SolveSpace vs. Alibre Atom3D

SOLVESPACE is a parametric 3D CAD software that is open-source and distributed under the GPLv3 license, enabling users to create 3D components and drawings through a variety of functions, including extrusions, revolutions, and Boolean operations such as union, difference, and intersection. Additionally, it facilitates 2D part modeling by allowing users to sketch a section and export it in formats like DXF, PDF, and SVG, while its 3D assembly function is helpful for assessing how components fit together. For enthusiasts of 3D printing, it provides the ability to export parts in STL and other mesh formats, ensuring compatibility with most 3D printers. Furthermore, SOLVESPACE supports the generation of CAM data, allowing users to export 2D vector art suitable for use with waterjet machines or laser cutters, as well as creating STEP and STL files for seamless integration with third-party CAM software for machining tasks. The software is especially advantageous for mechanism design, leveraging a constraint solver to simulate both planar and spatial linkages, accommodating a range of joint types such as pin, ball, and slide joints. Instead of depending on conventional trigonometry and spreadsheets, users can engage with live-dimensioned drawings that simplify the handling of plane and solid geometry, and they can sketch sections using various shapes like lines, rectangles, datum lines, points, circles, arcs, cubic Bezier segments, and more advanced C2 interpolating splines. This all-encompassing approach not only fosters creativity and productivity in the design workflow but also positions SOLVESPACE as an indispensable tool for both engineers and designers, enhancing their ability to innovate and realize complex projects effectively. Ultimately, its versatility and user-friendly interface make it an ideal choice for a wide range of design applications.

Unveil the premier 3D design software designed specifically for hobbyists, where accuracy is a key aspect that guarantees perfect compatibility of parts every time. Whether you're working on a standalone item or a detailed assembly comprising up to 1000 elements, your creative horizons are boundless. The software allows you to easily export your creations in multiple formats like STL, STEP, SAT, DWG, or DXF, ensuring compatibility with your 3D printer or CNC equipment. You can also produce detailed 2D drawings that include measurements, serving as practical references during your construction process. With a user-friendly yet powerful toolkit, it steers clear of overwhelming options, enabling a rapid start and streamlined workflow. Furthermore, there are no ongoing subscription costs, allowing you to possess the software and work offline whenever needed. From designing precise parts for small machines to realizing grand-scale undertakings, whether it’s a remarkable pinewood derby car or intricate artistic sculptures, if it can be machined, it can be visualized. The software supports tailor-made projects for your router table and adapts to meet the needs of your design, whether that be simple components or more complex creations. You can send any design directly to a 3D printer, start with a basic sign, replicate a damaged item, or let your imagination run wild by building a completely new robot. The array of opportunities it offers makes this tool an essential asset for all budding designers, ensuring that your potential is only limited by your imagination. With its versatility, you'll find that the software not only enhances your skills but also enriches your creative journey.