We continue with our introductory guide to design and 3D printing. This time we will briefly look at the main design software programs available for creating and editing 3D objects.
In previous posts, we covered a theoretical foundation by looking at the different ways to represent a 3D object, and the processes and complications involved in converting from one representation form to another.
Now it’s time to delve into the different types of 3D design programs, classified according to the type of 3D object representation they are oriented towards, and to see some of the most commonly used programs in each of these types.
The goal is to continue building “3D culture” and to start recognizing programs when we hear about them. Also, to know which ones are available for free or even as Open Source.
Furthermore, as the saying goes, each job has its tool. This way we’ll know that drawing a dragon in CAD software doesn’t make much sense, or that for making a small modification to an STL file, it’s easier to use a mesh program.
Of course, many software packages have tools in more than one area. However, in general, they are focused on or excel primarily in one of them.
3D Processing Software
In this category, we include software designed to work analytically with meshes and point clouds, not for drawing new models (although they may have some small drawing functions). We’ll mention a couple of interesting programs in this category.
We start with Meshlab, undoubtedly the reference (almost unrivaled) in mesh processing. Meshlab is Open Source software that includes tools for editing, cleaning, repairing, simplifying, and converting meshes and processing.
In general, it is advanced/complex software, widely used in academic and research fields. If you have to perform any complex task with meshes, it should be your first option.
Another highly recommended option is MeshMixer, a free application from Autodesk designed to perform operations on parts designed for 3D printing.
MeshMixer includes tools for creating supports, dividing and modifying meshes, creating patterns and lattices, and other tools that we won’t find in almost any other software.
On the other hand, I can’t help but mention Microsoft 3D Builder, a barely known tool that comes included with Windows 10. 3D Builder includes tools to repair, simplify, and smooth meshes.
Logically, without approaching the complexity and power of the previous ones (nor pretending to), the truth is that it is a quite useful application, and on occasion, it can get us out of a tight spot. Its mesh simplification and repair functions work spectacularly well.
CAD Software
CAD software is designed for designing mechanical parts and objects that are going to be manufactured. They primarily use solid and surface modeling.
CAD software is the type we will most frequently use in designing parts for 3D printing. In general, the rest of the 3D printing section will focus almost exclusively on this type of 3D design software.
Given its importance, we will look at the main CAD Software in the next post. In this one, we will focus on the other types, which are less known and not usually talked about.
Mesh Software
Mesh software is traditionally associated with the entertainment industry (movies, video games, animation…). Logically, they work with meshes and have tools for their agile creation and modification.
In addition to drawing tools, they typically include functions for texturing, lighting, animation, physical simulation (gravity, collisions), and generation of visual effects (particles, smoke, explosions, fluids, etc.).
Among the software in this category, we start by highlighting Blender, a complete Open Source 3D design program that has managed to reach the level of commercial programs. A little gem thanks to the Open Source community, which should undoubtedly be part of your repertoire of favorite programs.
Within commercial software, we can mention the well-known Autodesk 3D Studio Max, undoubtedly one of the industry references. 3ds Max is widely used in video games, animation, and all kinds of renders.
Other alternatives are Autodesk Maya, the main rival of 3ds Max until it was bought by Autodesk. We also have Cinema 4D from the German company Maxon, which has gained great popularity in recent times. Or Modo, from the company Foundry (originally Luxology, LLC), which is especially oriented towards designers.
Sculpting Software
Sculpting software involves deforming a mesh using the mouse, adding or removing volume as if it were a brush. The process is “similar” to physical sculpting (with clay, for example), so artists found a suitable tool to bring their creativity to the digital world.
Since this type of program appeared, the quality of models, especially organic ones, skyrocketed. Even if you haven’t noticed, there is a before and after in video games and movies.
Sculpting software works with meshes with high subdivision graphs and is designed to work with a large number of polygons. Afterwards, the high-resolution model is projected onto low-resolution models (baking), and part of the detail remains as a normal map.
The most popular sculpting software is Zbrush from the company Pixology. Zbrush has a large number of tools, brushes, and utilities to facilitate the work of artists.
As a free alternative we have Sculptris, which was eventually acquired by Pixology, but still includes a free license for non-commercial use.
Other software in this category is Autodesk Mudbox, as the main competitor of Zbrush. We also highlight 3D-Coat, which, in addition to sculpting, is designed for creating high-quality textures on the model.
Reverse Engineering Software
As we saw in the post about converting 3D representations, the reverse engineering process consists of converting a meshed surface into a solid or surface model (for example, coming from a 3D scanner).
As we saw, in general, it is not a simple process. Reverse engineering software provides tools to fit surfaces to the meshed model (planes, cylinders, nurbs…), apply conditions (symmetry, concentricity…), work with the generated surfaces (trim, extend, intersect, …).
Probably the best-known software is Geomagic from 3D System (formerly called Rapidform). It is a commercial and advanced tool, common in companies dedicated to reverse engineering.
However, most CAD software is beginning to incorporate reverse engineering functions, driven by the rise of 3D scanning and additive manufacturing technologies. So, very likely, in a short period of time, most reverse engineering work will be able to be done with CAD software.
Conclusion
In general, when we are going to draw a part for 3D printing, we will go to CAD software. Even in the future of our 3D section, CAD software is going to almost monopolize part design. We will see them intensively in the next post.
However, it’s good to remember that it is not the only way to draw and work with 3D objects. We have a wide variety of options, some of which are free or even Open Source. In particular, you should take a look at Meshmixer, Blender, and Sculptris, and incorporate them into your 3D tools.
What do you think? Do you miss any other design tool? Is any of these tools your favorite? If you want, you can leave us a comment.
