After more than a year of development, FreeCAD has officially released version 1.0 of the open-source parametric 3D modeling software. This new version, known as FreeCAD 1.0, boasts flexible customization and extension capabilities through the integration of add-ons. The software’s interface is constructed using the QT library, with add-ons developable in Python. FreeCAD supports the preservation and loading of models in various formats such as STEP, Iges, and STL. The source code of FreeCAD is distributed under the lgplv2 license through Open Cascade. Ready-made assemblies are available for download on Linux (Appimage), MacOS, and Windows platforms.
FreeCAD enables users to alter model parameters to explore different design options and assess the model’s progress throughout development. This software project may serve as a free alternative to commercial CAD tools like Catia, Solid Edge, and SolidWorks. While FreeCAD primarily targets mechanical engineering and product design, it can also be utilized in architectural design and other diverse fields.
The significant increment in the version number signifies a milestone in FreeCAD’s development journey. With over two decades of history, the project’s developer community has set specific criteria to define the functionalities required for the 1.0 release. The latest release includes solutions for key tasks such as addressing topological naming issues and introducing a new built-in module for the design of prefabricated structures (Assembly).
The topological naming problem in FreeCAD arises when model operations like extrusion, cutting, union, chamfer, or fillet cause changes in the structure of the model, leading to alterations in the internal names of objects within the parametric chain. In FreeCAD 1.0, the implementation of the RealThunder algorithm ensures the consistency of object names within the model despite topology changes.
Another significant enhancement in the new version is the inclusion of a built-in environment for designing prefabricated multicomponent structures assembled from individual parts (Assembly), utilizing the onSel Solver project.
