A Guide to 3D Printing Modelling Softwares
To achieve your 3D printing goals, you need to first generate your model on 3D modelling software. While there are so many options available that might make you confused, we have highlighted out a few recommendations with comparison of price, ease of use, and functionality to help you decide where to start from.
1. Sketchup Make
Sketchup Make (formerly known as SketchUp) is free and offers simple tools for a wide spectrum of users: makers, architects, designers, engineers and builders. This program allows you to sketch up your ideas easily into a 3D model. Before starting your creation, you can select a template that will guide you throughout the modeling process. It is a very versatile 3D software, that maintains a good balance between usability and functionality. (3dnatives.com)
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Price: Free (Sketchup Pro version at USD$299/year)
Intended for: Beginners, Amateurs
Ease of use: 4/5
Functionality: 4/5
Check out more HERE for free download！
2. TinkerCAD
This is a free online 3D design app for beginners. The software features an intuitive block-building concept, allowing you to develop models from a set of basic shapes. TinkerCAD is full of tutorials and guides to aid any aspiring novices get the designs they’re looking for. It even allows you to share and export files with ease.
With a library of literally millions of files, users can find shapes that suit them best and manipulate them as they wish. Even though it can be a bit too simple, it serves as a great way to begin and learn 3D modeling. (3dprinting.com)
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Price: Free
Intended for: Beginners
Ease of use: 5/5
Functionality: 3/5
Check out more HERE！
3.Vectary
Vectary is an online 3D modeling tool with which you can create, share and customize 3D designs. Vectary is a combination of standard mesh modeling, subdivision modeling and parametric plugins. It was built from scratch to make 3D modeling easy-to-use for beginners. Models are saved in the cloud, where they are accessible through any browser, users can access their creations very easily and share their models from anywhere in the world. (3dnatives.com)
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Price: Free
Intended for: Beginners
Ease of use: 4/5
Functionality: 4/5
Check out more HERE！
4.Rhino3D
The company behind this software markets it as the world’s most versatile 3D-modeler. The software is available for download in a variety of bundles on their website at various prices. The program allows you to manipulate points, curves, meshes, surfaces, solids, and more in all sorts of ways which gives you a versatile range of design features.
Beginners might find the software very difficult to learn. This is a natural trade-off between capabilities and user friendly many designers have to make when creating a detailed software. While it might not be the most user-friendly software, it is one of the best 3D modelling software in the market.
In addition, RhinoGold and RhinoJewel were Rhino's jewelry specific software, but both have been discontinued. (3dprinting.com)
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Price: US$995
Intended for: Amateurs, Professionals
Ease of use: 3/5
Functionality: 5/5
Check out more HERE！
5. Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D CAD program that utilizes the power of the cloud to bring design teams together and collaborate on complex projects. Another advantage of the cloud platform is that Fusion stores the entire history of the model including the changes to it. Numerous design options are available, including freeform, solid, and mesh modeling. (3dprinting.com)
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Price: Free for students and startups, USD$595/year for commercial license
Intended for: Amateurs, Professionals
Ease of use: 3/5
Functionality: 5/5
Check out more HERE！
6. ZBRUSH
Zbrush is the premium digital sculpting tool which allows you to model, paint and texture. Often used for character design, it is also a good tool for jewellery modelling due to its high resolution. Zbrush allows you to sculpt anything and add intricate details, such as gemstones. It is good for texture and surfaces, however using Zbrush requires some 3D modelling experience.
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Price: USD$179.95 for six months
Intended for: Professionals
Ease of use: 3/5
Functionality: 5/5
Check out more HERE!
7. MatrixGold
MatrixGold combines top Matrix and RhinoGold features with elements of the user-friendly CounterSketch interface. MatrixGold will simplify your work, resulting in greater productivity and easier customer participation.
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Price: USD$7900
Intended for: Professionals
Ease of use: 3/5
Functionality: 5/5
Check out more HERE!