HeeksCAD
Encyclopedia
HeeksCAD is a free software
Computer-aided design
program written in C++
. It uses Open CASCADE Technology internally for the modelling and wxWidgets
as its widget toolkit
.
HeeksCAD supports cuboids, spheres, cylinders and cones as basic 3D solids. Further geometric objects may be created by sweeping or connecting 2D-shapes.
HeeksCAD makes extensive use of local coordinate systems
. For example these are used to define the drawing plane and the direction of an extrusion.
The program can be extended with additional plugins. Plugins are available for Python
scripting, milling
and freeform surface modelling
.
Free software
Free software, software libre or libre software is software that can be used, studied, and modified without restriction, and which can be copied and redistributed in modified or unmodified form either without restriction, or with restrictions that only ensure that further recipients can also do...
Computer-aided design
Computer-aided design
Computer-aided design , also known as computer-aided design and drafting , is the use of computer technology for the process of design and design-documentation. Computer Aided Drafting describes the process of drafting with a computer...
program written in C++
C++
C++ is a statically typed, free-form, multi-paradigm, compiled, general-purpose programming language. It is regarded as an intermediate-level language, as it comprises a combination of both high-level and low-level language features. It was developed by Bjarne Stroustrup starting in 1979 at Bell...
. It uses Open CASCADE Technology internally for the modelling and wxWidgets
WxWidgets
wxWidgets is a widget toolkit for creating graphical user interfaces for cross-platform applications. wxWidgets enables a program's GUI code to compile and run on several computer platforms with minimal or no code changes...
as its widget toolkit
Widget toolkit
In computing, a widget toolkit, widget library, or GUI toolkit is a set of widgets for use in designing applications with graphical user interfaces...
.
HeeksCAD supports cuboids, spheres, cylinders and cones as basic 3D solids. Further geometric objects may be created by sweeping or connecting 2D-shapes.
HeeksCAD makes extensive use of local coordinate systems
Local coordinates
Local coordinates are measurement indices into a local coordinate system or a local coordinate space. A simple example is using house numbers to locate a house on a street; the street is a local coordinate system within a larger system composed of city townships, states, countries, etc.Local...
. For example these are used to define the drawing plane and the direction of an extrusion.
The program can be extended with additional plugins. Plugins are available for Python
Python (programming language)
Python is a general-purpose, high-level programming language whose design philosophy emphasizes code readability. Python claims to "[combine] remarkable power with very clear syntax", and its standard library is large and comprehensive...
scripting, milling
Milling machine
A milling machine is a machine tool used to machine solid materials. Milling machines are often classed in two basic forms, horizontal and vertical, which refers to the orientation of the main spindle. Both types range in size from small, bench-mounted devices to room-sized machines...
and freeform surface modelling
Freeform surface modelling
Freeform surface modelling is the art of engineering Freeform Surfaces with a CAD or CAID system.The technology has encompassed two main fields...
.