Posted: 7/6/2017 2:30:15 PM EDT
| I was looking at getting a 3D printer for several reasons... I think I know what I am going to get. My question is what software to get? So many to choose from. What is a good program to get that I can do 3d modeling with? The free ones seem kind of to basic, but I do not want to spend $2000 for a program... |
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You can find alternatives under $2000, especially if you can qualify for a student version or student discount, but you're still going to have to fork out hundreds unless you can make do with the free stuff.
AutoCAD can be had for free if you're a qualifying student, so if you're not already, go enroll in a design class at the local community college or maybe an online cheap or free learning program, get your student license, and use it to learn and experiment. |
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You can find alternatives under $2000, especially if you can qualify for a student version or student discount, but you're still going to have to fork out hundreds unless you can make do with the free stuff. AutoCAD can be had for free if you're a qualifying student, so if you're not already, go enroll in a design class at the local community college or maybe an online cheap or free learning program, get your student license, and use it to learn and experiment. |
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It's been a while since I installed it, but I do get the reminder every year to make sure I'm a hobbyists still.
I think you just need to download the 30day trial, and make sure you answer the question, that ask about what you are using it for, when you register. The answer will be something about hobbyists and making under 100,000K per year. Edit: https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Have way down the page on the left side: Free for students, enthusiasts, hobbyists, and startups Full use of Fusion 360 for as long as you need it Start by downloading the 30-day trial Once you’re in, simply register for free use |
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I made a very boring YouTube video that may help you start with it. Link
I recommend NY CNC Channel for other videos. https://www.youtube.com/user/saunixcomp Let me know if you need any help with it. |
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I made a very boring YouTube video that may help you start with it. Link I recommend NY CNC Channel for other videos. https://www.youtube.com/user/saunixcomp Let me know if you need any help with it. I bought a Deckle GK 21 pantograph recently and I want to try to use a 3D printer to make some patterns. I need to get the pantograph running first. |
Very cool. I want to get into some milling someday. I think my next home will need to have a workshop. What 3d printer are you thinking of getting? I went with the Original Prusa i3 MK2 and love it. I use it about everyday. having a 3D printer makes me think about repairs and other solutions in a different way. I ask myself, can I just 3D print that part. But it mostly prints toys for my kids  .
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As much as I hate Autodesk for other reasons, Fusion 360 is hard to beat for free. Also Mesh mixer (now owned by autodesk) is a great program if your just messing around with stuff for kids. Zbrush (not free) has a great selection of tools for 3D printing work flows, and their free 3D sculpting tool Sculptris is easy to learn. 3d Coat is another sculpting program that is voxel based with surface tools that is reasonably priced, if you don't need the precision of fusion, Autocad, or solidworks. |
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Very cool. I want to get into some milling someday. I think my next home will need to have a workshop. What 3d printer are you thinking of getting? I went with the Original Prusa i3 MK2 and love it. I use it about everyday. having a 3D printer makes me think about repairs and other solutions in a different way. I ask myself, can I just 3D print that part. But it mostly prints toys for my kids . So you like it?
I am a knife maker and want to use the software to design new knives and see how things fit together and print out the designs. The 3D printer will help with patterns and my kids can design and make stuff... |
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I pretty much settled on the Prusa Mk2... So you like it?
I am a knife maker and want to use the software to design new knives and see how things fit together and print out the designs. The 3D printer will help with patterns and my kids can design and make stuff... The reason I went with the Mk2 is cause all the cheap printers I looked at, I would upgrade the stuff to what the MK2 came with. Like the E3D nozzle and hot end. Over all it's a well built printer that is easy to work on. I got the kit, but I somewhat wish I got the pre-built. It took me about 10 hours to get it built. That 10 hours is worth the extra $200 in my option. |