Onshape is CAD software that runs entirely in your browser. So you don't have to install anything. It focuses on technical drafting and engineering and is similar in functionality to SolidWorks and Fusion360. There are paid subscriptions but if you don't mind public access to your models you can use all the features for free.
Laser cutting from onshape can be done in a number of ways. In this example we are going to laser cut a wooden cabinet.
You can view the 3D model with this link.
The link to the model in Onshape is read-only. If you create an Onshape account, you can clone and modify the model. For example, you can adjust the variable (plate thickness). You will see that all joints scale nicely with it. How to draw in Onshape is best learned in their learning-center.
Here's how to export for laser cutting:
Method 1: Part by part.
This method is fastest if you have only a few parts, or if you still want to rework the 2D drawings.
- Go to the 'Part Studio 1' tab.
- Right-click on the top shelf and click 'Export as DXF-DWG...'
- Name the part (optional), choose 'DXF', 'Release 14', 'Download', and click Export.
- Follow these steps for all the parts you want to laser cut.
The dxf's are immediately usable in Cutting Lab. Drag them into the uploader & choose the appropriate material to order.
Method 2: Drawings.
This is initially a bit more work, but produces nested drawings that are potentially cheaper to cut. Plus, nested drawings are dynamic: if you change something in your model then all nested drawings update with it.
- In the public documents, search for 'Cutting lab drawing template'. Open the document and click 'Make a copy'. The template is now in your own library.
- Open the document you want to laser cut, click on the plus sign at the bottom left and choose 'Create Drawing...'.
- Now you can choose a template. Filter on 'Created by me'. Now the template from step 1 will appear.
- Choose 'Snijlab drawing template.dwt' template and click 'Ok'. The new Drawing now opens.
- Click 'Insert View', choose a part and add it to the Drawing. Make sure you choose the correct view (top or side). Add multiple parts until the drawing is full.
- If you have more parts than will fit on one plate, repeat steps 2-4 to create another Drawing. (nb: do not create additional Sheets in one Drawing, but create multiple Drawings)
- Click on menu and 'Print...' to export the drawing to a vector pdf.
The pdf's are directly suitable for Cutting lab. Drag them into the uploader and choose the right material to order.
Now when you make an adjustment in your model you will see a yellow update button appear in your Drawings.
Click that to allow the changes to your model to be made in your Drawing.
Conclusion:
CAD design makes it possible to get complex projects right the first time. Drawing in 3D takes some time, but you almost always win that back because you can encounter problems early and fix them before you incur any costs.
The cabinet below is laser cut from 12mm poplar plywood. The corner joints are glued and stapled.
Onshape is one of many options when looking for cad software, and well worth considering.
