FreeCAD 1.1 Black Book: A Practical Guide to CAD/CAM/CAE
FreeCAD 1.1 Black Book is a step-by-step guide to learning FreeCAD, the open-source, parametric 3D modelling application described in the book as a tool for designing real-life objects. It introduces the fundamentals and then progresses into a broad range of design and engineering workflows.
As explained in the book’s preface, FreeCAD’s parametric approach lets users define geometry through editable parameters. Its modular structure also supports extensions, Python scripting and macros, while its file-format support helps users work with models across different applications.
A step-by-step learning approach
The book is organised around explanations of concepts, illustrated instructions, tutorials and practice exercises. Its preface notes that the book includes about 2,000 illustrations to support the learning process and help readers follow the operations discussed in the text.
What the book covers
The contents progress from the FreeCAD interface and sketching to modelling, documentation, simulation and manufacturing-related workflows. Major topics include:
Getting started and sketching
Learn the interface, file and view tools, navigation, sketch creation, dimensional constraints and sketch-editing tools.
Solid modelling
Explore Part Design and Part workbenches, modelling tools, Boolean operations, gears, sprockets and practical modelling exercises.
Drafting and BIM
Work through drafting tools and building-information modelling topics such as walls, columns, slabs, windows, doors, stairs, roofs and structural elements.
CAM and toolpaths
Study jobs, tools, G-code generation, contouring, pocketing, milling, drilling, engraving, simulation and post-processing.
FEM and technical drawings
Explore analysis setup, materials, constraints, meshing, solvers and post-processing, along with TechDraw views, annotations and dimensions.
Assembly and CFD
Learn assembly components and joints, followed by introductory computational fluid dynamics concepts and the CfdOF workflow.
Installing FreeCAD
The sample chapter introduces the FreeCAD website and the download process. It instructs readers to choose the required operating system and processor package, download the installer and follow the setup instructions.
Understanding the FreeCAD interface
The book introduces the main areas of the interface and explains how they support modelling. The 3D view is the main workspace for selecting, panning, zooming and rotating objects. The Model panel presents the document tree and modelling history, while the Property view lets users inspect and edit object properties.
Other interface elements covered in the sample include toolbars, the Tasks panel, Selection view, Report view, Python console, status bar and View Cube. Together, these elements help users access tools, manage model data and understand what is happening during a workflow.
From fundamentals to engineering workflows
After the introductory material, the table of contents moves into dedicated chapters on solid modelling practice, drafting, BIM modelling, CAM, FEM, technical drawing, additional workbenches, assembly and computational fluid dynamics. This structure makes the book a reference for readers who want to progress through FreeCAD’s tools in an organised way.
The book also describes practical training and consulting services offered by CADCAMCAE Works. The preface explains that faculty members can request video tutorials on topics, exercises or concepts, and that resources used in the book can be requested by email from CADCAMCAE Works.