Top 4 Free 3D Printing Software for 2022

There's something to be said for seeing an idea or design come to life.

No matter what type of object you create as a 3D model, seeing it become a real physical object that you can hold in your hand for the first time is an experience you won't soon forget.< /p>

And while it looked like a concept for the future, it is now possible with 3D printing software. These tools translate the idea of ​​an object into data that a 3D printer interprets to create an actual object.

Best of all? There are free 3D printing tools that are ideal for designers designing on a budget.

What are the best free 3D printing tools? Fusion 360 In shape Solid edge NX The best free 3D printing solutions

When it's time to take a 3D object created with 3D modeling software and translate it to a 3D printer, these tools make it possible. 3D printing software is sometimes called "slicing software" because it takes a digital 3D model and divides it into sections, allowing the 3D printer to create it slice by slice.

The list below contains real user reviews of the best free 3D printing page. It is important to note that in the context of this list, providers that offer a free trial are also considered free. To be included in this category, a solution must:

Convert 3D models and turn them into printable instructions for 3D printers Modify and repair Wavefront OBJect (OBJ), 3MF (3D manufacturing format), and Standard Tessellation Language (STL) files

*This data was extracted from G2 on April 11, 2022. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.

1. Fusion 360

Fusion 360 consolidates design, engineering, electronics, and manufacturing into a single software platform. It is a 3D modeling, 3D printing, computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer-aided engineering (CAE) software platform based on the cloud, designed for product designers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and machinists. .

Fusion 360 offers many pricing plans, as well as a free option for personal or recreational use. For professionals, there is a 30-day free trial to access all features and capabilities.

What users like:

"Being able to create in-context assemblies and create so many joints built after the fact is something I couldn't live without. I also love being able to create multiple different parts simultaneously while seeing their relationship to each other. others, which is very helpful."

- Fusion 360 Review, Anthony W.

What users don't like:

"Lacks more customizable and intuitive shortcuts to easily access commonly used tools. I find the right-click shortcut to tools inconvenient."

- Fusion 360 Review, David D.

2. In shape

Onshape is a cloud-native solution that encompasses CAD, data management, and analysis in a single platform. With Onshape, designers and engineers can access design documents and create and collaborate from anywhere on any device. The free version of Onshape is available for hobbyists, creators, and others who want to freely share their designs and projects. A 14-day free trial is also available.

What users like:

"The CAD tools and features are perfect for me as a graduate and now a 3D printing enthusiast. Its interface is simple and easy to use, especially beneficial if you are used to another CAD program. Be based on the cloud and having the freedom to work from anywhere is also a huge advantage."

- Onshape Review, Alanna P.

What users don't like:

"Some commands are a little hard to find, but you can YouTube them because Onshape has a pretty good tutorial resource. Also, accessing files offline can be tricky and if your internet is down, you cannot use this tool.“

- Onshape Review, Jonathan Y.

3. Solid Edge