3D Design
3D Printing Software for Beginners and Professionals
For the 3D software beginner, it is advised to skip complicated functions and just concentrate on the essentials: Modeling the 3D object. Beginner-friendly programs are often based on the intuitive sculpture principle. Users start with a simple basic shape and add more details on further levels. A popular example of a free program using this method is Sculptris. TinkerCAD is also suitable for 3D newbies – a program that can be used to assemble simple shapes into more complex objects. Adobe Photoshop now also offers some 3D modeling features and has its own repair tool for STL files.
Architects and engineers depend on more extensive software functions for object planning, such as standard parts libraries, extensive documentation options or simulation under realistic conditions. Professional CAD programs such as AutoCAD, PreoParametric, Siemens NX or Catia meet these requirements and can often be adapted in line with industry-specific requirements (e.g. AutoCAD Mechanical for machine and plant construction).
3D Scanning
In addition to stand-alone construction in the CAD program, 3D scanning, as a reverse engineering process, is another option for creating models for 3D printing. With this method, complex or large objects can be analyzed in a short time and processed into printable data sets. This is done by the 3D scanner, which optically captures or scans the component. The scan points obtained together form a point cloud, which can be transferred into a polygon plane mesh via triangulation and finally converted into a printable 3D model in STL format.
3D scanners are available in different versions: Portable hand-held scanners, which can be used on the move to capture small, detailed objects as well as large or distant objects, thanks to a wide field of view. A prior calibration is not necessary. Fixed-mounted 3D scanners, which generally work more precisely than hand-held models, but are limited in their application possibilities due to their position-bound nature.
3D Printing Templates
Ready-to-use 3D models are now available via various online databases. On platforms such as Thingiverse or Wamungo, ambitious 3D printers offer a comprehensive selection of pre-tested data sets for 3D printing from headphone wrappers to cooker knobs. A large part of these models are free of charge, but the rights of use should be checked if the 3D object is intended for commercial purpose.
