> This problem is not unique to FreeCAD. It is generally present in CAD software, but most other CAD software has heuristics to reduce the impact of the problem on users.
Fusion 360’s heuristics are so good that I rarely run into these problems. When I do, it’s usually because it was a drastic change to a previous feature in the timeline and I’m expecting to encounter issues because it’s a really fundamental change.
Solidworks and Onshape don’t “hide” it better, their algorithms are better and break down in much more complex models than FreeCAD. Each one also tends to have its own quirks so as you learn to use the software you get a bit of intuition on how to best model certain features to avoid angering the topological naming gods.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Solidworks break down in a simple model, it’s always been in complex shapes using advanced features.
Although… as others have noted, this is a problem with basically all CAD packages, as on a fundamental level, it depends on user design intent. Just some have enough bandaids that it’s more rare.
I’ve not encountered the same issue in FreeCAD 1.1 (to which I’ve transitioned recently). There are of course other frustrating niggles in FreeCAD, but not this one (yet).
lgeorget•1h ago
shadowpho•1h ago
placatedmayhem•55m ago
That said, since v1.0, I've had far fewer instances of being affected, and have started doing some direct-on-face features (usually sketches) again.
hommelix•52m ago