3d Printer Software

By Brendan

I want a case for my Pico project, which is basically a Pico with a small level-shifter chip.

It needs a hole in the case for the USB micro port on the Pico, and it needs a hole for some sort of plug to connect to the NeoPixel lights. Also I’d want a tiny hole to stick a paperclip in, to get to the SelBoot button.

The only way I can think of is to 3d print something. I have a friend with a 3d printer, but what I don’t have is a design. So I want an app to design a 3d printed case for a Pico, plus some other bits. And I have a Mac, so it can’t be Windows-only (or Linux-only).

Design / CAD

FreeCAD

freecad.org

Well worth trying

Onshape

onshape.com

Browser-based. Built for mechanical design. Free for public files.

Autodesk Fusion

autodesk.com/au/products/fusion-360 and search for “Personal Use”

Professional grade software, but “Limited Use version” has limited import/export file types

Shapr3D

shapr3d.com

Smooth, modern, built for mac. But paid subscription required for advanced features / high-res

Tinkercad

tinkercad.com

Web-only. Only for beginners? Too simple?

Blendr

Mostly for organic / artistic shapes. For sculpting, not CAD.

Slicing

Cura

ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura

Long history as stable & reliable. Supports almost all printers on the market.

Orca Slicer

orca-slicer.com

Newer, beinner-friendly but advanced slicing features. Fork of Bambu, brings Bambu features to other printers. Supports Bambu and Prusa printers, and others (including the one I care about).