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Which 3D software is best for starting out with 3D printing?
Hello,

I am just starting with 3D printing and have tried out Adobe Photoshop 3D features, google sketchup, 123D Design and 3DS max 2015. I found 123D Design the easiest to use but am not sure if it is the best option when it comes to building printable 3D models.

Which program do you guys use?

Thank you!
-Alex
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midgett.tech - Tinkercad is fairly good for a free online program
8 years, 9 months ago
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yellowjester - Depends on what type of models you're interested in. If you want to do organic shapes, like characters, you'll probably want to use a mesh modeler that's designed for animation. I use Lightwave for this, but Blender is a good (and free) alternative.

For engineering (lots of geometric shapes, less organic curves), I prefer using Solidworks.

It also depends on how serious you are about 3D modeling. Lightwave, Blender, and Solidworks all have pretty steep learning curves, so will take a lot of commitment. Sketchup and 123D are a much simpler programs, but will be much more limited, and getting used to them might make it more difficult to make a jump to more robust software.
8 years, 9 months ago
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the_robo_forge - I use 123d (free version), good easy start. Most of what I made is only medium on detail scale.
8 years, 9 months ago
0
n23d - I use rhino3d. It can do accurate mechanical models and has some nice free form capabilities. it's mesh operators are not very good. It's not too expensive for a student license and you can do a free test run for 90days or so. A friend likes z brush for a mesh modeler. Looks great and very capable for sculpture type work.
8 years, 9 months ago
0
fabbdea - try Fusion 360 this is for free and got futures similar to SolidWorks for solids and also Futures for mesh like Blender
8 years, 9 months ago
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jms3dprinting - I use Sketchup because it is easy to remember how to use. I also have used Fusion 360 but it takes some effort to learn. All 3D software can be challenging if you are not used to using it or stop using it and come back to it. Free form designs can be challenging compared to square and round boxes. You should also keep 3D printing in mind when designing and avoid small thin sections that can be a challenge to print. Don't assume because you have seen it as a molded part at a dollar store that it can be printed. Orientation of the print will affect strength. That is why I offer to review designs or help create them because fixing model mistakes can be time consuming. Having model faces not oriented correctly or having gaps in the model light up red in my printer software and will lead to a failed print. I have also seen folks save the model to STL and get the scale wrong. I even have that problem myself occasionally so I always check the STL file in Netfabb or my printer software to make sure it is coming out to the intended size. Inch to metric magnitude size errors are common.
8 years, 9 months ago
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ergonomic3d - I wanted to thank everyone who took the time to reply to my inquiry. I definitely have a lot more research to do to determine the best option for my needs. The suggestions I've received are very informative and are sure to help me with this process. Thank you all and have a wonderful weekend!
8 years, 9 months ago
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4 years, 1 month ago
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jeremymheight - Most beginning 3D printing fans choose one of three ways, depending on their opportunities. The first way is to build your own 3D models for 3D printing in CAD/ 3D modeling software. This requires knowledge of these programs, or time to learn it. Many people start in Blender https://www.blender.org/ , others in 3ds max or simple CAD software (FreeCAD https://www.freecadweb.org/ , Fusion 360).
The second way is 3D scanning simple objects with XBOX Kinect and dedicated software (Scanect, Artec studio https://www.artec3d.com/3d-software/artec-studio ).
The third way is the easiest - finding 3D models on the Internet and 3D printing them (Thingiverse https://www.thingiverse.com/ website for example)
3 years ago
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