Archimedes Alternatives

FreeCAD

FreeCAD is a general purpose parametric 3D CAD modeler. The development is completely Open Source (LGPL License). FreeCAD is aimed directly at mechanical engineering and product design but also fits in a wider range of uses around engineering, such as architecture or other engineering specialties. FreeCAD features tools similar to Catia, SolidWorks or Solid Edge, and therefore also falls into the category of MCAD, PLM, CAx and CAE.

Features:

• 3D modelling
• Parametric Modeling
• Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
• DWG support
• FEM
• Procedural modeling
• Windows XP Compatibility
• 3d Drawing
• Bim
• Drawing 2D

Autodesk AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a leading CAD (computer-aided design) software used professionally throughout architectural, electrical, mechanical and other engineering and design industries. It was once available under a perpetual license but is now accessed solely through a subscription. That subscription supports cloud-based storage for easy access to designs across devices as well as continued development and feature additions which have been plenty.

Features:

• Drawing 2D
• DWG support
• Batch plotting

LibreCAD

LibreCAD (originally QCad then CADuntu) is an open source 2D CAD application for Windows, Apple and Linux. It is based on Qt, which is a leading cross-platform application and UI development framework. LibreCAD can read DWG files (and others) as of the latest Nightly build. It writes DXF files, but can also export SVG, JPG, PNG, PDF and other files.

Features:

• Bim
• Construction layers
• Drawing
• Portable

DraftSight

DraftSight is a professional-grade, open 2D CAD product for users who want a better way to read, write and share DWG files. DraftSight is easy to use and is available for professional CAD users, students and educators to download and activate for free.* Based on advanced architecture, DraftSight has a small footprint, should take less than a few minutes to download, and runs on multiple operating systems, including Windows XP®, Windows Vista® and Windows® 7.

Features:

• Drawing 2D
• 3d sketching

SOLIDWORKS

SOLIDWORKS is a leading 3D CAD software for design, analysis and product data management. SOLIDWORKS solutions can help boost productivity, harness intelligence, foster innovation, and facilitate collaboration. Through tight integration, SOLIDWORKS tools enable you to leverage 3D models throughout the organization, bringing processes together so you can get products to market faster.

Features:

• 3D modelling
• Easy Measurements
• Drawing 2D
• Parametric Modeling
• Simulation

BRL-CAD

BRL-CAD is a powerful cross-platform open source solid modeling system that includes interactive geometry editing, high-performance ray-tracing for rendering and geometric analysis, image and signal-processing tools, a system performance analysis benchmark suite, libraries for robust geometric representation, with more than 20 years of active development.

Features:

• Benchmark analytics
• Image Processing
• 3D modelling

BricsCAD

BricsCAD the first all-in-one CAD design solution in .dwg that answers all your needs; 2D drafting, 3D modeling, mechanical design, and BIM. The BricsCAD® family of products brings a cost-effective, multi-platform CAD solution to Windows, macOS, and Linux. BricsCAD is available as a permanent/perpetual license & subscription license, for networked or stand-alone computers. You can also add All-In Maintenance for ease of keeping up-to-date.

Features:

• 3D modelling
• Bim
• BIM import
• Drawing 2D
• DWG support
• Mechanical Design
• Mechanical Simulation

nanoCAD

nanoCAD is a pro-grade 2D CAD system with native DWG support and full customizability. It is totally free, for business, professional, or personal purposes. It is fast, lightweight, capable, and , unlike most free CAD programs, completely uncrippled. nanoCAD includes: 1. Classic CAD interface. Any engineer could easily master nanoCAD since everything is in their right places: menu, button icons, panels, command line, and the commands theirselves are easily recognizable.

Features:

• 3D modelling
• Convert DWG to PDF
• DWG support
• Night mode/Dark Theme
• Convert PDF to DWG

QCAD

QCAD is an application for computer aided drafting in 2D. With QCAD you can create technical drawings such as plans for buildings, interiors, mechanical parts or schemas and diagrams. QCad uses the AutoCAD DXF file format internally and to save and import files. AutoCAD DWG support is available as a commercial plugin. QCAD is available in two versions: Community edition and Professional edition. QCAD Community Edition is free and open source.

Features:

• Drawing 2D
• Scripting

Designspark Mechanical

DesignSpark Mechanical is a 3D modeling software reported to be easy to use so that all engineers will be able to create and share models. Designs can be linked directly to RS/Allied off-the-shelf components for automatic bill of materials generation, part numbers, and costs for included components. DesignSpark Mechanical can export to DXF, SketchUp, ECAD, OBJ, STEP, and STL formats.