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content/posts/cad-shootout-onshape.md
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@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ toc: true
---
{{< tldr >}}
This article explores Onshape for hobbyst use.
This article explores Onshape for hobbyist use.
Onshape is an incredible application that is both powerful and intuitive.
The free tier gives you everything, provided you are ok with the non-commercial and non-private constraints however performance gets really sketchy with complex designs and the pricing is steep.
{{< /tldr >}}
@ -14,15 +14,9 @@ Hello, I am a generic nobody armed with a caliper and a 3D printer!
One of the most common dilemmas I and others like me face is finding the perfect software to make our designs. Everyone seems to default to Fusion360 these days, but I personally have stuck with Onshape for the last 5+ years and had a blast. But what is the best tool and what is the most sustainable one?
## The problem of "free"
In this series of posts I will try to explore every CAD software I can get my hands on and run them through their paces from the point of view of a inexpert hobbyist rather than some CSWA professional.
Both Onshape and Fusion360 are freeware/free to use software, but they are not "FOSS". The current Internet climate is one of ever-increasing [enshittification](https://www.wired.com/story/tiktok-platforms-cory-doctorow/). Both Onshape and Fusion360 have gotten worse over the past few years, from Fusion360 [removing local simulations](https://hackaday.com/2022/08/12/local-simulation-feature-to-be-removed-from-all-autodesk-fusion-360-versions/) to force people to pay "cloud tokens" and generally [restricting features](https://hackaday.com/2020/09/16/autodesk-announces-major-changes-to-fusion-360-personal-use-license-terms/) in the personal use license to Onshape tightening their "non-commercial" definition to [cut out content creators](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9hmi1leU2s).
While they are still perfectly functional tools today the outlook is bleak and I would not want to rely on them.
Thankfully these two are not the only options in the CAD landscape. In this series of posts I will try to explore every CAD software I can get my hands on, from FOSS tools like FreeCAD and Solvespace to other "freeware" options like DesignSpark Mechanical to maybe affordable options like Alibre.
This article explores Onshape as it's the tool I'm most familiar with.
This first article covers Onshape as it is the tool I'm most familiar and experienced with.
## Onshape
@ -49,6 +43,14 @@ This is what it looks like:
Even thought it doesn't look great and sexy I have been using it and will use it for the examples shown below, so apologies if you're a light mode fan but at least you won't get flashbanged.
## The problem with "free" CAD software
Onshape, Fusion360 and other proprietary CAD softwares could be considered freeware/free to use software, but they are not "FOSS". The current Internet climate is one of ever-increasing [enshittification](https://www.wired.com/story/tiktok-platforms-cory-doctorow/). Both Onshape and Fusion360 have gotten worse over the past few years, from Fusion360 [removing local simulations](https://hackaday.com/2022/08/12/local-simulation-feature-to-be-removed-from-all-autodesk-fusion-360-versions/) to force people to pay "cloud tokens" and generally [restricting features](https://hackaday.com/2020/09/16/autodesk-announces-major-changes-to-fusion-360-personal-use-license-terms/) in the personal use license to Onshape tightening their "non-commercial" definition to [cut out content creators](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9hmi1leU2s).
While they are still perfectly functional tools today the outlook is bleak and I would not want to rely on them.
Of course, the option of paying for your CAD software is always there, however...
### Unsettling pricing
Onshape's pricing is very high. I would generally not care that much for something priced at professionals but Onshape is by far the most restrictive when it comes to what you can actually do with your free-tier outputs. You're not allowed to have private documents or profit froma *any* use of the software, even if it's unrelated to the actual parts.
@ -57,7 +59,7 @@ The cheapest tier that allows you to commercialize your designs is $1,500/year (
There are programs for [creators](https://www.onshape.com/en/programs/creator) and [startups](https://www.onshape.com/en/programs/entrepreneur) but I couldn't find accounts from people who are enrolled and their contact us form is a privacy nightmare ([with a broad selection of topics](https://gayrobot.club/media/5d9f7f8e-036f-43f5-bb7e-dcc7e6906a5c/image.png)) without a direct email to reach out.
I would not even consider using Onshape if I wanted to make anything to sell.
Knowing that going from hobby to small creator would inflate my costs by this much is quite distressing and I know that if I ever wanted to consider making commercial creations I would first have to give up the comfort of Onshape. I don't see how they think this is ok but maybe the small creators market just isn't worth it for them.
## The trials
@ -145,7 +147,7 @@ I exported both DXF and STEP files and sent them to a laser cutting+bending serv
![Order form for the sheet metal part](/media/onshape/order.png)
## Conclusion: A great tool for hobbysts and professionals
## Conclusion: A great tool for hobbyist and professionals
Onshape sets a high bar for everyone else to reach. If you just need to learn CAD to design some pieces to print and mend whatever broke in your house, I don't think you can find anything more intuitive to learn while still allowing you to go into other avenues of manufacturing if your interests ever grow outside 3D printed gizmos.