Best 3d design software for makerbot
Most weeks, our famed MakerBot printouts are culled from a handy website called Thingiverse. It's here that members of the CNC community can submit pre-made models for anyone to print — and if some of our past videos are any indication, there are some very good ones available too.
But while it's easy to print someone else's creation, there's something to be said for designing one yourself. There's a sense of accomplishment that you just don't get by mashing "print" on a pre-made design. Today, we're going to use a free piece of software called Google SketchUp to make a simple 3D model, and show you how to turn your creation into a tangible piece of printed plastic art.
There are some caveats, of course — some objects and designs are simply impossible to print — but we'll make sure you come away with something awesome for your effort. After all, if best 3d design software for makerbot make something especially cool, we could print it on a future episode of the MakerBot Mystery Build! Earlier this week we introduced you to a couple of 3D modelling applications, many of them free.
However, this particular guide will focus on Google SketchUp. It's the easiest to acquire and learn, and is available for both Mac and PC. You're free to use competing and more complex suites, of course — such as Blender, Maya or even 3DS Max — but the process will most likely differ.
The simplest design to start with best 3d design software for makerbot a logo or symbol, with parts that can be extruded — or in other words, raised to create an object with three-dimensional depth.
Once you've settled on an idea or design, you have two options. Simpler designs can simply be imported best 3d design software for makerbot a raster image into SketchUp, where you can then trace over lines and shapes to create a digital copy. However, this can take a great deal of time, especially with SketchUp's limited drawing tools, and is entirely impractical for more complex designs. Thus, your second option is to create a vector image using either Adobe Illustrator or the freeware Inkscape, and import your design into SketchUp in a format the software can understand.
Luckily, both Best 3d design software for makerbot and Inkscape have built-in tools to convert raster images or bitmaps into vector images for us to work with. In fact, we've even covered the process before. However, you can also trace your own paths over the image manually for more refined or precise results for those of you new to the pen tool, read this. This is an image with simple shapes, and a relatively small number of curves, which should make it ideal for 3D printing.
As you can see in the above example, we've modified the image so that only the shapes or faces we want to best 3d design software for makerbot are visible. Simply accept all prompts and default settings, if any. DWGs — aren't included. But there is a workaround. By downloading the previous version of Google SketchUp, Version 7. Upon opening SketchUp for the first time, feel free to acquaint yourself with some of the tips and tutorial videos until you're comfortable with the software.
You don't need to learn much for the purpose of this article, but the basics are useful if you've never used a 3D modelling suite in the past. SketchUp will also ask you to select a template before continuing. For our purposes, " Product Design and Woodworking millimeters " is ideal. After importing your finished vector into SketchUp, we'll need to make a few tweaks.
For example, the conversion process has stripped our design of its faces, leaving a wireframe outline that is unfit for printing. We need to get those faces back. Luckily, the restoration process is simple. First, draw a rectangle that best 3d design software for makerbot your entire object, preferably centered. This will ensure the paths of our vector image are cleaned up and ready for extrusion.
If the option is greyed out, don't worry — your vector is already fine. By merging our outline with the rectangle we've just created, we've easily restored our design's missing faces.
Finally, we're going to extrude our 2D vector image into a 3D model ready for printing. This may be difficult to do for the default perspective, so feel free to change camera angles as required from the Camera menu. Finally, if you chose to retain a backing plate, feel free to extrude this by a small amount, relative to your raised faces.
This extra depth is necessary to give the MakerBot a base on which to print. By this point, we should now have a working 3D model with which to print. But we're not quite done yet. This format isn't natively supported by Google's app, however, so you'll need to install one additional plugin, found here. STL from the drop-down.
You should be left with an. This application will take your 3D model, and convert it into something called G-Codewhich is essentially a series of coordinates necessary for the printing to take place. It is here that your model is separated into so-called slices, to be printed one layer at a time.
You'll have the chance to see one final 3D rendering of your model before printing begins. This is important, as there's a best 3d design software for makerbot chance your model might not be scaled or positioned properly for printing. Feel free to adjust your object's placement as required. At this print, you can finally hit print, cross your fingers, and wait. You can even post your finished creation to Thingiverse for others to use, even if you don't have a MakerBot or CNC machine of your own.
Cutaway Millennium Falcon Model Miniature! Adam Savage's One Day Builds: Making a Working Ghostbusters Ghost Trap! Tested Presents The Rancor Project! Real-Life Professor Farnsworth from Futurama! This is how our image looks when imported into SketchUp — outlines only.
Whether you are new to 3D design or at the professional level, there are several 3D modeling software packages to meet your needs and level of expertise. Having the correct 3D design software is essential to help create the perfect 3D model. Here is a guide to help you find 3D modeling software that is the best fit for you. These programs are categorized by those looking to create models for artistic purposes, and those interested in the engineering aspect of creating a 3D model.
Let this guide help your decision, don't be afraid to try more best 3d design software for makerbot one. If you are just starting and want a solid option to spark your design interests we recommend TinkerCAD. TinkerCAD is the best 3D modeling option for beginners. It is as easy as creating a account https: You can design basic parts quickly.
There are limitations to the program but it is a great place to get started. Saving as an STL for 3D printing is fast and easy. Often it can be tough to achieve a design goal if you are using the incorrect 3D design software. Make sure you stay within your budget. For a beginner, most of the free 3D modeling software is the best for learning. Some design programs are easy to use and have great tutorials while others require some background in drafting or engineering which make it tougher but not impossible to pick up.
If you are looking to 3D print the parts you design make sure the files are robust when saved. Creating three-dimensional models using computer software can be referred to using many terms, but they all generally interchangeable: In conversation feel free to drop the "3D" and your friends will still understand.
If you best 3d design software for makerbot weighing these options you are already an advanced user, never the less it may be good to know that there are two distinct methods for 'defining' 3D geometry.
The parametric approach is typically used by engineers and architects because the file contains more specific dimensions, relationships, and can include a design history.
The explicit approach is typically used by artists and industrial designers because it can be more flexible. Explicit modeling allows changes to be made on best 3d design software for makerbot fly and small changes are not necessarily related to any other defined point of the geometry. If you are looking to create an artistic 3D model, here are a few of the best 3D modeling software programs that will get you headed in the right direction. This program is powerful, and can be quite difficult to learn.
This software is handy to have for fixing and making simple changes to STL files. This tool is used for creating high-resolution models for use in games, models, and animation. ZBrush is most known for being able to sculpt medium to high frequency details that were traditionally painted in bump maps. They are typically geared for the true 3D modeling professional. They include fast rendering engines that supports such advanced features as realistic reflection and refraction, radiosity, caustics, and render nodes.
These packages have been used in dozens of large budget blockbuster films such as Avatar, Iron Man, and the upcoming Star Wars: If you are more interested in the engineering aspect of best 3d design software for makerbot a 3D model, we would suggest looking into these awesome 3D modeling Programs.
It uses Boolean Modeling to make objects using shapes as building blocks. Combine or subtract the basic shapes best 3d design software for makerbot create more complex designs.
File best 3d design software for makerbot can be hit or miss when it comes to 3D Printing. If you are an experienced designer or just can't have anything less than the best of the best when it comes to the newest gadgets, these Professional programs are the answer. With that said, they are top of the line 3D design tools. If you do not have an Engineering background and are headed down this path, it may be worth investing in the Solidworks Bible.
Since this article was published in Februarywe've received lots of feedback about other programs that weren't included. This section includes some of our commentors' favorites and others that have come to our attention. From the creator of Rhino. Takes a few easy minutes to get started and the process gets more in-depth as the user becomes accustomed to the controls.
Its features are on par with most of the industry leaders. Created by the ' original SolidWorks team plus elite engineers from the data center, cloud computing, security, and mobile industries. It has been suggested that it could be useful for creating a base on which to place other models. Bryce 7 Pro Image Credit: Includes best 3d design software for makerbot artistic sculpting tools as well. If you like formulas, functions, and flowcharts you'll want to check this one out.
Good functionality, clean interface. Worth looking into if you need a simple model quickly. No yearly license fees, just buy it and use Lots of functionality, intuitive interface. Store 3D Printers Assembly Required. This simple guide will solve your problem and get you moving in the right direction. Add a Comment View Comments. Try this Free 3D Modeling Software: Breakdown by Category The programs are listed from simplest to most complex.
Artistic If you are looking to create an artistic 3D model, here are a few of the best 3D modeling software programs that will get you headed in the right direction. Engineering If you are more interested in the engineering aspect of creating a 3D model, we would suggest looking into these awesome 3D modeling Programs.
Edits Since this article was published in Februarywe've received lots of feedback about other programs that weren't included.