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3D Modelling Software Recommendations

spannerspencer

Morning all!

 

has been posting some superb tweets that follow the progress of his Pi IoT design challenge, which include some great 3D models that (I assume) he then sends to the 3D printer. Is that right, Enrico?

 

And often makes great use of some 3D diagrams for exploded views of his amazing projects, like the HAL-CAM 9001 – Building a New Security Camera he just posted.

 

I've not much experience with 3D modelling software, which is my real obstacle to entry when it comes to playing with... er, I mean making use of, a 3D printer. It's not the hardware that's stopping me -- it's the software. Years about I used to dabble with Lightwave, but I was wondering what software you guys use to build your 3D models for printing (or for any other maker tasks, for that matter), and if you had any recommendations for beginners.

 

Maybe if you guys could sound out the popular platforms, we could then run a poll to see which ones people prefer? That being said, if you're already familiar with all the popular options, do feel free to put a poll up and we can get opinions that way, too.

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  • Hello Spanner!

     

    Thank you, I like you appreciate the 3D work. As a matter of fact I have already started with a first 3D printing tips, just to point the attention on how to model objects - just for 3D printing - Then I started the challenge and this first tutorial remained alone. I though it was the worth to use it as one of a series. When the call for tutorials started here few time ago I have also asked if it was possible to use already published material but the answer was no, and it has a sense. But what sounded me strange is that the goal for these tutorials is a series of single shots. Unfortunately there are many aspects that should be considered in cases like this, involving a complex path; you should think to the 3D printer when you design and vice-versa so IMHO it is very difficult creating single articles, sometimes a series is needed.

     

    The idea, that I always find great when I approach a new context, was to "use" parts of projects and progressively focus the attention of the reader on some important aspects. Few words as an example:

     

    • Designing flexible parts - what involves and what we should consider
    • Designing robust components - how much the fill percentage involves
    • Mechanical parts - knowing how the plastic filament reacts maybe extremely helpful designing the components
    • Moving parts - what are the tolerances and what to take in account when design?

    and so on...

     

    If you have time take a look to this first post I published and let me know: 3D Printer tips series #1: LG-G4 Smartphone Interactive Cover

     

    Last, I think that a poll - hopefully promoted and followed by all - is a good way to focus the scenario. Depending on the 3D program used the final result may dramatically change. Why not adding a badge involving the users to participate ?

     

    Enrico

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  • Hello Spanner!

     

    Thank you, I like you appreciate the 3D work. As a matter of fact I have already started with a first 3D printing tips, just to point the attention on how to model objects - just for 3D printing - Then I started the challenge and this first tutorial remained alone. I though it was the worth to use it as one of a series. When the call for tutorials started here few time ago I have also asked if it was possible to use already published material but the answer was no, and it has a sense. But what sounded me strange is that the goal for these tutorials is a series of single shots. Unfortunately there are many aspects that should be considered in cases like this, involving a complex path; you should think to the 3D printer when you design and vice-versa so IMHO it is very difficult creating single articles, sometimes a series is needed.

     

    The idea, that I always find great when I approach a new context, was to "use" parts of projects and progressively focus the attention of the reader on some important aspects. Few words as an example:

     

    • Designing flexible parts - what involves and what we should consider
    • Designing robust components - how much the fill percentage involves
    • Mechanical parts - knowing how the plastic filament reacts maybe extremely helpful designing the components
    • Moving parts - what are the tolerances and what to take in account when design?

    and so on...

     

    If you have time take a look to this first post I published and let me know: 3D Printer tips series #1: LG-G4 Smartphone Interactive Cover

     

    Last, I think that a poll - hopefully promoted and followed by all - is a good way to focus the scenario. Depending on the 3D program used the final result may dramatically change. Why not adding a badge involving the users to participate ?

     

    Enrico

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