FreeCAD 0.20 For Beginners | 2 | Create a simple model and export to STL in Part Design

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through creating a simple model using FreeCAD 0.20's Part Design workbench. You will learn how to use the sketcher to create fully constrained sketches, apply features like padding and pocketing, and finally export your model in STL format for 3D printing or use in other applications.

Step 1: Setting Up FreeCAD

• Open FreeCAD and create a new project.
• Switch to the Part Design workbench by selecting it from the dropdown menu.

Step 2: Creating a New Body

• Click on the "Create a new body" button in the toolbar.
• This will allow you to start modeling your part.

Step 3: Creating a Sketch

• Select a plane (XY, XZ, or YZ) where you want to create your sketch.
• Click on the "Create a new sketch" button.

Step 4: Drawing the Sketch

• Use the drawing tools to create your desired shape. You can draw lines, circles, rectangles, etc.
• Ensure that your sketch is fully constrained. To do this:
  • Add dimensions using the "Constraint" tools.
  • You can use the "Constrain Distance" or "Constrain Angle" options to define your sketch more precisely.

Step 5: Padding the Sketch

• After finishing the sketch, close the sketch editing mode.
• Select the sketch in the model tree.
• Click on the "Pad" button in the toolbar to extrude the sketch into a 3D shape.
• In the Pad parameters, set the desired length for the extrusion and click OK.

Step 6: Pocketing the Model

• To create a pocket, create a new sketch on the face of the padded model where you want to remove material.
• Draw the shape of the pocket in this new sketch.
• Close the sketch and select it.
• Click on the "Pocket" button in the toolbar.
• Adjust the pocket depth and confirm.

Step 7: Exporting the Model to STL

• Select the final model in the model tree.
• Go to File and choose Export.
• In the export dialog, select STL as the file format.
• Name your file and choose a location to save it, then click Save.

Conclusion

You have successfully created a simple 3D model in FreeCAD, including sketching, padding, pocketing, and exporting it in STL format. This foundational workflow is essential for various 3D modeling tasks. Next, consider exploring more complex features in FreeCAD to enhance your modeling skills. Happy modeling!