Best 3D modeling software? (perf. for Mac)

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epicpwn
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Best 3D modeling software? (perf. for Mac)

Post by epicpwn » Thu Oct 27, 2016 10:46 am

I'm looking into creating and modifying STL files. Mostly to make custom parts and eventually making fully functional devices.

Since I won't be able to afford solidworks or any professional software.

What are my free options?

What are my cheap paid options?

Your input is greatly appreciated! TIA

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solder
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Re: Best 3D modeling software? (perf. for Mac)

Post by solder » Fri Oct 28, 2016 12:41 am

Hmm tough one.

I'm using Rhino but it's not free.

You could give blender a wirl, it's open source but maybe too advanced/complicated for ur use.

Sketchup could be an option or 123D Design from Autocad is a lightweight freeware app with very basic features.

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Re: Best 3D modeling software? (perf. for Mac)

Post by johweb » Fri Oct 28, 2016 12:55 am

To create simples stl parts, I'm using the online editor https://www.tinkercad.com/
To edit existing stl, I've already used sketchup with the stl plugin.

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Re: Best 3D modeling software? (perf. for Mac)

Post by epicpwn » Fri Oct 28, 2016 1:03 am

solder wrote:Hmm tough one.

I'm using Rhino but it's not free.

You could give blender a wirl, it's open source but maybe too advanced/complicated for ur use.

Sketchup could be an option or 123D Design from Autocad is a lightweight freeware app with very basic features.

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll start off with the free/open source options and go from there. Hopefully these will integrate nicely with 3D printers.

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epicpwn
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Re: Best 3D modeling software? (perf. for Mac)

Post by epicpwn » Fri Oct 28, 2016 1:05 am

johweb wrote:To create simples stl parts, I'm using the online editor https://www.tinkercad.com/
To edit existing stl, I've already used sketchup with the stl plugin.
Thanks! Just played a little bit with Tinkercad. The tutorials are great and UI is intuitive. Does Sketchup do a better job at editing STL's?

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Re: Best 3D modeling software? (perf. for Mac)

Post by Justblair » Fri Oct 28, 2016 1:56 am

Of the ones mentioned so far 123Design would be my choice. Sketchup is pretty good, but not as good as producing watertight stl in my experience.

I also use openscad a lot. It is not for everyone as you describe your model in a C-esque language.

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Re: Best 3D modeling software? (perf. for Mac)

Post by lionn » Wed Nov 29, 2017 7:53 pm

I use SelfCAD, though it's browser-based. It's easier to learn and use but still powerful. With SelfCAD you can sculpt, slice and print 3D models all in one program, hence you don't need to launch multiple programs in order to work on your models.
In addition, this software has a built in slicer, so you can prepare your model for 3D printing without needing any additional software which can be hard to handle if you are in a classroom or workshop.
SelfCAD is free of for the educators and students but for the general users, they have a trial period of one month and thereafter pay $4.99/m.

Check more details here: https://www.selfcad.com/
https://goo.gl/oyohwn

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Re: Best 3D modeling software? (perf. for Mac)

Post by RetroRocket » Wed Nov 29, 2017 8:28 pm

Google SketchUp is workable and last time I used it, was free. I'm not sure if it's still available, but Rhino's Mac version has been free for awhile while still in its experimental stages. Not sure if that has expired. Autodesk (great company, have met with them on a number of occasions) has Fusion 360 with a watermark-free, indefinite trial version, but the full version is relatively cheap and pretty potent. Of these I would rank Rhino at the top, n Fusion 360, then TinkerCAD and Sketchup if you have to..

Of course I prefer Solidworks for my professional industrial design use, but it's overkill for hobbyists and makers.

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Re: Best 3D modeling software? (perf. for Mac)

Post by goodBEan » Sun Dec 03, 2017 6:46 pm

I have been using a combo of tinkercad and blender. I am still looking for more options.

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Re: Best 3D modeling software? (perf. for Mac)

Post by chaosratt » Mon Dec 04, 2017 1:47 pm

Fusion 360 is free for students and hobbyists.

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