FreeCAD:Part 2

Importing Files Into FreeCAD

Today I will explain how to import a file from almost any CAD program into FreeCAD.

I will start with a simple cube I created in Autodesk Inventor.

Then choose the "Save Copy As" function under the file menu

Save the file as a .stl file

(This file type can be used for 3D printing and a variety of other applications, which I will describe in later posts.)








Finally, open a new file in FreeCAD, and select "Import" from the File menu, and select the .stl file you just saved.

Voila :) Check back later this week for further applications of the topics we've discussed!

FreeCAD

Today I will start a basic tutorial on FreeCAD, the most comprehensive free open source CAD program on the market.  

                       It is similar to most CAD programs; all you need to start is in the tool menu.                        
 
The BLUE circle is where most projects start. Select a set of tools from the drop down menu. You should see a different sets of tools appear in the BLACK circle. The squares in the RED circle represent different views; the one without any shading it the standard isometric view. 

  The drop down menu should look like this.

Select the DRAFT tool to begin drawing. 


**I've noticed that starting from the "part" tool allows for faster, but less custom design.**

Once you have a closed shape, go to the isometric or "axometric" view

After use of the "Part" and "Part Design" tool sets, I managed to make a simple structure like this. 

Intro to Ubuntu

       Since this series is centered around open source software, I believe that it is only appropriate to start with one the the most popular distros of Linux: Ubuntu. The average college student will pay at least $400.00 USD in software his freshman year. This includes general software such as Microsoft Office, and specialized software such as Adobe Photoshop,MATLAB, Solidworks,...etc. This is where the open source community can come to aid; much of this software has an open source equivalent!
       Outside of the open source community, Ubuntu is the most well known distribution of Linux. As far as operating systems go, Ubuntu requires the least technical knowledge about computing to run and use it. Perhaps that is why is so popular. It is a good "foot in the door" to open source software and its community. Ubuntu is a beautiful equilibrium between the power of linux, and an aesthetic and ease-of-use comparable to Apple and Microsoft.

                                           Ubuntu's sleek appearance is comparable to Mac O.S.X.

 How do I set it up?
    The best way to try Ubuntu is to create a .iso image on a jump drive, so you can boot to Ubuntu without changing your current system setup.  

You can find everything you need to make your jump drive a boot drive:
http://www.ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/download

     When your jump drive is ready, restart your computer, insert your jump drive, and press F8 as the system boots (It may be a different key, depending on the brand and age of your computer).
You should see a menu offering the option to boot from your jump drive. If you don't see anything, shut down your computer, reinsert your jump drive, and try again.

After a brief loading period, the Ubuntu home screen should appear.

Okay, now what?
    You will notice a tool bar on your left. Ubuntu comes pre-loaded with the Libre Office suit (I'll discuss this in more detail in a later post), Mozilla Firefox, and basic drivers. Ubuntu offers complete customization through  their online community. If you like it enough, you can install it on your computer by clicking the "Install Ubuntu" and completing the instructions that follow.

Coming Up:
-Advanced features and customization in Ubuntu
-Libre Office walk through
-Optimization in Ubuntu

Welcome!

      If you have a love for physics,engineering,computing, or anything of the like, you are in the right place! This is my second blog. Due to built in restrictions on the college email I was using on my account, I was unable to access key features to further the site. So here I am now, and here I will stay! This week I will begin a series on Open Source software, including several distros of Linux, CAD programs, and Media Editing Software.

                                                                                 Happy Hacking,

                                                                                        Tucker