Onshape CAD

That's disappointing and seems retrograde when their direct competitors (Fusion 360) have gone the other way and seem to have the upper hand. Can't help thinking this may be counterproductive.

I was quite impressed with them to start with but when F360 came along I changed horses. One key factor in that decision was the fact that any meaningful add-on such as CAM would cost big bucks. They have a big app store for the 3rd party providers but it all adds up rapidly. That and the paltry allocation of free space for small users. And now even that has gone.

They are now focused solely on the professional user. Of course, F360 is also heavily focused on them too but also show a friendly face to students, young engineers, hobby users etc. Where would you put your money?

Merry

I did ask for a quote when they contacted me to say that the free private allocation was going. At $1,000 per year, I shall give it amiss for my small amount of hobby usage.

Regards,

James.

When I queried F360 about how long the free hobby license would be available, I got the following "I can confirm that you can keep renewing the "Startup or Hobbiest/Enthusiast" entitlement for as long as you need it. You just have to agree to the terms every year to verify that you still meet the criteria for the entitlement."

Of course, the terms and conditions may change with time but currently the "hobbiest" gives you the full "Ultimate" features and that shows no signs of changing. Long may that continue.

A question that does come to mind, when using Onshape under the new conditions.

If it is being used to model a item from a set of published plans, for the purposes
of an virtual test build before beginning to cut metal.

Would there be any copyright issues involved in moving the model, to allow
continued working on it, from private to public space?.

Ron