We have been trying out different 3D modeling programs for our 3D printing project. Below is a list of some of the most popular and user friendly software that we recommend for beginners.

 

   Sketchup

This 3D modeling program is targeted to architectural, interior design, civil and mechanical engineering, film and video game design applications. It includes drawing layout functionality, and allows surface rendering in variable “styles. It also supports third-party “plug-in” programs hosted on a site called Extension Warehouse to provide other capabilities (e.g., near photo-realistic rendering), and enables placement of its models within Google Earth.

 Although it is not a professional CAD program (the tools available may be less powerful than that of an actual CAD), Sketchup is extremely easy to use and intuitive user interface, allowing users to focus on building and creating models rather than having to learn a new program. One thing to be cautious about is that the files created by the free version may be prone to errors, as the stl file format (a universal file format used in 3D printing) is not natively supported by Sketchup, but has to be imported via a plugin.

 

3D Crafter

This is a real-time 3D modeling and animation tool that incorporates an intuitive drag-and-drop approach to 3D modeling. Complex models can be constructed from simple 3D primitives, or created using 3DCrafter’s Shape Building Tools. Modeling tools are provided to deform, sculpt, and paint 3D shapes.

3DCrafter has extensive tutorials available in the program, and the user interface is rather easy to use.  Online community support is also widely available as 3DCrafter is a popular program for people just getting into 3D modeling and for people looking to learn how to use CAD programs.

 

3D Tin

3DTin is a pioneer in browser based 3D Modeling which started in India on March 2010. That summer, 3DTin introduced the first 3D modeling solution that ran in browser. Over a course of 3 years it amassed a user base of more than 100,000 users. The users have built one of the largest repository of Creative Commons 3D models using 3DTin.

The simple user interface of 3DTin has made it very accessible to 3D modeling beginners. This has helped many young students and enthusiasts who want to create 3D models for 3D printing (3DTin is used in many schools for this purpose.)

 The software is very user/beginner friendly, and for precisely that reason, is suitable for educational purposes and for introducing new users to the world of 3D crafting (not necessarily for creating full scale, intricate models.)

There are six tutorials available for new users on YouTube that are narrated by a robotized voice, and provide in-depth information on the various functions of 3D tin.

 

Cubify Invent

Cubify Invent is an easy to learn, powerful 3D design software.  It’s optimized for 3D printing, especially with the CubeX printer, so prints come out better.  Invent has a lot of tools made for production of parts, designs, anything that comes to the mind of the professional or the hobbyist.

Although it may seem overwhelming when starting up Cubify Invent for the first time, Cubify provides many tutorial videos that aim to help people get started with the very powerful tools available in the program.  For its price, Invent is a great CAD software, and since the software is produced alongside the printer, it streamlines the process of printing.

There are fan made tutorials that are also really helpful in learning how to print, and with a little learning, the design process is relatively simple to pick up.  There are some technical terms that require some time spent with the tutorials, but otherwise, Invent is a powerful tool with lots of features to help design anything that comes to mind.

 

To learn more about these and more programs available please contact Research Technologies:

researchtech@stonybrook.edu

631-632-1156