The writer is a big fan of Chromebooks, that is, those laptops that do not have Apple's Windows or OSX as an operating system, but Chrome OS, a system entirely based on the Chrome browser, where the programs are web applications. Already a few years ago I had described the reasons for buying a Chromebook as a portable, cheap, fast, safe and complete PC in all.
Just with an eye to Chromebooks, some web applications have recently been created that allow you to also work with CAD files, for 3D design .
Programs like AutoCad, indispensable especially for engineers and architects, require powerful computers and high costs because three-dimensional objects use a lot of video processing power.
However, if all the processing work is done on an external server, via a "Cloud" app, then you can also use a website to view and even create CAD projects.
Today it is possible to design 3D objects entirely in a browser, on any computer, even not of the latest generation, as one would do with a Word document.
In this article we therefore see some web applications that can be tried for free, for 3D design and for CAD design that should meet the needs of students and professionals in the sector.
1) OnShape is a site very similar to Google Docs, only that instead of writing documents or tables, 3D objects are drawn.
According to the site, OnShape can work as an alternative to programs such as Autocad, Inventor and Solidworks.
Onshape can be used for free in a version without support, with all the standard functions of 3D design, with the possibility of working on a project in several people online and with the support of the most popular 3D CAD files.
The site also has apps for Android devices and for iPhone and iPad, perfect for keeping CAD files and showing them to anyone when you need it without having to carry your computer with you.
2) Similar to OnShape, also the Clara.io website, web application for 3D design.
3) rollApp and Frame are two web apps that allow you to use some famous Cloud and Windows PC programs .
In other words, the program is not installed on the computer, but resides on the company's remote server.
From our computer just connect to their site to be able to use that program via the web, without limitations.
While Frame allows you to bring our programs online, with rollApp, for free, you can run directly in the web browser some of the free CAD programs for 2D technical drawing and 3D modeling such as FreeCad and openSCAD.
4) Other web apps are good for those who want to learn and specialize in 3D printing .
Autodesk Tinkercad is a simpler, unprofessional but very powerful web app for designing 3D drawings.
Another such site is PublishYourDesign.com, an app for creating objects for 3D printing.
5) Finally, it is worth mentioning a brand new web app, released a few days ago, which promises to provide an open source platform for collaborative 3D design.
The site is Modelo.io which promises to show through video how a 3D drawing is designed from start to finish.
Eventually, however, with a Chromebook or any normal PC, even professionals and students of architectural and 3D design will be able to stop installing heavy and expensive programs and will be able to enjoy web applications, taking advantage of their collaborative feature which is the true value added of these cloud tools.
