Want to get into CAD modelling?
We now live in a world were we no longer have to pay thousands of pounds every year to run expensive 3D CAD software, luckily we now have a stack of open source CAD software that anyone can use for FREE! This open source software is causing a huge movement of
bedroom makers - people who are 3D hobbyists, making 3D models on their computers at home in their bedrooms. We like to look at it as virtual Meccano or Lego. The movement is appealing to young and old, engineers and artists, both professionally and recreationally across the world and is referred to as the 'Maker Movement' or the 'Maker Subculture', where Mass Customisation takes place over mass production, a movement that puts the creativity of the product in the hands of the customer. This is often referred to as 'Factory 2.0'.
CAD programs used for 3D printing
There are two main types of CAD programs associated with 3D printing, namely 3D modelling programs, and 3D preparations programs. 3D modelling programs are software packages where the user 'draws' the model in three dimensions. These models are then saved as .stl files or .VRML flies (colour) for 3D printing. Often there will be little errors in these files such as 'inverted normals' or gaps in the model which prevent the files from being printable. 3D preparation programs fix these problems so that the files can be printed successfully.
There are many basic 3D modelling and 3D preparation programs on the internet for the maker movement to take full advantage of completely free of charge. Here are a list of our favourites, and recommendations of which one would suit you the best:
Free 3D modelling software
Google SketchUp - Everyone knows Google, Google have a fantastic free to download 3D CAD program called Sketchup. Sketchup is ideal for beginners due to its very simple style of modelling and great tutorials and help from a global community.
SketchUp has a massive online parts library with literally millions of models that have been uploaded by users around the globe, all ready for free download.
SketchUp requires a plug in to export the files in .stl format for 3D print called 'su2stl' which is available here. Alternatively we are able to do this for you if required.
Autodesk 123D - Autodesk is one of the worlds biggest CAD software companies, with products ranging from AutoCAD to VRAY, they have got it all covered. Autodesk have released their free 3D CAD software called 123D, a simple to use 3D modelling platform with a large parts library where the user can download a range of exciting pre drawn models.
Autodesk 123D is slightly more challenging than SketchUp, but has a higher level of detail and solid online community.
123D also boasts an ipad/iphone app.
Blender - Blender is for the more advanced CAD user., With a detailed interface, high resolution, rendering and animation capabilities, it is probably not for the first timer.
That aside, Blender is possibly the best open source CAD program available, mainly aimed at the computer gaming and animation side of thins, Blender is at a 100% professional standard.
The only thing Blender lacks is traditional drafting and dimensioning, so sizing of an object is performed in the stl preparation.
Free 3D Preparation Software
Netfabb - Netfabb Basic is a free to use .stl file correction program. It is relatively simple and not a just a trial of the professional version.
The user is able to correct those inverted normals, fill the in the gaps in a body mesh, scale, modify and align bodies and parts ready for print.
We offer our own .stl file correction service if required.
