CAD

The world of CAD design can be an intimidating one, but it’s also a gateway to so many incredible possibilities! Whether you’re a beginner just getting into the world of 3D design or an experienced maker looking for helpful tutorials and inspiration to take your creations to the next level – these blog posts are here to give you all the essential tools and knowledge that you need. In these blog posts you’ll find everything from basic CAD design techniques to advanced tips for creating complex projects with ease – no matter what skill level you’re currently at. So if you’re ready start your journey into 3D designing excellence– let’s dive in!

How CAD Empowers Kids: Carl Bass at Maker Faire

How CAD Empowers Kids: Carl Bass at Maker Faire

The chief executive at Autodesk obviously prepared this talk for kids, and he arrived at Maker Faire dressed for the part: wearing a baseball cap, t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. Not what he wears when he’s talking to shareholders about fiscal year 2013. But Bass can pull it off: he has a marvelously casual style, and a real passion for making. The result: this is a fantastic primer on computer aided design (CAD) for kids — and for anyone who would like a very easy-going intro to some of the most basic, free tools and services available.

Continue Reading DC Denison18
Autodesk, MakerBot Join Forces

Autodesk, MakerBot Join Forces

MakerBot and Autodesk, who are sharing a booth this weekend at Maker Faire Bay Area 2013, just announced a partnership deal involving the Replicator 2 and Autodesk’s 123D suite. Folks who purchase subscriptions to Autodesk’s 123D tools get a discount towards the purchase of a Rep2, and Autodesk has become an authorized reseller of the popular 3D printer. The “Autodesk edition” Replicator 2 also features custom face- and buildplates. Deets at Autodesk’s 123D site, below.

Continue Reading Sean Michael Ragan4
Free Alternatives to Tinkercad

Free Alternatives to Tinkercad

Creators of Tinkercad announced earlier this week that they would no longer be developing the popular cloud-based CAD tool. We’re fans of Tinkercad here at Make, having written about and praised it on the blog and in our Ultimate Guide to 3D Printing, so this is sad news. The free version is still available to use between now and the end of April, and paying customers will have access until the end of 2013.

Here are a few other free alternatives to TinkerCAD, starting with what I think is the most beginner-friendly and ending with the least beginner-friendly.

Continue Reading Eric Weinhoffer59
SXSW Hardware Startup Meetup

SXSW Hardware Startup Meetup

This afternoon, more than sixty hardware hackers, makers, movers, and shakers defied the drizzle to gather under a large tent at Autodesk’s SXSW Create pavillion for the official SXSW Hardware Startup Meetup. Organized and hosted by Ryan Brown and Bartley Gillan, the main event was a panel discussion and open Q&A with SF Hardware Startup Meetup organizer Nick Pinkston and the founders of four active hardware startups representing some 1.75M in pledged crowdfunding dollars among them.

Continue Reading Sean Michael Ragan