What surface based software works best with Onshape?

burhop

I want to create some surfaces that are beyond the capability of Onshape (so far  ) but I still want to use Onshape for most of the mechanical CAD work.

Is anyone using any free or low cost software that can create Onshape (e.g Parasolid) compatible surfaces?  Yes, I know Rhino is great but I can't afford that as this is just a maker project.

Ultimately, I'd be doing a split face or replace face with the geometry in Onshape.

michał_1

Best from cheap:
http://moi3d.com/  just 295 USD
example:
by lyes.
MoI is not capable of creating a-class surfaces, but still is powerful. It shares same engine as Rhino.
If you really short on budget, then try ViaCAD only 99 USD: 
http://www.punchcad.com/p-27-viacad-2d3d-v9.aspx

adrian_vlzkz

Recently came across this one, not sure if it will work for what you need, but looks interesting:

http://cyborg3d.com/index.html

brucebartlett

What can you do in Blender? I think this free, uses open cascade. That all I know

clayton_ertley

I will have second the Blender suggestion. It is in fact free and there is no fee to pay if you make money off of your designs. It is a VERY capable program though it has a learning cure and most function are accessed via keyboard shortcut. I have had much success in using blender.

andrew_troup

I think the question is this: does Blender (or some other free software) produce high quality surfaces in Parasolid format?

michał_1

Best from cheap:
http://moi3d.com/  just 295 USD
example:
by lyes.
MoI is not capable of creating a-class surfaces, but still is powerful. It shares same engine as Rhino.
If you really short on budget, then try ViaCAD only 99 USD: 
http://www.punchcad.com/p-27-viacad-2d3d-v9.aspx

burhop

andrew_troup said:

I think the question is this: does Blender (or some other free software) produce high quality surfaces in Parasolid format?

Yes.  I think you are right.  Has anyone imported Blender surfaces into OnShape? 

michał_1

burhop said:

andrew_troup said:

I think the question is this: does Blender (or some other free software) produce high quality surfaces in Parasolid format?

Yes.  I think you are right.  Has anyone imported Blender surfaces into OnShape? 

Problem with Blender is that it's no cad software by any meanings. You can work with nurbs surfaces but as a result you get a mesh only, like this one:
 I don't now way to get a nurbs from Blender.

adrian_vlzkz

Recently came across this one, not sure if it will work for what you need, but looks interesting:

http://cyborg3d.com/index.html

burhop

adrian_velazquez said:

Recently came across this one, not sure if it will work for what you need, but looks interesting:

http://cyborg3d.com/index.html

That does look interesting.  Unfortunately, it is not released yet.  I did ask to join the beta.

kevin_quigley

Integrityware are the people behind Power Surfacing for SolidWorks, and a lot of add ons. No doubt they are talking to everyone, other than Autodesk!