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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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  • I use Autodesk 123D Design - which is free. It has a very simple UI relative to most CAD packages, which means you don't have a large number of complex functions available with dedicated menu selection sequences. But it also means there is a lot less to learn and remember. You can still make complex designs - it just requires a little thought. I think it is great for users that don't do a lot of designs because the learning curve is shorter and it can be picked up after a layoff with minimal relearning effort. I wouldn't say it is totally intuitive for those of us who learned drafting with pencils and 3 orthogonal views, so you will need to watch a few Youtube videos. I have used a lot of different CAD packages and they almost always require an extensive commitment to learning in order to become productive. I find 123D Design to actually be fun to use.

    Simple interface doesn't mean totally simple functionality - here are examples of its power:

    LED Road Test - Dodecahedron Light Fixture  Blog 3 Nov12

    3D Printed Phaser

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  • I use Autodesk 123D Design - which is free. It has a very simple UI relative to most CAD packages, which means you don't have a large number of complex functions available with dedicated menu selection sequences. But it also means there is a lot less to learn and remember. You can still make complex designs - it just requires a little thought. I think it is great for users that don't do a lot of designs because the learning curve is shorter and it can be picked up after a layoff with minimal relearning effort. I wouldn't say it is totally intuitive for those of us who learned drafting with pencils and 3 orthogonal views, so you will need to watch a few Youtube videos. I have used a lot of different CAD packages and they almost always require an extensive commitment to learning in order to become productive. I find 123D Design to actually be fun to use.

    Simple interface doesn't mean totally simple functionality - here are examples of its power:

    LED Road Test - Dodecahedron Light Fixture  Blog 3 Nov12

    3D Printed Phaser

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