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It's really surface vs. volume representations. Blender, Maya, and most 3D graphics programs, define surfaces. Modern 3D CAD programs such as FreeCAD, Fusion, and SolidWorks use constructive solid geometry, where everything is a volume. There are exceptions - SketchUp was a constructive solid geometry program, and original AutoCAD was just lines.

The big difference comes when you combine objects or operate on them. Surface-based programs are not that good at combining surfaces. CSG-based programs have to be really good at combining volumes, including subtracting from them. This requires a very difficult geometry program underneath.




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