If you can draw and model your own images, the pleasure of 3D printing will increase exponentially.
Today, 3D printing is no longer a strange term, and many people have even owned the first 3D printer in their lives. With the equipment, we can print various models that we love, but if we do not find the right one, we can choose another way: model it yourself.
Currently, current 3D design modeling methods on the market are mainly divided into two following categories:Configured modelingAndFree modeling。
Parametered modeling: This method is based on parameters, and generates and modifies models by defining geometric parameters and constraint relationships. It is characterized by high precision and regular geometric forms and is very suitable for engineering design, product development and architectural design fields, which generally require a size, proportion and function of the model.
Free modeling: This method is more flexible, creating models of any complex or organic form thanks to a manual adjustment and engraving. It is known for its artistic and its expressiveness, and is often used in fields such as artistic creation, cinematographic and television animation and the design of games which require the expression of creativity and details.
Among them, the common parametric modeling software includes: 3DS Max, Solidworks, UG, Creo, Catia, etc., while free modeling software includes: Zbrush, Maya, Rhino, etc. It should be noted that most software above is billed, and some software has high license costs, which can be a considerable expenditure for individual users or beginners.
Today we recommend 5 free 3D design software for you.
1 、 Tinkercad
Tinkercad is an online 3D modeling tool launched by Autodesk, designed for beginners and educational users, with easy operation and a friendly interface. The software is used according to a browser and is accessible directly via the network without installing it. As a “foolish style” 3D style modeling software, Tinkercad can quickly create 3D models by dragging and simply removing basic geometry (such as cubes, cylinders, etc.).
Its integrated teaching lessons and operating guides are particularly friendly for beginners. At the same time, the software supports transparent connection with 3D printing, and can export conceptions to current formats (such as .STL) for additional printing or publishing, and can even be exported to 3D printing model platforms such as Thingiverse in one click.
2 、 Blender
Blender is free and free 3D creation software. It provides a variety of modeling tools, including polygons modeling, surface modeling and engraving tools. The blender engraving function is particularly practical and can be used to adjust and optimize finely models. In addition, Blender also supports high quality model rendering to help users visualize the printing effects.
In addition, Blender supports the export of common 3D printing file formats (such as .stl and .obj) via plug-ins, and provides functions to detect and repair potential printing problems such as non -manifold geometry and normal surface errors. These tools are crucial to ensuring the feasibility and quality of 3D printed models. Although the Blender interface is relatively complex, the development team provides beginners with rich introductory tutorials and operating guides to help them quickly control the basic skills.
3 、 Freecad
Unlike Blender, Freecad is 3D open source 3D modeling software launched in 2002 and has become a replacement for expensive software such as Autocad. It is specially developed for the fields of technical design and mechanical manufacturing, and is also suitable for construction, product design and other scenarios. As a multiplatform software, Freecad supports Windows, MacOS and Linux systems, and also supports Chinese languages. Its main characteristic is parametric modeling, allowing users to easily modify the design by adjusting the parameters.
Freecad has rich modules and integrated tools, in particular sketch, partner modeling, assembly design and analysis of finite elements, and supports the import and export of 3D file formats. (such as .step, .stl and .obj) and 3D printing reaches a transparent connection. Currently, Freecad has officially published version 1.0, inaugurating a historic step, solving two longtime technical problems: topological denomination problems and the lack of indigenous assembly modules.
4, sculptris
Sculptris is free digital engraving software launched by Pixology, focusing on user supply to an intuitive and simple 3D modeling experience. As an entry -level version of ZBRUSH, Sculptris inherits the powerful Pixology engraving technology, adapted to beginners and 3D art lovers to quickly create models of complex or organic forms. Its interface is simple and the functioning of the tool is intuitive.
It supports the import and export of common 3D file formats (such as .obj), which is practical for collaboration with other 3D software, or directly used for the design and production of models of ‘3D printing. Although the features are relatively basic, Sculptris is an ideal starting tool for beginners who wish to try digital engraving. Users can use it to easily design their own creative works, such as animated dolls or character models, then make them thanks to 3D printing.
5 、 Meshmixer
Meshmixer is a free 3D modeling and editing tool developed by Autodesk, focusing on the treatment and optimization of existing 3D models, in particular STL files. It supports a variety of 3D file formats (such as STL, OBJ, PLY and AMF), and users can modify, repair and optimize after importing the model, such as the establishment of support, repair of holes or adjustment of proportions. As a powerful tool, Meshmixer excels in the repair and editing of the 3D model.
Although Meshmixer is no longer updated (the latest version in 2021 is 3.5), it is always available for free to download and use. Its user -friendly interface and its various publishing tools make it ideal for beginners and experienced designers. In particular, it supports the Creuse Confumetée design, which is generally only available for paid software. Compared to other 3D design software, Meshmixer is more like a tool designed for 3D printing, and it is worth trying.
If you simply want to implement simple set modeling, Tinkercad is a good choice; Sculptris is the entry -level tool for choice for users who want to manually engrave the models. Of course, if you need more complex and complete features, Blender can be a better choice.
Finally, if your goal is to correct or modify the model, in particular for STL printed 3D file formats, we strongly recommend that you use meshmixer, and nothing is more appropriate.
