Software

We have a wide range of digital manufacturing tools in the fabLAB. In order to get these machines to make things you need to send them your designs. There are many websites such as Thingyverse where you can download designs created and shared by others. Inevitably though (and ultimately more satisfying) you will want to design your own things. To do this you will need to use both 2D and 3D design software.

For 3D printing the most common type of file you will need in an stl file. Most 3D design software is able to export stl files.
Laser and vinyl cutting requires a 2D vector file so that the cutter head can follow a particular path.
CNC machining requires either 2D vector drawings or 3D model files.

Autodesk Fusion 360 is a very good place to start learning design software as it can produce files of both types and can be used freely by hobbiists and startup businesses (up to $100k/yr turnover).

Below are lists of software we use:

2D Software

Inkscape (Free*)
Corel Draw (Cost to purchase)
2D Design (Cost to purchase)
Illustrator (Cost to purchase)

The above are most commonly used to create 2 dimensional designs for equipment such as laser and vinyl cutters.

3D Software

The above are most commonly used to create 3 dimensional designs for equipment such as 3D printers and CNC machines.

All the above software is available in the fabLAB.

*There may be conditions attached, please make your own inquiries into these.

In collaboration with North Wales Tech, API are holding a virtual Autodesk Fusion 360 course run by Autodesk Product Designer Paul Sohi. View the first tutorial below and keep an eye out for the next here.

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