad taste in my mouth ever since. Fortunately I was able to retain my account after convincing my company that the professional subscription was worth it for us. Just be aware that the guys are ruthless and will hold your files hostage, my only saving grace was the fact that I had a company fit the bill, if you are a prolific hobbiest, maybe look elsewhere.

[@nicholaspostlethwaite9554]

That is a very telling tale. Being held hostage presumably as it is browser based (junk)? People could be cut off from everything they ever did? Just another subscription scam attitude to my mind. No software safe and working on your own computer, like proper Blender.

[@melvyn99]

I dropped Fusion 360 for Blender so I can keep the rights to my own designs. Ultimately it came down to control, and Blender gives me complete freedom to do what I want with my designs. Can't beat that, but to each their own.

[@powbud]

Great video man! I could really relate to the confusion of picking the right software to invest my time into. For me things really kicked into gear when I swallowed my pride and just started using TinkerCad. Finally started designing instead of just learning. I plan to learn to use others as well, but for now TinkerCad is fast and easy for what I need. Was hoping that you would cover TinkerCad more in this video. Since this is the first video that actually answers the real questions I have about the differance between programs and why/when to use which.

[@GaryParris]

Freecad and Blender better options

[@powbud]

@@GaryParris different options

[@cbgslinger]

OpenSCAD works well for me. It is simple, straightforward, and all on my computer. It’s usually overlooked because it’s different than all the others. I’ve had no manifold problems!!!

[@sythys_]

I use Blender all the time. It's very versatile. The entrance to cad in blender is hard on the other hand. To use Blender efficiently to 3Dmodle for 3DPrinting, I think it's important to understand the behavior of many processes deeply. For example, the way that the boolean modifier merges or cuts meshes. Iterating and editing design's in Blender is insanely fast for me. If you commit on using blender for technical modeling. There is a massive barrier to overcome, after which you learned to use this tool to create any shape you can imagine, without thinking of a way to build this shape but create it with ease instead.

[@darrennew8211]

It's also phenomenally easier to use Blender to edit someone else's STL than any CAD software. Like, "this structure with the hole thru it needs to be 2% smaller, but I can't modify any other part of the model including the hole in the middle of the part I'm shrinking." Yeah, that's like 20 seconds in blender.

[@hwbehrens]

Am I the only one who feels like the production quality here is *way* better than the subscriber count would suggest? In any case, thanks for the info -- very useful!

[@thenextlayer]

haha, thank you :) Give us a few more months ;) Only been around 8.

[@Nils_private]

I'd love to hear your perspective of the privacy / ownership options in onshape. While you compare blender to onshape free tier (...they promise it will always be free...), I feel onshape has two very big "flaws" in the free tier: One point for me is that all models in the free tier are public to everyone. While I probably could live with that, there's also the "ownership" point: The pricing table lists "Document ownership: public" for the free tier, which to me sounds like I do not own my model, and thus cannot attach a license to it. Do you have an opinon on that? (Thomas Salanderer has an opionion about that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWrLnpxnocqIaNU)

[@protonx80]

the ownership issue ... is always a dealbreaker for me ...

[@captainofiron]

As a Mechanical Engineer MCAD is life haha And gotta say Onshape is slowly becoming a world beater not only for it's modeling tools but also on the backend the integrated PDM/PLM tools are just incredible

[@thenextlayer]

Interesting. I don’t know what those are, but interesting

[@captainofiron]

@@thenextlayer MCAD = Mechanical CAD, PLM = Product Lifecycle Management and PDM is Product Data Management. Typically the CAD package and the PDM/PLM are 2 separate pieces of software that sometimes work together. But with Onshape they are all built into 1, so it really takes collaboration up to the next level. I can work on a design with a fellow engineer and we can both be working on the same parts/assemblies, but for different purposes so we can work in the same studio or fork the design and they work on something like DFM (design for manufacture) while I work on something else like refining the design thru FEA (finite element analysis)

[@switch2324]

I went the other way round. I used solidworks for years but then wanted a career change into more artistic areas and learned blender. CAD software will be much better for this sort of thing as its non destructive however you can still get modelling errors instead of non manifold issues. For example if you roll your tree back and edit a sketch the model is based off and remove lines that features are relying on for instance those features become errors. As long as you fix them it should be fine but if you build on top of such errors things can turn very ugly.

[@mrd1323]

Comparing Blender and OnShape is an apples and oranges comparison. They are for different things. Comparing OnShape to FreeCAD, TinkerCAD, Fusion 360, etc. would have been more useful.

[@thenextlayer]

I agree, but when I was starting out, people didn't explain that to me, they said "blender is free, it can do everything, so learn it..." and I did. I made the video I wish I'd seen before I wasted my time on Blender ;)

[@JoeC-tt9oq]

I will take all the onshape tutorial content I can get!!! Teaching Tech is also why I chose it and his tutorials have saved my sanity lol. I've even considered taking an online course but I'd love more 3d printing related content.

[@thenextlayer]

I'm taking one on SkillShare, I'll have more details about that soon :)

[@JoeC-tt9oq]

@@thenextlayer That's where I was looking lol. Love to hear your take on it.

[@JoeC-tt9oq]

Any update?@@thenextlayer

[@JohnSmith-rn3vl]

6:58 - This looks great thanks, I also tried 360 and was not a fan, so I will give Onshape a try and see how i get on with it. I only have one critique which is to say I have been building things with 3d software for 20 years. The macs has never been ahead of windows when it comes to 3d software and it is still miles behind when it comes to software and game support and it will remain behind with their lackluster vulkan support and integration. 3d design on a mac sucks. I have a mac, I have an iPad and they each suck when it comes to making things in 3d or viewing things in 3d and especially when it comes to expecting 3d software to work well on them. Macs suck when it comes to 3d. If anyone is reading this and is a newbie who is fascinated with 3d then start with windows and save yourself a lot of hassle. If you do

[@ms4f]

dude, my 6-day struggle with precise design and exporting ended today in the matter of hours. Zero experience in CAD tools, nearly zero experience designing my own parts and yet here I am 3 hours later finishing my functional and printable skate baseplate. blendr never supposed to work for this stuff. huge kudos to onshape for keeping this pro grade tool accessible

[@MarkRouleau]

Does it bother you that if you use the free version of onshape that you do not own your design anymore?

[@FlyBy2507]

If it's free, you're the product ;-)

[@mroek]

@@FlyBy2507 Yep. And that's why I'd shun Onshape like the plague. The fact that anything you create in the free version is by default shared with the world is a no-go.

[@hhal9000]

There is also MOI(not free but quite reasonable and you don't need a subscription).Also a new entrant is Plasticity which is well priced and looks like it would be easy to learn and particularly good for fillets which are a problem with some CAD programs.

[@flolorenzo]

I'd still stick to Fusion 360 as it allows me to work on the go without an internet connection. And on top as a student, I get the full access for free. For me it was like a week to get used to it and since then I could further develop my skills

[@LordCreo]

Free for anyone for non-commercial use!

[@FlyBy2507]

If they change their business model, you're screwed.

[@flolorenzo]

​@@FlyBy2507 yeah probably 😅

[@Kiadaw77]

I can summarize: For actually functioning parts for 3d print ( or molding, machining), use a CAD software. Also parametric doesn’t mean using parameters nice every CAD software use parameters but not all are parametric. Parametric means it’s base on features/ function and you can make significant level of changes after creation, and update appropriately. Use mesh modeling software for Geometrical shaped like rocks, or characters.

[@jefferygrantham5582]

You should absolutely do a tutorial series for onshape!

[@gizmofactory]

yes, an advanced one :)

[@3DArabianArtist]

Hi, thank you for posting this video, I will share my experience as Mechanical Engineer who used CAD software for more than 9 years (Solidworks) and Blender for more than 5 years, in both rendering and 3D printing. - //// Blender in 3D printing ////: • Pros: - (Free to use) • (easy to learn) • (easier than CAD to model complicated shapes) • ( great community, they are helpful) • (Tons of great free learning resources) • (done complicated shapes faster than CAD software) • (Easy to 3D print without any problem, will explain the way later) • (has many 3rd party plugins to facilitate and speed modeling) • (can create non destructive models) • Cons: - (need experience to create measurable model) • (can't replace CAD software for accurate models unless you are using 3rd party CAD addon) • ( need to scale up the model after you finish it 100 times - as my own experience which maybe i'm missing something-) • (need to be careful if there is 2 objects or more, for example if you want to create Mechanical model with joints or movable parts you need to choose the right space between them so they doesn't fused with the wrong part, later will explain) • (sometimes you can't chamfer or bevel the model duo to topology issue, you can fix it but will take time) - ///// Solidworks (CAD software) any CAD software in general in 3D printing ////: • Pros: - ( great for creating specific parts to fit in real life use) • ( easy to create simple to mid level models) • (fast to 3D print without using extra steps) • (Smooth models) • ( easy to bevel and chamfer the edges) • (No need topology) • ( Non destructive) • Cons: - (Difficult for complicated shapes, for example Car design) • (there is some difficulty to create in 3D space, you need to create planes to draw on it) • (few free and great resources) • (IDK about any community) that's for what I can remember now, as for 3D printing issue with Blender, whenever you finished your models, if you are using Windows 10 and more as far as I know, there is software in your computer called "3D Builder", after exporting your models from blender open 3D builder then import your model, it will fix it and prepare it for 3D printing immediately, the software close the holes in you models and fuse any intersecting objects to one object. I hope this helpful, if there is any comment to correct me please do, I'm still learning. the more tools you have the less constrains you will face.

[@kevinm3751]

WOW, seriously? See how you are and thanks for showing me what you are really all about!

[@carlanderson5068]

I recall Onshape having a issue years ago. I think it was a change to the TOS. Maybe that was when they reduced what you could do with the free level, or they increased their prices, I can't recall right now. I used Fusion 360 a few years ago, and then they went to a subscription model. It might be challenging, but learning to use Blender is probably worth it.

[@JernD]

Fantastic video! I really liked how you objectively compared these two tools. It is really daunting for a newcomer to navigate the strengths and weaknesses of these different types of tools! I am involved with a free and open source project called build123d that is a type of CodeCAD (think OpenSCAD) but has elements of OnShape e.g. sketching/filleting/chamfering.

[@ragsdale9]

I don't use any plug ins but I've also used blender on and off since highschool. I usually export as an FBX or something everything can interpret. And sometimes for good measure I recalculate outside faces to ensure everything is pristine. Missing faces is a you problem though as booleans and most modifiers I've used never seem to cause that issue.

[@automaticprojects]

Great video. I’ve been using Fusion 360 off and on since 2016, but would love to learn Blender for more artistic projects

[@ArcaneShadow82]

I have found having a few tools in the toolbox makes 3D modelling smoother but it is all subjective. I personally use blender as it has add-ons that allow for almost everything and the community is always looking at ways to improve the software. The best way is to experiment with different free programs and find one that works for you.

[@FlyBy2507]

FreeCAD.

[@DavidHolden15911855]

When a co-worker started 3Dprinting he started off with Onshape over a year ago, so when I recently got my MegaZero (and now Ender 3v2) I jumped right into Onshape since I've been watching/learning from my Co-Worker for the last year. So I've not tried anything else, but so far it has been working well for me

[@kritikusi-666]

Ahh yes. Ditch the free and go with the $1.5k annual cost. Big brain energy. Sometimes the YT recommendations are good, but sometimes are pure trash.

[@johnguynn5212]

The Teaching Tech Onshape tutorial gave me everything I needed to start designing and printing things I could use around the house soon after I got my first 3d printer. Blender seems way overcomplicated for anything I've needed so far.

[@thenextlayer]

EXACTLY.

[@shanewalters7821]

Fusion 360 because the models are mine and do not have to be shared with the world. That and offline capabilities. Although my kids have lower end laptops so I may show them Onshape.

[@knavekid]

I've been using Onshape for about 5 years now. When I first wanted to learn to design parts for 3D printing, I started by watching how-to videos on KZbin. Most of the free applications were very capable, but had shortcomings and the videos showed how to perform workarounds to get the desired result. These videos also noted which versions had what shortcomings including features that broke in more recent versions. There was also the debate regarding whether developers should prioritize fixing bugs or adding features. However, when I watched the Onshape tutorials I learned that there was no software to install, you always use the latest version, and the tutorials showed me how to be productive using the tool and it just worked. I was creating parts in a matter of days and have never encountered bugs or broken features. I have designed many parts and tools that I've 3D printed for use around the house. I recommend Onshape to anyone looking for way to design custom parts for personal use. Note that anything you design using Onshape is open to the public. For proprietary designs that you want to keep private, a subscription is required.

[@tripperdan]

I'm new to self design for 3D printing, so looking to start learning a CAD program to use.

[@kredwol2103]

I think you nailed it. I can't tell you how many times I've wound up with non-manifold geometry through no fault of my own after using the Boolean modifier in Blender. It's especially painful if you're designing a part with a manifold inside another manifold (e.g. a hollow sphere).

[@rbettsx]

I take your point, but not your case: a hollow sphere is just a sphere with a Solidify modifier 😊

[@grazingshot]

I'm still a Blender amateur, so part of my workflow is that after I finish my model and export the stl file I will load it into windows 3d builder to check for issues, and if there are manifold problems hit the repair button and let it fix it for me. It's quick and easy and has solved the issue every time for me.

[@thenextlayer]

lol, but isn't that ridiculous that you have to do that?

[@rucdoc]

I saw the same tutorial series as I was trying to figure out what cad software to use with my new 3d printer

[@ElmoTheRed]

I was turned onto Onshape by your previous videos. I am using this in conjunction with Fusion 360. I am a engineering designer by trade so CAD comes naturally to me but I have noticed that Onshape does not handle dxf or dwg files well and when I have those models or I have to follow an somewhat organic design I use Fusion 360. I am in the process of learning the great ways of making a part and being able to make it any size with Onshape. Good luck all. Even coming from a CAD background it can become overwhelming.

[@thenextlayer]

Glad to hear you learned about OnShape through me!

[@Lebofly]

Thanks for being biased and not mentioning the fact that all your creations are public and non-commercial unless you pay a WHOPPING $1500 a year with Onshape

[@ls4life544]

I use onshape. It was easier for me to learn it, and the fact that it could be used thru different devices also is of great help. Other reasons also make it my favorite, but I will try blender since you mentioned that organic shapes may be easier to do on it.

[@Pastorkarlman]

Don't mind the haters. Content is content. You do a great job at 3D educational videos and I've learned a lot from your videos, this one included. I recently stumbled onto OnShape (before I saw this video) and as a hobbyist I love it. I was a F360 user prior to that, but it was super glitchy on my 2015 Macbook Pro, and in March it stopped working altogether because Fusion stopped supporting the only OS I can run on this machine. OnShape has more functionality than I'll ever use, and coming from Fusion is a breeze to learn. Thanks for your content.

[@thenextlayer]

Thanks. Also, don't worry, I don't mind the comments. Even negative comments = engagement and make the video perform better ;)

[@gothicchocobo]

Browser based is a no-go for me. If I can't download the software and use it offline, then I don't want to bother with it. Too many headaches in the past with browser based/always online software.

[@FlyBy2507]

So you need FreeCAD ;-)

[@klave8511]

I like Designspark mechanical. A lot like solid edge, different in some ways to Fusion, easy to learn and stable. Can be parametric if you want that. Free, not sure about privacy of models. Thanks for the “heads up” on Blender, really appreciate that I don’t have to waste time learning it unless I really have to.

[@Spacekriek]

Great program, I fully agree. Unfortunately Ansys brought out version 6 now, forcing people to pay for the ability to import stl, Sketchup and other file formats where this option was part of the package with the earlier versions. Currently I am getting up to speed again with FreeCAD.

[@chrisdixon5241]

Totally agree. I LOVE Blender for 3D modelling, but I wouldn't use it for 3D design (although there is a lot of work being done behind the scenes to bring more of those capabilities to it). For me it's about picking the right tool for the job - You can drive a screw with a hammer, but you'll have a much easier time with a screwdriver :)

[@DominicVictoria]

This analogy really hit close to home. 😂

[@thenextlayer]

LOL love that

[@monothic]

It's closer to - You can drive a screw with a screwdriver, or you can learn how to use all the bits that fit onto a drill. :)

[@brandb16]

I also use F360. I don't know if it's easier or harder than OnShape, but it feels pretty easy for me and I enjoy working with it. I don't enjoy the slow lock down of paid features. So maybe I'll give onshape a try

[@darrennew8211]

I'm betting onshape will turn into a slow lockdown of paid features too.

[@rogelioenns]

I started in blender and then switched over to fusion 360 almost a year ago. My experience with it has been pretty good. I don't plan to switch to anything else.

[@TrueBark]

Thanks for the inside look. Was struggling to chose a software for me because its such a diverse topic to get into. This will surely give me a better look at those 3D modeling softwares. Cheers!

[@harrybouch7907]

In Blender, if you press M to merge, then select "By Distance", then slowly increase the distance until it removes excess vertices, this could probably solve like 90% of your issues with non-manifold geometry

[@delicrux]

thank you i just started a costume headphone design and i need something structural and realized it was difficult to get everything in the correct dimensions for accurate printing. just subbed the channel

[@thenextlayer]

Welcome!

[@cricket12ish]

There's always a guy out there with a beanie telling us he's quitting something 😂

[@ASUASHUI54351]

Blender and Onshape are different purpose. One for the animation and free hand modeling. One for the engineering and precise modeling.

[@thenextlayer]

Agreed. I wish I knew that sooner. Which is why I made this video.

[@ferdinandhenkel4567]

I was surprised by how easy it is to learn parametric software. Started with Blender, now mostly using Fusion. Mainly because my focus shifted art like projects to more engineering style

[@DavidHyman031]

Definitely would be interested in more on shape videos!

[@moodberry]

Very balanced presentation. And, I learned something, especially that I was confused about the "manifold" issue. I have encountered this in the past, and didn't understand completely what was going on. But yes, meshes are fraught with problems and can be a time waster, whereas parametric modeling is IMHO easier to grasp.

[@dougbray4193]

Thank you for telling us about OnShape. I love Blender and like you said it has its place. But now that I'm learning OnShape it will be my default tool for 3d printing.

[@Z-add]

Their is Siemens Solid Edge Community edition which is also free

[@bulgogiprince8625]

lol I watched the same vid series by teaching tech and started using onshape. I love it. Best feature is autosaving changes to the cloud and being able to 3d cad anywhere I want export a stl/step to via my phone and load it up remotely to my 3d printer.

[@neonnerd1364]

Coming from someone that knows absolutely nothing about these programs I'd love to see more content on it to make it a little easier to understand. I've tried on my own but I just don't understand what to do.

[@stevrgrs]

you definitely CAN jack up your models in OnShape. You can easily do non manifold geometry. Usually by a double extrusion or something like that :D

[@muhammadzazulirizki1000]

Hi, have anyone tried both plasticity and onshape? Would love to hear the objective comparison, the pros and cons between those two

[@Brickerbrack]

I used to use and love SketchUp, but abandoned it when _it_ went the cloud-based route several years ago. Since then, I've migrated entirely to Blender. It's a steep learning curve, to be sure, but as versatile as it is, that's to be expected. And the ability to do both precision mechanical modelling and organic sculpting, _and_ the knowledge that whatever I create is _mine,_ is worth the investment.