Model Railroading > open source 3D CAD running on Linux

Anyone using an open source 3D CAD running on Linux to do 3D printing for producing models?

I would love to hear about your experiences.

I have nothing to respond, but I hope your replies are posted here so I can learn from it too. 

Victor Baird

I have no knowledge of Linux and extremely limited knowledge of open source (dabbled only in Blender; my go-to is Fusion) but have you considered Blender on Linux?

I use Mint Linux myself.....and googled the terms just to see what popped up.....FreeCad appears to be useful for 3d printing....haven't used it and don't do this type of thing...but there's an idea for you. 

samusi01 Wrote:
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> I have no knowledge of Linux and extremely limited
> knowledge of open source (dabbled only in Blender;
> my go-to is Fusion) but have you considered
> Blender on Linux?

Thank you for your input.

I've been looking at this list:

17 Best Free and Open Source Linux CAD Software - LinuxLinks

Of course, one must be suspect of any "best" lists that are found by internet searches because you cannot be sure about objectivity.

Here is the Blender site:

Blender - The Free and Open Source 3D Creation Software — blender.org

Strikes me as more of an animation tool.

Right now I am leaning more to freeCAD unless someone has some bad experiences to offer.

engineerinvirginia Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I use Mint Linux myself.....and googled the terms
> just to see what popped up.....FreeCad appears to
> be useful for 3d printing....haven't used it and
> don't do this type of thing...but there's an idea
> for you. 

I might try freeCAD. I can download it to my not up-gradable Windows ten computer and go ahead and try it.

I wonder about what spec's I need for a new PC to run 3D CAD on Linux. The CAD would be the most intensive application I need to run, as I am not a gamer or a looking for a home theater experience.

Will most printers and scanners run on Mint Linux?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/19/25 14:20 by ts1457.

I was always told to get a computer with ram, processor speed and hard drive specs as if I was a gamer, for a CAD program. Even my 3rd planit track planning software which I also make CAD drawings in, is very demanding.

Victor Baird



ts1457 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> I wonder about what spec's I need for a new PC to
> run 3D CAD on Linux. The CAD would be the most
> intensive application I need to run, as I am not a
> gamer or a looking for a home theater experience.
>

Posted from Android

ts1457 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> engineerinvirginia Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I use Mint Linux myself.....and googled the
> terms
> > just to see what popped up.....FreeCad appears
> to
> > be useful for 3d printing....haven't used it
> and
> > don't do this type of thing...but there's an
> idea
> > for you. 
>
> I might try freeCAD. I can download it to my not
> up-gradable Windows ten computer and go ahead and
> try it.
>
> I wonder about what spec's I need for a new PC to
> run 3D CAD on Linux. The CAD would be the most
> intensive application I need to run, as I am not a
> gamer or a looking for a home theater experience.
>
> Will most printers and scanners run on Mint Linux?

You can make Linux run on a toaster.....but if you want to do CAD.....get one fairly robust...if you already run windows and its fast enough for you.....you can dual boot linux and keep windows....though I would just run Linux...because I don't do windows. 
 

> You can make Linux run on a toaster.....but if you
> want to do CAD.....get one fairly robust...if you
> already run windows and its fast enough for
> you.....you can dual boot linux and keep
> windows....though I would just run Linux...because
> I don't do windows. 

Or you can install FreeCAD on Windows, and save the hard disk space of installing a dual boot Windows/Linux mismash.

I have FreeCAD on my Windows 11 PC and a Lenovo laptop running LMDE

Arved Grass
Fleming Island, FL