Which 3D modeling software to use?

  • •   9 years ago
    10

    Which 3D modeling software do you suggest I start off with? I'm very new to 3D modeling and just know the very very basic terms, never really modeled though.

ANSWERS (10)


  • 2

    Which 3D modeling software do you suggest I start off with? I'm very new to 3D modeling and just know the very very basic terms, never really modeled though.

    •   9 years ago   •  
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    It really depends on what you are comfortable with at the end of the day. There are many available software but getting in on a free one is probably a good idea to find out what type of modeling style works best for you as the paid versions can be expensive to get.

    I model with CAD based systems and here are my suggested software to explore in the CAD side of the picture broken down by skill level.

    Beginner - TinkerCAD (by Autodesk) - Free

    Intermediate - 123D Suite (by Autodesk) - Free for non profit

    Professional - Solidworks (by Dassult Systems) - $5000 USD Liscense

    9 years ago   •   edited   •  
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    Thanks! I'll give TinkerCAD a try...any suggestions on what to start off with?

    •   9 years ago   •  
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    Eugene's Suggestions are great. Here's a few more:

    OpenSCAD - A programmatic approach to CAD. You can do some amazing things with it once you know it but

    not for the faint of heart. It's how I make my Lithophanes and 3D printable molds.

    Sculptris - It's free and not a bad place to start for organic models. Fairly intuitive if you have a sculpting background.

    Sketchup - It's approachable and easy to use. You'll grow out of it quickly but it's an easy place to start.

    For my pro work I use Geomagic Design as it's a bit cheaper than Solidworks but still over 2K for a license. Fusion 360 is free for hobbyists and students and is a good piece of software.


    9 years ago   •  
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    Thank you! I really want to try doing Lithophanes! Do you have any to show? Thanks so much for the suggestions!

    •   9 years ago   •  
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    9 years ago   •  
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    The big trick is using the right "white" too Opaque or too translucent and they don't look like much of anything. The tinkerine white is actually very good for these.

    9 years ago   •  
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    looks awesome! who needs to develop pictures anymore :P

    •   9 years ago   •  
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    If you have Windows 10, you have 3D Builder. It's a handy beginner software that allows precise sizing and positioning. I find it to be a lot more intuitive than Sketchup.

    For lithophanes - I would imagine it took a lot of skill and effort to make it work in OpenScad, I'd love to see how that works! I've been using a free website where you upload an image, adjust some settings, and it generates the solid in a downloadable STL file. http://3dp.rocks/lithophane/

    8 years ago   •  
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    I have tried printing Lithophanes also. I have only tried the Tinkerine white and it does work really well. The only problem I had was that I found it very difficult to take the print off the bed. I always end up with a lot of tape stuck on to the back of the print. Has anybody had similar problems? How did you deal with it? I ran my print under water and just started scrubbing with a pad. Does anybody have an easier way of doing this?

    8 years ago   •  
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    For taking lithophanes off the bed, I've found that if you've squished it too much from the beginning you can't do too much other than taking it off slowly. I tend to spend a lot of time really getting the first layer exactly perfect, micro adjusting as the print is starting out.

    8 years ago   •  
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