python CAD libraries?

[Marco Nawijn]

On Monday, September 10, 2012 11:10:55 PM UTC+2, Jayden wrote:
> Are there any python CAD libraries that can
> 
> 
> 
> (1) build simple 3D primitives solids such as spheres, cylinders and so on
> 
> (2) perform bool operations on 3D solids
> 
> (3) better if it has some transformations such has scaling, sweeping, and lofting
> 
> 
> 
> Please recommend some good ones for me? Thanks a lot!!

Hi Jayden,

In my opinion, the best you can get is OpenCascade (OCC) (www.opencascade.org) in combination with the python bindings (www.pythonocc.org). OCC is a hugh C++ CAD library. It not only deals with the simple geometric stuff, but it can be used to build CAD programs similar to SolidEdge or SolidWorks. It does however come with quite a steep learning curve. When using PythonOCC, the learning curve becomes a little less steep. 

Also note that in my opinion, Blender cannot be considered as a CAD environment. Ofcourse it is very powerful, but I think it is more targeted towards animation and visually pleasing applications, not mechanical engineering.

Regards,

Marco