Sun, 07/20/2025 - 04:22
Hello,
The latest version of CAD Builder is still based on Shaper 9.9.0. It's been 3 years ever since and there's a lot of features added to the software from past releases. Is there any plans to release a new version built on top of 9.14.0?
While there's nothing wrong about using Salome on Windows, it goes without saying that CAD Builder starts so much quicker since it's only loading the modeler application and it also works way better on high resolution screens--from my experience with both programs.
I understand the audience for an open source parametric modeler is mostly focused/shifted towards FreeCAD, but I'm sure there are folks out there like me that have a deeper appreciation for Shaper's environment. I personally think it is much more polished and less buggy than FreeCAD.
In short, I hope there are still plans to keep CAD Builder alive.
Kind regards,
Rodrigo Chamusca
Mon, 07/21/2025 - 11:22
Dear Rodrigo. Thank you for your interest on CAD Builder.
That project was develop in collaboration between 3 companies. From OpenCascade part it was evolved into CAD Processor application. As for my team (OCCT3D) we do not have in our road-map some updates on that project. But thank you to sharing the interest on that project! Can you share similar feedback in Salome forum to have their feedback.
Best regards, Dmitrii.
Wed, 07/23/2025 - 06:10
Appreciated for the response, Dmitrii. I'll give it a shot at the Salome forum.
Sun, 10/05/2025 - 18:47
Thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts — really appreciate how clearly you laid everything out. You make some great points about CAD Builder and its current state. It’s true that being stuck on Shaper 9.9.0 is starting to show its age, especially with all the improvements and features that have come along in later releases like 9.14.0.
You’re also absolutely right about the performance side — CAD Builder’s lightweight startup and better handling of high-DPI screens have always been big advantages over running the full Salome suite.
As for future updates, I totally get where you’re coming from. The shift in focus toward FreeCAD has been pretty visible across the open-source community, but there’s definitely still value — and interest — in maintaining and modernizing CAD Builder. It offers a clean, efficient environment that a lot of users still appreciate.
Hopefully the project maintainers will consider a refresh based on a newer Shaper core; it would definitely breathe new life into the tool and bring back some of that excitement for users like you.