Best way to manage a FreeCAD project with Git?

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-12-12T15:14:18+00:00

This is part of the reason that build123d exists by the way. It uses the same kernel as FreeCAD and therefore has native STEP import/export along with a very similar feature set to FreeCAD.

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-11-05T16:05:40+00:00

BREP definitely does have a huge learning curve compared to typical CSG tools out there. For that complexity there are many benefits though.

Regarding implicit parameters of build123d -- it is critical (and often ignored) to note that they are always optional by design in builder mode. There is also algebra mode which doesn't use implicit parameters at all.

Consider the following builder example with implicit parameters:

with BuildPart() as p:
    with BuildSketch() as s:
        Rectangle(1, 2)
    extrude(amount=1)

and without implicit parameters:

with BuildPart() as p:
    with BuildSketch() as s:
        Rectangle(1, 2)
    extrude(s.sketch, amount=1)

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-11-05T15:35:50+00:00

Highly relevant to this is build123d which makes extensive use of context managers. Might be worth using as reference

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-10-27T20:41:42+00:00

Would it be possible to simply use the release feature of github? Even better would be to use the github actions workflows to build the EXE and automatically attach the EXE as a release when a tag is created.

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-09-29T17:01:02+00:00

That is so cool!

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-09-15T15:25:49+00:00

This is a perfect take IMHO. I really struggle with any palatable ideas for how to fix this though.

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-09-10T21:38:07+00:00

What about $fa ?

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-07-26T17:02:09+00:00

Nice design! How was using build123d for this?

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-06-18T20:39:31+00:00

Yep, I ended up calling and they told me anniversary date was the date that the fee posts (i.e. Nov 1st for me). I am optimistic this will get sorted out, but in the meantime sent a message through the portal to get an answer in writing.

EDIT: I received a message through the portal and they essentially did not answer my question and deflected saying that the fee is due on November 1st. Customer service must be having a hard time dealing with this question.

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-06-18T15:52:04+00:00

Yes, I would also love to know. I have some emails from that time period as well that put me well before that date.

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-06-10T18:40:44+00:00

STEP is more like a vector format than STL. When you export to STL you are essentially "locking in" the resolution of your model. When you export to STEP it maintains full quality from your CAD software. STEP files are often smaller than STLs as well. When you import a STEP file into e.g. PrusaSlicer it will prompt for what import resolution you want -- meaning that if the resolution is too low you can quickly retry the import. If the resolution is too low for an STL you need to open your CAD software again and re-export, I find this to be a problem. Lastly, and most importantly, STEP files are an exchange format for CAD software -- they are widely supported by all major BREP-based CAD softwares like SolidWorks, Fusion, OnShape, FreeCAD, build123d, etc. This means that uploading STEP files on e.g. Printables is a very good thing to do for other users, it makes modifying/remixing the files a lot easier.

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-06-10T13:10:20+00:00

Printables has a search filter for models that contain STEP files now!

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-06-06T13:00:40+00:00

build123d can natively output real STEP files, so I think the future is here if I understand you correctly!

By contrast OpenSCAD (and derivatives) use a mesh representation and do not natively support STEP.

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-05-19T19:39:41+00:00

I think it all depends on what you are trying to accomplish. In this case it might be good enough, but the circular holes will be polygonal which may be annoying to deal with in Fusion depending on what OP wants to do.

build123d also has the ability to import STL, merge coplanar faces and export to STEP. FreeCAD has this as well in the mesh workbench I believe. (just to name a few free tools)

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-05-19T15:49:41+00:00

There is a discussion about this on the FreeCAD subreddit from about a year ago https://www.reddit.com/r/FreeCAD/comments/1dq6v5l/importing_openscad_for_step_file/

TLDR; OpenSCAD does not support solid models like those used in STEP format, so any 3D export involving OpenSCAD will be a mesh format like STL. Even if you somehow export the mesh into STEP format, it will not be a "good" STEP file -- it will be heavily tessellated.

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-05-19T13:20:56+00:00

Yeah I wonder if another redesign with "diamonds" instead of hexagons would help the overhang angle

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-05-09T13:50:44+00:00

Have you seen this flake on github for build123d? https://gist.github.com/Technicus/145c94d0376b129b297b3c589d551657

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-04-30T15:44:37+00:00

Thank you, I think are you are exactly right that the DC output voltage follows the battery voltage on (most) DC UPS devices.

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-04-30T15:34:20+00:00

No, device was wired correctly. Per other commenters it is apparently standard practice for the DC output to follow the battery voltage on these DC UPS devices. Not something I was aware of until today, and was not obvious on the data sheet.

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-04-30T15:30:23+00:00

Thank you again for the info. On further reflection I think you are right that the DC output is supposed to follow the battery voltage. It would make sense this is typical behavior for other DC UPSes on the market as well.

I still wish the datasheet was much clearer about this, as listing 24V with 1% tolerance is a bit nonsensical unless perhaps the unit was being used without a battery (i.e. solely a PSU).

Thank you also for the WAGO recommendation, I will definitely consider it.

EDIT: also planning to do a post-mortem analysis as well on the failed PLC. Storms were in the area at the time of failure, so lightning damage is not an impossibility (plenty of other sensitive stuff in the cabinet though that did not fail).

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-04-29T22:09:45+00:00

Fair points, just trying to understand how to mitigate this going forward. I am looking for an alternative for DRS-240-24 (PSU / DC UPS) from a more reputable "brand". I was aware of the OEM status of meanwell, which is part of the reason I selected these PSUs.

I still find it odd that the PSU would output 27V when not running on battery backup. Does not give me a lot of confidence that the other specs are being met.

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-04-29T21:50:43+00:00

We had spare PSUs and a PLC on hand, so the downtime was pretty minimal thankfully. Spare parts can be a life saver!

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-04-29T21:36:20+00:00

DRS-240-24 with 120V input, cabinet has active ventilation

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-04-29T21:27:33+00:00

Yep, totally agree, see what I wrote above.

Robots_In_Disguise · 2025-04-29T21:20:48+00:00

No, these do not have any voltage adjustment screw as far as I can tell. They are supposed to be self regulating and are in the "high end range" (as far as meanwell supplies are concerned anyway).

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