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Is there something specialized for 3D/CAD design for creating models for 3D printing? Thanks

by kbody 9y ago

executesorder66 9y ago
I'm not sure about specialized software, but you can just make your model in blender, and export it as a .stl file.
Nullabillity 9y ago
I like OpenSCAD for printing, since it encourages you to use precise measurements, and makes it fairly simple to create reusable components. That said, I've mostly used it for "I need to create something that will fit these inside of it", I could imagine your priorities are different if the print is the "driving" component of whatever you're making.
- kbody 9y ago
  Thanks, I tried Blender but had to do research to learn to use it properly or "get it". On the other hand I used OpenSCAD and being used to code it really fit my mindset, thank you! In a few hours I had what I had in mind in a STL model :) Thanks
twanvl 9y ago
I don't know about blender; but many people use autodesk fusion 360 to do CAD/CAM for 3D printing. It is free for personal use, and easy to learn.
- SAI_Peregrinus 9y ago
  It also has the benefit of being able to output G-Code directly, so if you get a desktop CNC or the like it can also control those. Having a fully integrated workflow between CAD and CAM is a big benefit IMO.
philote 9y ago
Sketchup works pretty well in my experience.
Ikagara 9y ago
What software you use to create something to 3d print will depend on what it is you want to make. There are two types of 3d modeling software, solid modeling and surface modeling. Solid modeling or CAD is used in engineering, when you need accuracy in measurements. Surface modeling is used in video games, for artistic models. In the world of surface modeling blender from what I found is the best FOSS option. I have not been able to find a good equivalent for CAD... You either have to shell out thousands of dollars or you can find some open source solutions but lack the features. If you have the money, I recommend Solid Works for cad. If anyone knows of some good affordable or FOSS CAD software I'm still looking for my own projects.

Is there something specialized for 3D/CAD design for creating models for 3D printing? Thanks

by kbody 9y ago

Is there something specialized for 3D/CAD design for creating models for 3D printing? Thanks

executesorder66 9y ago

I'm not sure about specialized software, but you can just make your model in blender, and export it as a .stl file.

Nullabillity 9y ago

I like OpenSCAD for printing, since it encourages you to use precise measurements, and makes it fairly simple to create reusable components. That said, I've mostly used it for "I need to create something that will fit these inside of it", I could imagine your priorities are different if the print is the "driving" component of whatever you're making.

kbody 9y ago
Thanks, I tried Blender but had to do research to learn to use it properly or "get it". On the other hand I used OpenSCAD and being used to code it really fit my mindset, thank you! In a few hours I had what I had in mind in a STL model :) Thanks

twanvl 9y ago

I don't know about blender; but many people use autodesk fusion 360 to do CAD/CAM for 3D printing. It is free for personal use, and easy to learn.

SAI_Peregrinus 9y ago
It also has the benefit of being able to output G-Code directly, so if you get a desktop CNC or the like it can also control those. Having a fully integrated workflow between CAD and CAM is a big benefit IMO.

philote 9y ago

Sketchup works pretty well in my experience.

Ikagara 9y ago

What software you use to create something to 3d print will depend on what it is you want to make. There are two types of 3d modeling software, solid modeling and surface modeling. Solid modeling or CAD is used in engineering, when you need accuracy in measurements. Surface modeling is used in video games, for artistic models. In the world of surface modeling blender from what I found is the best FOSS option. I have not been able to find a good equivalent for CAD... You either have to shell out thousands of dollars or you can find some open source solutions but lack the features. If you have the money, I recommend Solid Works for cad. If anyone knows of some good affordable or FOSS CAD software I'm still looking for my own projects.