See, I poke around the internet a lot. Every now and then I find something so good, I bookmark it and keep going back to use it again. The coolest thing, though, is that so much of what I find is free! You can take it, use it and don’t have to pay a cent.
And, if you are a Mechanical Engineer, you must be equipped with the right tools and resources to solve daily problems or use them as a quick reference.
With 15 free resources on this list, you can try a new one every week for the next year. To help you access these easily, I have inserted direct links to these resources.
Ready? Let's go..
1) 3Dfindit -
In the early days of engineering design, CAD models were often not readily available for download, leading to time-consuming manual creation and tedious searches on manufacturer websites which may or may not give the desired output.
However, with the advent of 3Dfindit, this challenge has been effectively addressed. This website offers an extensive search engine that connects users to millions of 3D CAD models from a wide range of manufacturers.
The platform enables engineers to quickly find, view, and download high-quality CAD models for free, seamlessly integrating with popular CAD software.
Another impressive feature is their AI integration, which allows users to obtain a 3D model for download simply by uploading an image of the model. How cool is that?
You can checkout this amazing feature here.
2) Matweb -
It is an online materials information source. They have pretty much all the materials covered, from metals and plastics to lubricants. Take a look at below image to get a clear idea of its use and scope. (Site: www.matweb.com) If you are working in the CAE or CFD domain, you'll realize the importance of this portal very well.
3) Engineering toolbox -
A great resource for finding all kinds of basics and not-so-basics to aid you with your job as an engineer. From thread charts to force calculations and calculators, you can find them all. (Site: The Engineering ToolBox)
4) Instructables -
A little similar to GrabCAD but instead of CAD models, it focuses on real-life projects. A great resource if you want to learn something new and try your hand at different projects. (Site: Yours for the making - Instructables)
5) iMechanica -
A place where you can really delve into the latest developments in the field of engineering. Users can post their research papers on different subjects for everyone to read. (Site: iMechanica | web of mechanics and mechanicians)
6) Engineering clicks -
This news website has a sole purpose of serving engineers with relevant updates from the industry. (Site: The No.1 Mechanical Design Engineering Portal (engineeringclicks.com))
7) Algodoo -
It is an educational software that contains various prebuild simulations. you can also create a basic mechanical simulation from scratch using various available mechanical tools like Wheel, Gear, Chain, Spring, Box, Plane, etc. (Site: Algodoo)
8) Freedyn -
This one's my favourite! In this software, you can simulate various predefined or imported mechanical simulations to closely analyze their behavior and movements. Some of the predefined simulations that you get in it are Suspension, Spring-Damper, SliderCrank, Pendulum, etc. (Site: FreeDyn » FreeDyn)
9) MathCad -
Mathcad gives you the ability to do math within a document, as well as to add relevant images and text to explain your work. You can add plots which either read from arrays of data, or which can be linked to defined equations. (Site: (1) New Messages! (mathcad.com))
10) MechaniCalc -
MechaniCalc is a suite of web-based calculators focused on machine design and structural analysis. Use these calculators to move through design and analysis cycles more quickly and with greater confidence. (Site: MechaniCalc: Quick & Intuitive Calculations for Mechanical Engineers)
11) TenLinks -
It's a directory of CAD, CAM and CAE. The tagline itself says it all!
12) iCrank -
This is a well-organized database of mechanical engineering tools. Take a look at below image and you will be thrilled by its features and flexibility. (Site:
13) Engineer's Edge -
They have a vast ocean of downloadable resources like books, papers, Excel spreadsheets, Stress calculators, beam deflection calculators, etc.
(Site: Engineers Edge - Engineering Reference Data and Tools | GD&T ASME Training | DFM DFA Training)
14) Engineering.com -
With this site, you can dive into everything from live webinars, research reports, tools, softwares and STEM games.
(Site: Home | Engineering.com)
15) ProjectBoard -
ProjectBoard supports corporations, maker organizations, education and other project-based groups that need a place to collaborate, document and share projects online. (Site: ProjectBoard)
So, that's all for today. I hope you will find these resources helpful in your daily life as well as to carry-out your academic/industrial projects smoothly. Do let me know your views and feedback in comments.
See you soon with more such free stuff!
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