Blender is a free 3D graphics application. It can be used for modeling, UV unwrapping, texturing, rigging, water simulations, skinning, animating, rendering, particle and other simulations, non-linear editing, compositing, and creating interactive 3D applications. Blender is available for several operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, IRIX, Solaris, NetBSD, FreeBSD, OpenBSD with unofficial ports for BeOS, SkyOS, AmigaOS, MorphOS and Pocket PC. Blender has a robust feature set similar in scope and depth to other high-end 3D software such as Softimage|XSI, Cinema 4D, 3ds Max, Lightwave and Maya. These features include advanced simulation tools such as rigid body, fluid, cloth and softbody dynamics, modifier based modeling tools, powerful character animation tools, a node based material and compositing system and Python for embedded scripting.

Blender has a depth and breadth of features comparable to commercial, proprietary, high end and mid range 3D software. In the month following the release of Blender v2.44, it was downloaded 800,000 times;this worldwide user base forms the core of the support mechanisms for the program. Most users learn Blender through community tutorials and discussion forums on the internet.

FEATURES:

1. Modeling
2. Rigging
3. Rendering
4. Animation
5. Shading
6. UV Unwrapping
7. Physics and particles
8. Imaging and compositing
9. Real time 3D/Game Creation

You can download Blender free of charge on www.blender.org.

- Mastering Blender

- Blender For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

- Blender 3D Architecture, Buildings, and Scenery: Create photorealistic 3D architectural visualizations of buildings, interiors, and environmental scenery

- Bounce, Tumble, and Splash!: Simulating the Physical World with Blender 3D

- The Blender GameKit: Interactive 3D for Artists

- Introducing Character Animation with Blender

- Foundation Blender Compositing

TFLEX

T-FLEX Parametric CAD is a full-function software system providing mechanical design professionals with the tools they need for today’s complex design challenges. It unites powerful parametric 3D modeling functionality with the parametric drafting and drawing production toolset.

T-FLEX Parametric CAD is an industry leading mechanical design system with flexible and intuitive workflow and superior design capabilities. The technical innovations and productivity advantages have made T-FLEX one of the most robust and versatile parametric modeling and drafting solution for product development. Its extensive set of tools makes T-FLEX the best choice for meeting any professional challenge. T-FLEX is used extensively for everyday mechanical design applications including 3D/2D design, drafting, conceptual sketching, reverse engineering, tolerancing inspections, rapid prototyping, and downstream manufacturing.

T-FLEX CAD Student Edition is a full version of T-FLEX Parametric CAD with few limitations, allowing students to use the product, understand its benefits and features, and prepare for their career of design engineers. T-FLEX CAD Student Edition makes learning faster and easier providing powerful, innovative, easy to learn and use design tools.

Special Terms

Although functionally is almost identical to the T-FLEX CAD software used by professionals in the workplace, the student edition contains features that make it unsuitable for commercial use.

IMPORTANT! You may not use T-FLEX CAD Student Edition for commercial purposes. When you download and install T-FLEX CAD Student Edition you have 30 days to register the product, for free! After that there is no time limit on its usage.

Technical support on the product is not provided.

Download TFLEX student edition

Google SketchUP

Google SketchUp is software that you can use to create, export and present 3D models. Whether you want to design a new deck for your house, build models for Google Earth, or teach geometry to your fifth-graders, you can use SketchUp to see your ideas in 3D. And when you're done, you can export an image, make a movie or print out a view of what you made.

Download link: Google SketchUp for free

- Google SketchUp: The Missing Manual

- Google SketchUp Cookbook: Practical Recipes and Essential Techniques

- Wiley Pathways Introduction to Google SketchUp

- Google SketchUp and SketchUp Pro 7 Bible

- Google SketchUp Essential Training

K - 3D

K-3D is the free-as-in-freedom 3D modeling, animation, and rendering system for GNU / Linux, Posix, and Win32 operating systems. K-3D features a robust, object-oriented plugin architecture, designed to scale to the needs of professional artists.

Features:
1. Modeling
2. Animation
3. Rendering and textures
4. Animation
5. 2D compositing

K-3D Download link

BRL-CAD - Open source solid modeling

BRL-CAD is a powerful cross-platform Open Source combinatorial Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG) solid modeling system that includes interactive 3D solid geometry editing, high-performance ray-tracing support for rendering and geometric analysis, network-distributed framebuffer support, image and signal-processing tools, path-tracing and photon mapping support for realistic image synthesis, a system performance analysis benchmark suite, an embedded scripting interface, and libraries for robust high-performance geometric representation and analysis.

For more than 20 years, BRL-CAD has been the primary tri-service solid modeling CAD system used by the U.S. military to model weapons systems for vulnerability and lethality analyses. The solid modeling system is frequently used in a wide range of military, academic, and industrial applications including in the design and analysis of vehicles, mechanical parts, and architecture. The package has also been used in radiation dose planning, medical visualization, computer graphics education, CSG concepts and modeling education, and system performance benchmark testing among other purposes.

BRL-CAD supports a great variety of geometric representations including an extensive set of traditional CSG primitive implicit solids such as boxes, ellipsoids, cones, and tori, as well as explicit solids made from closed collections of Uniform B-Spline Surfaces, Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS) surfaces, n-Manifold Geometry (NMG), and purely faceted mesh geometry. All geometric objects may be combined using boolean set-theoretic CSG operations including union, intersection, and difference.

Download link

Homepage Link

Alibre Design Xpress

First of all, it's free. Alibre Design Xpress is a combination evaluation and learning tool. It's perfect for professionals looking to evaluate their CAD application options and for 3D newcomers looking to improve their modeling skills over time before making a commitment. Best for beginners or hobbyists looking to begin using 3D CAD - all at no charge.

When you register for and download Alibre Design Xpress, we will upgrade your software for the first 30 days to our Alibre Design Professional product, for free! Alibre Design Professional is our professional-grade 3D parametric solid modeling program, delivering high-end functionality at an affordable price.

After 30 days, you can easily convert to Alibre Design Xpress, which has no time limit. A few advanced modeling and drawing creation features are disabled in Alibre Design Xpress, but you can still evaluate most of the powerful functionality of Alibre Design at your own pace, and for as long as you want

DOWNLOAD LINK

PowerSHAPE

CAD Design and Modelling Software

PowerSHAPE CAD software provides a complete environment to take your product ideas from concept to reality. PowerSHAPE offers unrivalled freedom to manipulate surface form of the CAD model, to build from wireframe and make global changes with solid feature operations and editing. PowerSHAPE follows the philosophy of "Simple to create, easy to modify". PowerSHAPE includes all PowerSHAPE's core hybrid modelling tools as well as a number of features that are focused specifically upon the needs of designers.

Total Modelling
Total modelling brings together elements of PowerSHAPE, ArtCAM and CopyCAD in a unique, fully integrated combination of solid modelling, surface modelling, triangle modelling, reverse engineering and decoration techniques.

Delcam Render
Easy photo-realistic imaging of CAD models that provides the designer with a choice of professional lighting studios and textures. Within a couple of minutes a designer can have a rendered image showing a design in a scene with spotlights and shadows. Creating high quality images with Delcam Render becomes an integral part of the design process.

Delcam Assembly
Delcam Assembly modelling provides the designer or a team of designers with a means of building up models from components from other models.

Delcam Drafting
Associative drafting allows you to create detailed engineering drawings from scratch or directly from the 3D model. Delcam Drafting has been developed to manage the most complex of drawings supporting grouped levels, engineering tolerancing and machining symbols.

DOWNLOAD LINK

ASCON KOMPAS-3D

KOMPAS-3D is intended for creating three-dimensional associative models for individual parts and assembly units containing both original and standardized structural elements. The parametric technology allows quickly obtaining models for typical products basing on a once designed prototype. Numerous service functions facilitate solving auxiliary designing and production maintenance problems.

DEMO VERSION
Demo version of the KOMPAS-3D solution for mechanical computer aided design. Demo Version demonstrates the complete software functional of the commercial version, but does not allow saving models and assemblies.

LIGHT VERSION
KOMPAS-3D Light Version is a functionally reduced version of the professional KOMPAS-3D Solution. Light Version does not allow 3D assemblies modelling (*.a3d files). Therefore you will not be able to create and edit parts in the assembly (cut, merge) using Light Version. Please, note that KOMPAS-3D Light Version can be used only for familiarizing and training, commercial usage of the Light Version is not allowed.

Download link

Medusa Personal

MEDUSA4 is a modern, extremely powerful, multi-platform-ready design automation suite which distinguishes itself through its combination of ease of use, state-of-the art design tools, 2D to 3D and concurrent engineering capabilities, as well as innovative data management and administration solutions.

Current and future engineers can now put MEDUSA4 through its paces, free of charge for personal use! This fully functional version includes many of the options available in our ADVANCED package, such a SMART Edit and basic 3D, as well as some of our add-on modules, including Parametrics and Sheet Metal Design.

Medusa Personal

BCAD

From here you can download demo versions of our programs. The demo version of bCAD has all the same functionality as fully registred software with only two exceptions:

though it is possible to load or create drawings any size and complexity it is not allowed to save drawings.
the size of rendered image is limited to 640x480 pixels.

BCAD is a complete 3D CAD design package for wide range of users – engineers, architects, designers and students.

Efficient, Intuitive User Interface
BCAD is exploits most modern style of user interface. An intuitive user interface speeds work for experienced users and allows beginners to learn 3D graphics within days. Interface features such as hot-keys and toolbars can be customized to meet the your individual preferences. Special UI features, oriented to Tablet PC make your work intuitive and comfortable in the same you use pen and drawing board.

Sketching and drawing Tools
Integrated sketching and precise drawing tools let you use drawing skills throughout the design process. Included is a complete set of familiar tools such as drawing lines, circles, curves, hatches and flood fills, editing tools like copy, move, rotate for sketching and illustrating. These features considerably save time because there's no need to use another application or sketch on paper. Computer aided sketching and drawing has other advantages over traditional methods such as Undo, Erase and multiple layers.

Modeling
Powerful modeling tools are capable of rapid and flexible concept and precise modeling. You can create virtually any shape. Fast shape generation is made more powerful with the ability to easily make changes using construction history. Symmetrical models can be created -- allowing you to work on one half of a design while viewing the whole model. bCAD provides 2D sketching integrated in 3D environment. This functionality lets you use your sketches throughout the 3D design process. Sketches can be oriented in 3D space as modeling references and to evaluate form.

Real-time Visualization

Realistic real-time display of 3D models with textures, transparency and reflections provides immediate visual feedback when evaluating surface quality and design form and allows immediate evaluation and visualization.

Photo-Realistic Rendering
Software rendering engine create realistic still renderings and fly-by animations for presentation. The photorealistic rendering capabilities create images convincing enough to be reproduced directly into print, video or interactive media. Material editor provides complete control over features such as highlights, reflections and true color.

Data Exchange and Rapid prototyping

Support for industry standard data formats so that data can be shared with other software packages using neutral file formats such as DXF, DWG, 3DS and more. STL file export lets you output models in STL format for the creation of prototypes on a Stereo Lithography machine.

BCAD Homepage

BCAD Download page

CollabCAD

CollabCAD is a 3D CAD/CAM Software system for collaborative design & development of Industrial Designs.It provides a total solution from product design, numerical control, visualization, simulation, analysis to content management, workflow and office automation. CollabCAD is an initiative of National Informatics Centre (NIC, Department of Information Technology).

CollabCAD is developed on the Linux platform and is available on Windows and Linux (Red Hat and Mandrake). CollabCAD bundled with Knoppix is also available. CollabCAD is developed using open source software tools such as Java/Java 3D, Open Cascade geometry kernel and supports open standards of data exchange such as XML, STEP, IGES, and VRML to ensure interoperability.

CollabCAD Modules

Design & Drafting
Surface Modeling
Solid Modeling
Collaborative Design
Database Link
Data Exchange
Basic NC Operations
Customization
Visualisation
Content Management System
WorkFlow
ERP MRP Module
FEA Module

CollabCAD facilitates the conventional CAD/CAM capabilities like design, drafting, surface and solid modeling, feature based modeling, basic NC features, data exchange, scripting etc. Surface models can be reverse engineered from point cloud digitized data, obtained from raw/scanned data. CollabCAD also provides reflection line analysis for visual inspection using Zebra Stripes mapping. The Zebra stripes mapping is a surface evaluation method for checking surface continuity.

CollabCAD also offers other niche features like Bar Code to link the designs to non CAD utilities like MRP, Meshing, Creation and linking of databases etc. CollabCAD also provides database connectivity and a component library framework. It enables the user to create or use a Component library. CollabCAD has also been integrated with an Advanced multi-purpose CFD Software for Engineering Design and with a Casting Simulation Software

Current version of CollabCAD supports basic NC operations like lathe roughing, lathe contouring, lathe center drilling, lathe thread cutting, point-to-point operations, surface milling, tools and animation.

Besides the conventional CAD/CAM features, it also provides a collaborative framework for CAD/CAM professionals to work across a network and concurrently access the same design for viewing and modification. It also offers an interactive design environment through audio and video conferencing, for on-line communication between participating designers.

Integrating CAD with PLM, CollabCAD provides an interface to a content repository and incorporates security, locking and versioning of the engineering drawings and documents. It further provides an interface to a workflow system and enables the user to specify, execute, monitor and coordinate the organizations flow of work. CollabCAD also provides an interface to an open source enterprise automation software.

CollabCAD provides a Finite Element Analysis Module (currently only for linux based distributions). It provides pre and post processor for Meshing, Modifying and Analysing Geometrical Structures. The user can - Modify, import/export, repair/clean CAD models, - Mesh CAD elements, check quality, import/export mesh(MED,UNV,ASCII) - Handle physical properties and quantities attached to geometrical items. The Finite Element Solver offers a full range of multiphysics analysis and the modelling methods go well beyond thermo-mechanical calculations, applicable for linear as well as non-linear structures. It provides a wide range of functions to set physical properties of prepared models and simplifies calculations. It support Data Exchange Format(MED),Command file Editor and analyzer (EFICAS). It has a well built user Interactive Interface and serves as a solver/analyzer between pre and post processing.

CollabCAD - Homepage

CollabCAD - Download page

K3DSurf

K3DSurf is a (GPL) program which generate 3D surfaces with Mathematical formulas (Implicit or Explicit equations) with possibility of animation and morph effects. It's also a "Modeler" for PovRay in the area of parametric surface.

Studying mathematical surfaces with K3DSurf include doing:

Interactive visualization with mouse events (Right: Rotate, Middle: translate and left: Scale).
Real time animation (rotation) and morph (by the introduction of t_time variable). Animation and morph can also be monitored by controls that affect the CPU usage and t_time step.
Creat screenshots by copying the draw window or by using the best ray tracer on the net: Povray.
Creat movie scene is also supported
Generat Mesh files that describe the shape of the mathematical model.
Supported formats are:
1. Povscript : Povray is the best ray tracer available on the net...and it's free.
2. VRML2: to use with the majority of current browsers via an appropriate plug-in.
3. OBJ: a well-known file format supported by the majority of 3D applications (Blender, MAYA and Moray...).

K3DSurf - Download link 1

K3DSurf - Download Link 2

OPENFX

OpenFX is an Open-Source 3D modeling, animation and rendering suite created by Dr. Stuart Ferguson. He made the decision to release the source code to the public in the middle of 1999, and the product formerly named SoftF/X was renamed to OpenFX. It has now been released under the terms of the GNU General Public Licence.

A powerful feature-set includes a full renderer and raytrace engine, NURBS support, kinematics-based animation, morphing, and an extensive plugin API.

Plugin capabilities include image post processor effects such as lens flare, fog and depth of field. Animation effects such as explosions, waves and dissolves add enormously to the flexibility of the program. Check out the full list of the various effect types and let your imagination run wild!

Currently, OpenFX only runs on the Win32 platform, which includes Windows 95/98/NT/2000. There are plans afoot to port it to Linux/*BSD platforms, and it currently runs fairly well under these by using the WINE set of libraries. If you are interested in helping to port to these platforms, please join our Development Mailing Lists and help out!

OpenFX Homepage

OpenFX Download Page

Sweet Home 3D

Sweet Home 3D is a free interior design application that helps you placing your furniture on a house 2D plan, with a 3D preview.More than 300 models are now available and tested for Sweet Home 3D!

Sweet Home 3D is available in English, French, Portuguese, Italian, German, Czech, Polish and Spanish, and may be run on Windows, Mac OS X 10.4 / 10.5, Linux and Solaris.

Sweet Home 3D is an open source project available on SourceForge.net and distributed under GNU General Public License.

Sweet Home 3D Download Page

Sweet Home 3D Homepage

Amabilis 3D Canvas

3D Canvas is a real-time 3D modeling and animation tool that incorporates an intuitive drag-and-drop approach to 3D modeling.

Complex models can be constructed from simple 3D primitives, or created using 3D Canvas' Object Building Tools. Modeling tools are provided to deform, sculpt, and paint 3D objects.

Creating an animated scene is as simple as positioning the objects within your scene for each point in time in your animation. 3D Canvas will ensure that the resulting animation runs smoothly. Your animation can be stepped through a frame at a time, viewed in real-time, or recorded to a Video (AVI) file so that you can distribute your creation.

Tool roll-up groups allow you to customize the 3D Canvas interface so that only those items you use most frequently are visible. And if you need access to a less frequently used feature, the tool roll-up is always one click away.

The standard version of 3D Canvas is a fully functional product provided as freeware. Upgrades are available for those who require additional features either for game development or for rendering photo-realistic images.

Amabilis 3D Canvas Product Page

Amabilis 3D Canvas Download Page

CAD X11

CAD X11® Free is a general CAD system ideally suited for drafting (strengths in mechanical drafting) and light wireframe and surfacing modeling on Windows XP, 2000, NT 4.0, ME, 98 or 95.
CAD X11® include 3-D wireframe modeling, surfacing, OpenGL, Direct3D and Gouraud smooth shading, custom IGES and DXF, 2-D drafting with ANSI, ISO and JIS dimensioning, geometric tolerancing, TrueType Font support, undo/redo, multiple views, data verification, geometric analysis, crosshatching, layering, CGM format I/O, PDF output, Gerber format I/O and on-line HELP.
All drafting features of CAD X11® Professional are supported making this free version a production class CAD tool for any company. This software can be completely standalone supporting several drafting standards, files up to 500 kb in size and outputting the results onto Windows based printers or into PDF files. Or, CAD X11® FREE can be intermixed with other CAD software via the DXF CAD communication format.
This is truly a free program, no time limits and it can be used for commercial purposes.

CAD X11 Download

CAD X11 Features

TrueSpace 7.6

TrueSpace is free 3D computer graphics and animation software developed by Caligari Corporation. trueSpace7.6 is a fully-featured 3D authoring package that will let you model, texture, light, animate and render 3D content.
Truespace modeling capabilities are unmatched. You have at your fingertips literally hundreds of modeling tools for polygonal modeling, Subdivision surfaces, NURBS, metaballs, implicit surfaces, you name it, all accessible via intuitive direct manipulation interface. Whether you want to create organic or mechanical models you will have the right tool to create exactly what you need.

Download trueSpace

Homepage

Surfacing

DX9 (SL2.0) pixel shaders and HLSL editing
Procedural shaders editable in Link Editor
Normal mapping
Shader trees
modeless UV Editor
Advanced UV Editor with real time UV mapping controls
Unwrapper with Slice
Breaking and welding of vertices in a UV map

Rendering

LightWorks 7.4 rendering engine
Vray Rendering Engine (for trueSpace7 versions only)
VirtuaLIght rendering engine
Real time DX9 based photorealistic engine
HDRI
Caustics
Multi-pass Rendering for Lightworks rendering engine with output to Photoshop layers integrated into trueSpace7
Hybrid radiosity, ray tracing, Phong shading
Image-based lighting
Non-linear tone mapping editor
Post process editor
Advanced shaders (color, reflectance, transparency, displacement, background, *foreground, post processing)
Volumetric, Anisotropic reflectance

3DVIA

3DVIA is a free online 3D modeling application that allows any user to create 3D models and publish them directly to 3DVIA.com.

- 3DVIA Shape
Imagine, create and share your ideas with ease in 3D. Free modeling software simple enough for anyone to use.

- 3DVIA Virtools
Create graphically stunning interactive, real-time experiences for industry and game production.

- 3DVIA MP
Turn concepts into lifelike 3D experiences fast. Produce high-end games and publish to multiple platforms.

- 3DVIA Composer
Revolutionize the way you document products. Easily reuse 3D assets across your entire enterprise.

- 3D VIA Player
View interactive, real-time 3D applications in your Web browser or stream them from your website.

3DVIA home and download page

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Craftsmanspace

Free woodworking and metalworking plans and patterns

Free software resources

Tools and their uses

Latest plans

Popular patterns

Download free plans

Free 3D CAD software

Surfacing

Rendering