solvespace/solvespace
Solvespace
SolveSpace is a parametric CAD software and 3D solid modeler. It functions as a constraint-based geometry solver that allows for the creation of 2D and 3D models where positions and sizes are driven by geometric rules and mathematical relationships.
The project distinguishes itself by integrating a mechanical linkage simulator for analyzing the motion of pin and ball joints and a G-code generator that produces CNC machining instructions with cutter radius compensation. It also includes tools for kinematic simulation, allowing users to trace the motion paths of components and export coordinates.
The software covers a broad range of modeling capabilities, including 3D volumetric generation via extrusions, revolutions, and Boolean operations, as well as parametric assembly design with part interference verification. It supports a variety of manufacturing exports, including STL meshes for 3D printing, NURBS surfaces, and 2D technical drawings.
Features
- Geometric Constraint Solvers - Functions as a core constraint-based geometry solver that calculates entity positions via algebraic equations.
- Mechanical Assembly Systems - Constructs parametric mechanical assemblies where part positions are maintained by geometric constraints.
- Profile Extrusions and Revolves - Generates 3D volumes by applying extrusion, revolution, and sweep operations to 2D profiles.
- 3D Geometry Generators - Generates 3D geometry by extruding, revolving, lathing, or creating helical sweeps from 2D sketches.
- 3D Solid Modelers - Provides a full workspace for generating 3D objects through extrusions, revolves, and Boolean operations.
- Assembly Hierarchies - Maintains a hierarchical tree of linked 3D components with relative transformations for position and scale.
- Solid Boolean Operations - Implements 3D volumetric generation via Boolean operations to add or subtract volumes from solid models.
- Constrained Sketching Engines - Implements a constrained sketching engine for defining 2D geometry that drives 3D modeling.
- Kinematic Linkage Simulations - Provides a dedicated mechanical linkage simulator to analyze pin and ball joint motions and trace component paths.
- Mechanical 3D Modeling - Provides precise mechanical 3D modeling using extrusions, revolves, and boolean volume operations.
- Parametric Modeling Engines - Provides a parametric modeling environment using constrained sketches and history-based workflows.
- Parametric CAD Software - Implements a full parametric system where geometry is driven by constraints and dimensions.
- Parametric Design Constraints - Maintains spatial relationships between assembly components through parametric design constraints.
- Workplane Coordinate Systems - Provides local 2D workplane coordinate systems to organize geometry relative to 3D faces or offsets.
- Constructive Solid Geometry Operations - Implements boolean operations for combining and subtracting solid volumes using constructive solid geometry.
- Constraint Definitions - Applies rules such as distance, angle, parallelism, and tangency to control the size and position of geometric entities.
- Parametric Dimensions - Drives geometry using specific values or reference dimensions that update automatically as the model changes.
- Kinematic Path Exporters - Records the motion path of points within a mechanism and exports the resulting coordinates as CSV files.
- 3D Printing - Provides tools for building solid geometry and exporting STL meshes for additive manufacturing.
- 3D Model Exporters - Generates triangle meshes or exact NURBS surfaces for use in CAM and 3D printing software.
- Technical Drawing Generators - Projects 3D models onto 2D planes or cuts sections to create manufacturing-ready technical drawings.
- Pattern Duplicators - Duplicates entities by translating or rotating them in a series of steps along linear or circular paths.
- Mesh Exporters - Converts exact mathematical solid representations into triangle meshes for STL export and 3D printing.
- CAD Surface Exporters - Exports high-precision NURBS surfaces and triangle meshes for compatibility with CAM and 3D printing software.
- Geometric Pattern Generators - Copies elements multiple times along linear paths or circular arcs using step-and-repeat settings.
- Kinematics Simulators - Simulates mechanical linkages by calculating degrees of freedom for pin and ball joints.
- G-code Generators - Produces CNC machining instructions and toolpaths from 2D vector paths.
- Cutter Radius Compensations - Generates CNC G-code with integrated cutter radius compensation for precise toolpathing.
- Technical Section Drawing - Creates technical 2D sections and exports them as vector files for manufacturing.
- Geometric Property Calculations - Calculates physical properties like the volume of 3D solids and the area of 2D sketches.
- Mechanical Linkage Simulators - Provides a physics-based tool for modeling pin and ball joints to analyze the motion of mechanical assemblies.
- External File Linking - Supports importing external project files as independent components within a larger assembly.
- Interference Detection - Verifies part fit by computing intersections between components in an assembly to prevent overlap.
