What 3D or design software are you using to create your objects/projects

Steviewonder

Steviewonder

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As the title says.. I have just aquired a Bambu Lam P1S and was wondering what software you have chosen to use to create your models and import them into your slicer.. I was learning 3D plasticity but cant get a free trial working like i did a couple of yrs ago so want to go to a software package that don't cost the earth in monthly or yearly subscription. Freecad looks cluttered and with its interface ,Fusion would be ideal but price goes against it.
So any suggestions please...be kind..lol.
 
Plasticity is a bargain, I've just started using it as a supplement to my usual Rhino3D and SolidEdge.

I'm using the Studio version, currently $299. It is built on the Siemens Parasolid kernel and also includes Xnurbs. The Xnurbs plugin for Rhino costs $400 alone, and Parasolid is, I think, the best kernel available for complex fillets and roundovers which are easy to implement in 3D printed objects.

Bargain of the century, free to home users, is SolidEdge Community Edition. You get most of the functionality of the full-fat Siemens pro level cad, for free.
 
Here's a magazine rotor in Plasticity. I know it's difficult, but notice the roundovers on the oval holes where the O ring intercepts the pellet holes, that's the kind of detail that makes the difference between a 3D print failing or not, and Plasticity is very good at that.

 
Are you designing to sell or designing for yourself? If yourself, you can use Fusion360 for free. I think you might be able to use it up to a certain turnover as well - all self policed I believe.
 
I use fusion for free, you are limited to 10 editable files at a time but once you have finished your design you can make it read only thus freeing up an editable slot.
 
Fusion360 here, free version just for my stuff. I just need to learn to use it a little better…
 
Another vote for Plasticity, I use it every day now. It's an incredible bit of software that is constantly improving with new features.

I have the Indie version (without XNurbs) which cost $99. I will gladly pay again when my 12 months of upgrades are up.

Magazine box I did for my Dad:

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Not just for 3D printing - I've been using it for planning a new firing point build for my club:

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And if you are a Ghost Recon player from the early 00's, you'll know what this is:
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Hi folks, thanks for your reply's. I had invested a lot of time learning a lot of Plasticity tutorials , not producing much (family life and other constraints get in the way) but found it to be a great package.I did pay out for the Indie package a couple of years ago and let it expire (doh) and now cant get it to run as stated in my previous message...I've even emailed the contacts at Plasticity who were gracious and quick with their reply's but I haven't got anywhere with getting it to work ...frustrating..:cautious:

I might delve into fusion 360 , looked at a few tutorials and it seems to not to be too much of steep learning curve.
I primarily want to design and create items for personal use. As I get better at the creative side with the 3D printer I may take on other peoples requests.

I've always loved 3D since its infancy days but as I'm not in that industry (wish I could start over again..don't most of us..lol) then I couldn't devote the time to the studying of it, so nowadays its become a hobby like it has for many people.
Anyway thanks for your input, I'll also look at Solidworks too..
 
If you've ever done any programming openscad is pretty good. It's totally different to the parametric tools but can be very powerful. It's fast, light and free.
 
Last time I did programming was in the eighties learning BASIC :oops: ( I had an old Sinclair Spectrum 16K :p) and that was enough lol...

For the time being I have opted to learn the free limited version of Fusion 360.. wish me luck ..lol.🙏

Thanks for everyone's input ..appreciated..(y)
 
I use fusion 360, it's free for hobbyists, and is pretty powerful once you get used to it! There are also plenty of tutorial videos around that can teach you anything you need to know.
 
For personal projects I use onshape. Mainly because I use PTC Creo for work and it's basically the same thing.
Browser based so nothing to download, and very easy to use. Free version has no limits on amount of models, BUT other people can search for and see your models and I think you technically can't use the models for profit.
I last used it to make some pipe connectors for a driving SIM rig.
 
A last point about software, which may or may not apply to an individual, but certainly affects my choice, is the licensing model.

I'm in my 60's, and I find that as each year goes by it's a little bit more difficult for me to learn new software. With Rhino3D and Plasticity I have purchased a perpetual license, so if need be I can carry on using them until I croak. I may lose out on upgrades, but I'll always have a tool I know how to use, that won't expire or become unaffordable.
 
I use Solidworks for my design work. I've had a license since 2000 as I'm self employed doing machine design for a living.
 
Thanks folks..I'm in my sixties too and its never too late to learn and keep that grey matter going.
I've just opted to carry out a Fusion 360 course or 3 (as it turns out ) on the Udemy site. Think and hope it'll be a good start. Plus there are plenty of vids on Youtube to also help.
 
Look at open source FreeCAD or Ondsel which is a commercial (but still free) version of FreeCAD. Not quite up to fusion standards, but free forever.

The problem with fusion is that you are at their mercy. If they pull the free version you are screwed unless you pay. They've pulled moves like this before.
 
I have very little natural aptitude for CAD. Think I must have tried most of the freely available ones out there. I've found Fusion360 the easiest to use. It's the only one I haven't given up with.
 
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