I’ve been using the on-line 3D design tool OnShape for a couple of years now and find it fantastic way to design 3d-printed components. You can use it from any modern browser, or there’s an iPad app that makes it even easier and is my preferred method. It’s a fully featured design tool and a great alternative to Fusion360 or other similar apps.
OnShape is an on-line tool, which means you need to be connected to use, but I’ve not found this to be an issue in practice. If you lose the connection it saves the last change and retries, so I’ve never lost a change and it’s surprisingly responsive throughout. Probably not one to use mobile on a train, but no problem at home or work.
Once you’ve done the design, it allows you to export as an STL file, which in turn can be used by Cura or your favourite slicer to do the print preparation and turn it into a real object.
If, like me, you only do the occasional design, then you can sign up for free. The only restriction is that all designs are publicly available to other users - so only use for things you don’t mind sharing. You may get the odd phone call trying to get you to upgrade to the professional subscription, but there’s no real pressure.
For Pi Wars, I’ve started using OnShape to design the main chassis for Dangly Too. It’s a toblerone-inspired triangular shape to ensure that the the main weight is low down. Motors will be at the bottom, and the main axle at the top. Large wheels will give it good ground clearance.
The issue with the original Dangle was that the weight distribution wasn’t great for climbing obstacles, hope this will improve his performance. I’ve also put lots of mounting holes to attach the Pi and accessories for the various challenges.
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