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I recently got into 3D printing and found I often need to modify models to get better prints. This has lead me into learning some modeling basics. Started with
by geuis 6y ago
I recently got into 3D printing and found I often need to modify models to get better prints. This has lead me into learning some modeling basics.
Started with fusion 360 (because it’s free), but even as a new user the entire interface is clunky and hard to use.
I then switched over to Blender 2.8. To be honest, it’s not a simple set of tools for a beginner. However there are tons of great articles and videos about how to do things. After a few weeks of working through simple tasks and then on to more complex things, I’ve grown to love Blender.
Once you learn some concepts and get a handle on workflows, I can honestly say Blender is a much better tool than fusion 360. Not only is it more powerful and faster, the folks working on Blender have clearly put a lot of thought into usability. If you’re frustrated with Blender as a new user, just keep at it and you’ll pick it up quickly.
To add another point, my experiences are specifically oriented towards modeling and modifications for 3D printing. You’ll still probably want to use tools like fusion if you’re doing other tasks like mechanical design.
- boromi 6y agoI'm extremely surprised you found Fusion 360 hard to use. It's one one simplest CAD software I have used. I've used in the past Pro/E and Solidworks, and Fusion 360 is bar far the easiest.
- knolan 6y agoI’ve used lots of CAD packages over the years and while F360 is pretty easy it’s also a pain with lots of tedious behaviour like having to upload an STL to import it.
- justinclift 6y agoDoes Blender still export complex geometry with holes in it (eg STL files), that need manual fixing before they'll print?
- throwaway936482 6y agoOf you've modelled it so it has holes in it then yes... This is definitely one of those where it's on the artist to make sure the mesh is manifold, watertight and orientable because you want to turn it into a physical object. There is a nice voxelise feature and some 3d print tools that will make things easier and fix minor errors but they won't help you if you try to export something that is badly modelled.
- knolan 6y agoAs mentioned, enable the 3D printing add-on (it’s built in) it’ll check your mesh and highlight trouble areas. https://youtu.be/-y5r2mTlUWA https://youtu.be/-y5r2mTlUWA
- justinclift 6y agoCool, that looks like a reasonable workaround. :)