Looking at getting into 3d modelling...suggestions?

[bookface]

Now that the cost of 3d printers is coming down, and the quality is going up, I'm thinking about learning some modelling skills. Can anyone recommend some (preferably free) software to start practicing with? This is a long term project, I don't expect to be even looking at buying a printer for another year, and that is depending on how the modelling goes!

Any other tips would be appreciated!

 

[Pobbrett]

blender is a good place to start its free and tonnes of tutorials on youtube etc as is google sketch-up

 

[BlobVanDam]

blender is a good place to start its free and tonnes of tutorials on youtube etc as is google sketch-up

These are the two main free ones you'll see mentioned.
I haven't used either of them, although from the models I've imported from them, SketchUp doesn't seem to create great geometry for 3D printing, so I would lean towards Blender based on that.
But as I said, I haven't actually used either of them (I use 3DS Max, which is expensive), so take that for what it's worth. :lol

 

[xl97]

my .02 cents..

seek out an application that is best suited for your 'end result' modeling goals.

meaning.. what type of 3D modeling are you wanting to do?

Character? Modeling for games/animation/web? Mechanical?..etc..etc..

Once you have that more or less thought out.. you can seek an app that ensures better results for your goal.

If it is for 3D printing..etc.. make sure it can export a file/format that is compatible with the printer/service you plan on using.

if for CNC/machining..etc.... make sure if outputs a file/format that your intended CAM oftware/machinist supports/uses..

 

[msleeper]

Most modeling software have add-ons that will allow them to export and import into a huge array of file types.

I use Blender mostly out of habit. There are a ton of resources available (I highly recommend the tutorials at 3dbuzz.com) but the interface isn't very intuitive if you have never used a 3D modeling application before. If that's the case then you should look into Sketchup.

Also depending on what you'll be doing, you might want to try using a dedicated CAD software rather than 3D modeling.

 

[DrewSmith007]

This software looks promising. I come from a mechanical background with a decent amount of solidworks experience and this looks comparable:

FreeCAD | Free Graphics software downloads at SourceForge.net

 

[nomuse]

There's a new web-based ap out there that will convert models from various formats to printer-friendly STL, as well as check for water-tight and other printing rules.

Willit 3D Print?


I've been using Carrara myself but I would not recommend it. Blender or Silo get top points, with Hexagon a very distant third, for mesh-oriented dedicated modeling aps at the low end of the price range.

 

[JR Tyner]

I use the free AutoCAD software: Autodesk 123D - Free 3D Modeling Software

 

[bookface]

Thanks guys. My intention is to use it with a 3d printer to produce small pieces, but they'll be mechanical style stuff I would think. Potentially helmets/masks as well. I'll give Blender a go, as well as Sketchup, and see which one I prefer.

Mainly I'm just dipping a toe into the 3d world to see if it's something I think I'll be able to get the hang of, or if I'm better off sticking to sculpting.

 

[moonjam]

MoI is a great and (relatively) cheap 3D app - MoI, 3D modeling for designers and artists

There's a 30 day trial and plenty of tutorials to get you started. Even if you don't get on with it it will teach you a lot of the principles of solid/parametric modelling.

Another great feature is that it's built on the foundation of Rhino, which is a much more comprehensive package, but it's substantially cheaper and can open/save Rhino 3dm files.

Good luck!

 

[Midnight Cowboy]

3ds Max is the way to go.

 

[TylerHam]

I use Maya, mudbox and some zbrush. Been doing it for 12 years!
Any of the above will be fine for you. Rhino 3d is also good and inexpensive. I would suggest, if you can, take a class with an experienced instructor. You CAN tech yourself, but I find you learn 3d faster with a teacher, who can help you when you accidentally hit a hot key or something and your scene suddenly goes crazy (it'll happen). You have a lot of people here to ask questions also!

 

[Laser Brain]

Rhino or Solidworks are industry standard over here for props/costume FX. You can snide Rhino quite easily ;-)

 

[JBradley]

I use the free AutoCAD software: Autodesk 123D - Free 3D Modeling Software

I use this too. Generally I love it, but the lack of keyboard commands can be tiresome.

It's important to note the difference between programs like 123D and sketch up so far as generating solids is concerned. I've found that when I alternate between the two I have to think about how to make what I am making in a very different way.

 

[Runner]

Is Lightwave still around and kicking? In its day that used to be one of the most fluid and intuitive packages you could get.

 

[NerdMeat]

Whatever you learn first and most extensively will be what you will preach to other folks to use I have been doing 3d modeling since 3dstudio ran on DOS, and then went to learn Max, Maya, Lightwave... so I preach Max but it's out of most folks' price ranges. Any of them will do. Blender is free and it works (and its boolean features are much less buggy than Max's) which will help you in your building stuff for 3d printing. I still use Blender when Max's boolean craps on me.