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CADmium: A local-first CAD program built for the browser

mattferraro.dev

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Re: CADmium: A local-first CAD program built for the browser

#181

Post by pointhi »

ryukoposting wrote: post #161
nhwangus wrote: post #152

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Which specific features are keeping you on Eagle? Most of my more "serious" work is still in Altium, but I've been really pleased with a lot of the QoL features KiCAD has been picking up on as of the later releases (bulk sheet symbol entry placement) and feature coverage is good enough that I'm happy doing mixed signal boards with a few high speed interfaces.

Live synchronization of layout and schematic files. I consider this essential to circuit design, especially in later iterative stages. That alone totally eliminates KiCAD as a professional EDA in my opinion.

Live synchronization of layout and schematic files is a feature you find in EAGLE, but in almost no other EDA program.

If you say KiCAD is not an professional EDA due to missing live synchronization, the same argument applies also to Altium, Cadence Allegro, and most other EDA systems which are considered as professional by most people.

Re: CADmium: A local-first CAD program built for the browser

#182

Post by iamsaitam »

pompino wrote: post #171
postalrat wrote: post #71

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Why in a browser if it's local-first? Because the web browser did what systems developers have failed at for at least 60 years: creating a platform that can host an application that just works on many different devices.

There is no serious comparison to the performance and richness offered by native applications. Famously (and wisely), Apple quickly reversed their decision on web apps for iOS devices.

Outdated comment. Look at onshape.

Re: CADmium: A local-first CAD program built for the browser

#183

Post by jwr »

nicce wrote: post #23
gen3 wrote: post #6

As someone who learned CAD on autodesk (inventor) ages ago, the only free modeling software I could grasp after working for a few hours was Onshape. Usability seems to be a real problem in this space, Freecad for example seemed to have a billion ways to do the same thing, but in the end only one of them was the real way, some tutorials leaving me with a model that doesn't conform. Awesome work! It seems like a hard p…

Onshape is an excellent tool in terms of performance and usability. As total newbie I was able to design fully working robot arm with 3d printed joints, design all the motors, their placements and other stuff and even animate movement. The model even worked on my phone, while it was not very practical...

I used OnShape several years ago and loved it. Unfortunately, they priced me out — I'm in the "intensive hobby" segment, which means I'm fine with paying $500/year, but not OK with $1500/year. And OnShape is either free or $1500/year.

Another consideration for many is a good integrated CAM. This is where Autodesk Fusion, much as I dislike the company and the software, is unbeatable today.

Re: CADmium: A local-first CAD program built for the browser

#184

Post by nicce »

jwr wrote: post #183
nicce wrote: post #23

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Onshape is an excellent tool in terms of performance and usability. As total newbie I was able to design fully working robot arm with 3d printed joints, design all the motors, their placements and other stuff and even animate movement. The model even worked on my phone, while it was not very practical...

I used OnShape several years ago and loved it. Unfortunately, they priced me out — I'm in the "intensive hobby" segment, which means I'm fine with paying $500/year, but not OK with $1500/year. And OnShape is either free or $1500/year. Another consideration for many is a good integrated CAM. This is where Autodesk Fusion, much as I dislike the company and the software, is unbeatable today.

Isn't the only difference between the free and $1500 tiers the private projects and direct support? Or did you specifically need the private projects.

Re: CADmium: A local-first CAD program built for the browser

#185

Post by rcxdude »

iancmceachern wrote: post #147
rcxdude wrote: post #115

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It has that in common with CAD software which has 5 figure annual subscriptions. Find me a CAD user who doesn't notice bugs in the software they're using and I'll show you someone who has <1 hour of experience.

This is true, but when I encounter a bug in Solidworks there is someone who's job it is to fix it,and they do.

That would be novel in my experience, they seem far more interested in cramming in features (with more associated bugs).

Re: CADmium: A local-first CAD program built for the browser

#186

Post by jononor »

numpad0 wrote: post #163
LeifCarrotson wrote: post #60

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Maybe I'm not enough of an evangelist, but I just want a good, non-subscription local-first CAD package. I've recently moved over to Alibre Atom3D, which, while not open-source, costs $200. Once. Then (as long as your host OS doesn't change too much) you can access your designs forever. It runs on the ACIS kernel. "Browser first" and (from the readme) "Beyond that, I will try to monetize by offering a hosted version…

Even $2k per year in 3D CAD is entry level pricing. Good CAD for $200 once is probably a prank tier idea to suitspeople, even though it's a necessity for 3D printing community.

It is worth noting that what is doable/practical with entry level CAD has increased a lot over the last 20 years. Hobbyists will not feel restricted, and one can do quite a lot of commercial relevant work also.

Re: CADmium: A local-first CAD program built for the browser

#187

Post by ecjhdnc2025 »

bvrmn wrote: post #178
ecjhdnc2025 wrote: post #118

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Have you looked at Build123D?

Just wow. I've tried CadQuery and I'm too dumb to use its fluent syntax. But Build123D has amazing DSL, it was an instant understanding what code actually does and it's easy to write also. Thank you for recommendation!

Impressively it’s even the same underlying object system so the two can coexist, use the same previewer etc., and I think there’s even Jupyter support.

But yes, the syntax is IMO much better because it isn’t trying to be so clever.

Re: CADmium: A local-first CAD program built for the browser

#188

Post by jesperwe »

I have to say I love your approach to solving sketch constraints.

Many times I have used traditional solvers to map out an old building where no angles are 90°. I measure a bunch of distances (with some inaccuracy of course) and spend hours fighting with the solver to get to something that satisfies most of the measurements.

This takes time because I am in essence doing exactly the converging spring forces simulation that you propose. Except much slower :-)

Re: CADmium: A local-first CAD program built for the browser

#189

Post by rjsw »

s1mon wrote: post #49

It's exciting to see a new entry into this space, especially one that is trying to create a new kernel. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely to be successful. The top kernels in the industry have been in development for decades by armies of CAGD PhDs and programmers, with funding from automotive and aerospace companies. Getting to table-stakes with the feature set will take a long time. I also question what user problems…

I don't think it is healthy for most of the commercial CAD industry to rely on one proprietory kernel and exchange file format like Parasolid.

Re: CADmium: A local-first CAD program built for the browser

#190

Post by alpaca128 »

iancmceachern wrote: post #148
echoangle wrote: post #120

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You think professional software is bug-free? I have some experience with NX and I can tell you it’s not exactly bug-free either. It’s very likely better than FreeCAD, but requiring zero bugs is just unrealistic.

This is true, but for customers of nx, solidworks, etc it's someone's job to fix the bugs for you

Which doesn't necessarily mean that job will ever get done.
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