In FreeCAD, the PartDesign Pad and Part Extrude tools serve similar purposes but are used in different contexts and have distinct functionalities. Here’s a comparison of the two:
| Feature | PartDesign Pad | Part Extrude |
|---|---|---|
| Workbench | PartDesign | Part |
| Purpose | Used to create solid features within a PartDesign Body by extruding sketches or faces. | Used to create standalone shapes by extruding various shapes, including sketches and faces. |
| Integration | The result is integrated into the active PartDesign Body, modifying the existing solid. | Creates a separate, standalone shape that is not automatically integrated into a PartDesign Body. |
| Input Types | Accepts sketches or faces within a PartDesign Body. | Can extrude any object with Part geometry, including sketches, faces, and edges. |
| Output Types | Always produces a solid. | Can produce edges, faces, shells, or solids depending on the input and settings. |
| Direction and Length | Offers options like symmetric to plane, up to face, and two dimensions for specifying extrusion length and direction. | Allows setting the direction and length explicitly, with more freedom in choosing the extrusion path. |
| Dependency | Works within the feature-based modeling approach of PartDesign, maintaining a single solid model. | Works independently, suitable for Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG) modeling. |
| Taper Angle | Limited support for taper angles. | Supports taper angles, allowing for more complex shapes with angled sides. |
In summary, PartDesign Pad is best suited for creating features within a single solid model in the PartDesign workbench, while Part Extrude offers more flexibility for standalone shapes and is used in the Part workbench. The choice between the two depends on the modeling approach and the specific requirements of the design task.
FreeCAD Tutorial for Beginners: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUrr_kHPp4vjk57NoQBYessHXIfoVpOgv