10 free 3D software for beginners with 3D printing

10 free 3D software for beginners with 3D printing

Recently, the environment surrounding Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) technology has undergone dramatic evolution due to various technological innovations, but there is a chronic shortage of human resources who can produce 3D data suitable for 3D printing.

Research on data production arcane techniques using AI etc. is also being promoted, but there are still many parts that humans should bear, in order to master complicated 3D software and acquire the skills to produce optimal and highly accurate data for AM. You need to spend more time learning 3D CAD (3DCG) software.
It's a very challenging world for beginners, but as a first step, I'd like to introduce you to some free software that will allow you to start 3D modeling right away.

1. Tinkercad

"Tinkercad" is a browser-based free online 3D modeling software developed by Autodesk, and its child-friendly Japanese interface is positioned as software for STEM designed for children who have no 3D experience. There is.
Tinkercad modeling allows you to easily CAD model your ideas by dragging and dropping simple primitives such as cubes and cylinders, and export 3D printing data (.obj, .stl).

2. Vectary

Vectary is the simplest browser-based online 3D modeling tool that works with a drag-and-drop interface, and you can use the free version by registering as a user from the website.
The interface requires some getting used to, but there are plenty of tutorial videos that explain each feature, so even beginners can easily learn it. Also, if you register for a paid plan of $ 9 per month, you can also export Facebook's 3D posting model "glTF" format data.

3. Sketchup

Since its release in 2000, SketchUp has been used by many professional and amateur users, especially in the fields of architecture and education, and is the easiest and most flexible 3D modeling and visualization software, with a free version. There are two versions in the lineup, the professional version. The free version, which operates on the Web, can be used by anyone for free by simply registering a user account from the official website, and the intuitive and friendly user interface is a perfect tool for beginners of 3D modeling.
In addition, the professional version has powerful functions that can be used by professional users, it is possible to design complex and large objects, and various plug-ins and various plug-ins are used to improve software productivity and functionality. Tools can be added.

4. MatterControl – 3D Printing Software

MatterControl is a free open source software that you can download from MatterHackers to customize your existing 3D model with intuitive controls and advanced editing capabilities to design, slice, organize and manage your model for 3D printing. It is a software package that enables.

5. Meshmixer

The free software "Meshmixer" provided by Autodesk is a software for beginners suitable for generating 3D print objects such as 3D object modification, editing, optimization functions, modeling with sculpting function, etc. Is also translated into Japanese.

6. Onshape

"Onshape" is a cloud-based product design platform suitable for designing mechanical parts, etc., and a free version is provided for non-commercial and educational purposes.
With CAD-like operability and a sophisticated user interface, it is compatible with smartphone devices such as tablets, Android and iOS, allowing users to update their designs wherever they are.

7. Fusion 360

Autodesk's "Fusion 360", which has many users in Japan, is an all-in-one 3D software equipped with functions such as 3DCAM, rendering, analysis, assembly, and 2D drawing in addition to powerful 3D CAD functions, from professionals to beginners. It is supported by a wide range of users.
It is available for personal use and free of charge for students throughout the year, and many Japanese commentary books have been published.
Fusion360 Operation Guide Basic 2019 Edition-Next Generation Cloud-Based 3D CAD
Fusion360 Operation Guide Basic 2019 Edition-Next Generation Cloud-Based 3D CAD
Daiaki Mitani
Price ¥ 2,750 (as of 2021/03/27 11:49)
Publication date 2018/11/01
Product ranking 335,407th
233 pages of book
ISBN-104877834516
ISBN-139784877834517
Publisher cut system
8. FreeCAD

The open source parametric 3D software "FreeCAD" is completely free and you can easily change the design by going back to the model history and changing the parameters.
FreeCAD is multi-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux) capable of advanced customization and extension, and imports many open file formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, DAE. -Can be exported. It will be the best software for users who want to get involved in the CAD field in the future.

9. Sculptris

"Sculptris" is a software for beginners of digital engraving provided by Pixologic, which releases digital sculpting 3D software "ZBrush". You can edit meshes with various brush tools, and map or paint textures of 3D models. Can be done.
Sculptris, the introductory version of ZBrush, is available for free from Pixologic's website, but it's different from the retail version and may not work on newer operating systems.

10. Blender

A long-time favorite of 3D users, Blender is an all-in-one 3D software that supports modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, motion tracking, and even video editing and game creation, completely free of charge. It is open sourced.
With a variety of features and modeling styles, Blender makes it easy for beginners who are new to 3D modeling to experience 3D modeling and is the best choice for learning integrated 3DCG software.

All software is available and available for free, so experiment with it to find the one that works best for you.