If you’ve been curious about 3D printing, now is the time to delve into the world of digital manufacturing. This technology has advanced so much over recent years that we can print anything we want, from a toy car to new clothes and jewelry. With the right software, you can design and create your 3D models and even scan objects to turn them into 3D prints.
Check out this list of the best 3D printing software available in 2020 so you know which one is best for you. You might be surprised by how affordable these programs are!
Creo
This software is used by engineers and product designers for creating 3D models. It’s typically used for creating parts for assembly, concept design, manufacturing design, and data management. Creo even has its own cloud service that allows you to share your creations with others.
Price
For first-time users, the profusion of functionality may seem intimidating due to the sheer number of options available. The tool has a $2,310 one-time licensing price that must be paid upfront. In addition, you will get a 30-day free trial period to evaluate the goods before making a final purchase.
Features
It is considered to be one of the greatest software packages available for 3D printing product producers. Users may make use of its augmented reality features to create a more efficient and accurate simulation of three-dimensional designs. This provides designers with a variety of tools to help them develop visually appealing designs.
Creo makes use of data from models that are utilized in the real world to develop better designs for the end-user. Product definition may be accomplished via the use of a model-based definition capability, which enables users to construct 3D models that include all of the data necessary to describe the product.
Vectary
If you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-use option, this software is for you. It’s ideal for beginners and engineers who don’t need all of the bells and whistles that some other 3D drawing software has to offer. It’s usable on multiple devices, including computers, tablets, and mobile phones. Its free version does not allow users to share their designs online or make money off of their designs.
Price
Photorealistic rendering is combined with an integrated WEB AR Viewer to provide a realistic experience for the user. It comes with a collection of components that you can utilize, and it allows you to build your own mockups and 3D elements as well. There are two levels of subscription: free and premium.
Features
Vectary is a web-based 3D printing design tool, it can be accessed at any time and from any location. Your company’s cloud account will hold all of your production. Make your 3D design seem more professional with an infinitely reduced user interface. There is also an extensive collection of free models and resources to help newbies.
Even traced lines may be shown in lifelike detail because to its Photon characteristics, which don’t need a lot of thought. With its Web AR Viewer, you can preview and even embed your 3D models on any website. Vectary Viewer API enables for finite element analysis while it builds an interactive 3D setup with bespoke materials.
FreeCAD
If you’re an engineer or designer, this is the tool for you. You can use FreeCAD to design all kinds of items with CAD software. It has many powerful features, including 3D modeling tools, parametric modeling, write-once-read-many file support (WORM), and geometric constraints (CGAL).
Price
The program only has a few features, and the user interface is really simple. However, it is entirely free!
Features
FreeCAD may be used as an effective 3D printing teaching tool, and it is free to use. Equipped with parametric components, it allows the designer to produce 3D models more efficiently and quickly. The designer may use geometry-limited 2D items as the basis for creating 3D models. You can use this software with a broad range of applications, including architecture and mechanical engineering, to name a few.
This software provides a variety of helpful tools, including geodata workbenches, finite element analysis (FEA) tools, building information modeling (BIM), path workbench, experimental CFD, and a robot simulation module that allows the user to investigate robot motions.
MeshLab
This program is a free and open-source 3D mesh processing software. With this software, you can process and edit geometric, photometric, and material data from meshes. Since you can use this on multiple operating systems, you’ll have quick access to it from just about any computer.
Price
Meshlab is a free and open-source tool that allows you to create meshes.
Features
Its 3D reconstruction capabilities are effective for creating visually attractive designs. It also does 3D color mapping and texturing, among other things. Best for 3D printing, offsetting, hollowing, and closing, this material is versatile. The measuring tool has the ability to read linearly in order to compute the distance between two spots on the mesh, for example. Because of its efficiency, it allows the user to increase the speed of the 3D printing operation..
Clara.io
Clara.io is a new way to think of your 3D models as interactive data, not as static files. This is the closest you’ll get to truly understanding what a 3D model is really saying. You can use this on your computer or on the web using a browser. This simple interface allows you to easily navigate and manipulate your objects and can be used for research projects, education, and prototyping.
Price
It is possible that loading delays will remain. Design software for 3D printing that is reliant on the internet There are four different subscription options: FREE . Standard ($10 monthly), Advanced ($100 monthly), and Enterprise are the three options available for which you may get a quotation from the sales staff.
Features
Clara.io is a sophisticated web-based 3D modeling and rendering tool built using JavaScript, HTML5, and WebGL. This free 3D printing software requires no setup and is always accessible. This tool automatically saves your design creation history and allows for multi-user collaboration. It also has keyframe animation.
Claro.io has a camera and lighting and is great for skinning and altering 3D models. It allows you to create amazing lifelike 3D models. This editor includes a wide library of photorealistic elements and is great for creating online game material.
TinkerCAD
TinkerCAD is a 3D software that’s perfect for use by artists, engineers, and hobbyists. It has powerful features that allow you to design complex 3D objects that are fully customizable on-the-fly. You can set up help paths on your models so you can see what you’re doing next. Use the Ruler tool to rotate, scale, or have fun with multiple axes of rotation on each object.
Price
TinkerCAD is an excellent tool for making both sophisticated and basic three-dimensional objects. Because of this, it is beneficial whether you are a newbie or a seasoned expert in the design field. It is a free piece of software that you can access by a web browser or an application.
Features
It supports STL files, which allow designers to begin 3D printing immediately after designing them. Users may simply import 2D and 3D models for printing, as well as create their own models. TinkerCAD is capable of carrying out laser cutting operations. With a single click, you can begin 3D printing right away, saving time and money.
It provides cloud storage for 3D models and designs, as well as other services. This software gives an intuitive and simple-to-use user interface for completing a broad variety of activities,
To make use of all of its capabilities, a smooth learning curve is required. Provides a comprehensive tutorial to help you get familiar with the software’s features.
Moment of Inspiration (MOI)
This is a 3D design package that allows you to create all kinds of 3D objects. It’s accessible from a tablet, a desktop computer, or a mobile device. The platform has powerful tools that allow users to export in both STL and OBJ formats.
Price
A free trial of MoI is available, and the full version of MoI costs $279.99. MoI Upgrade costs $85.00. MoI Education costs $44.00, and MoI Upgrade Education costs $19.00.
Features
Simple to use and the navigation tools in its UI are extremely intuitive, it is a fantastic modeling program for artists and designers alike. Once imported, it always produces a clean quad/triangle topology that takes no work to maintain. It provides exactly the right amount of precision while still enabling you to build anything you want.
Built to run smoothly on both Windows and Mac operating systems, It allows you to add text and measurements to your model for 2D documentation, and it has a user interface that is suitable for pen and tablet devices. Display of graphics of high quality
Sculptris
This software is perfect for designers and engineers who like to create realistic models. It has tools that allow users to sculpt, sculpt with clay, and manipulate an existing model. The software also includes a selection of detailed textures that you can use to add realism to your creations.
Price
Sculptris is best for artists and creative workers working in the creative industries. Sculptris is a free service that is free to anybody.
Features
Users may digitally construct 3D models, which they can then share with others. Because of its user-friendly design, it has a more natural learning curve. It makes use of surfaces with a large number of triangles to prevent the possibility of making snapped figures.
The program lets you include details into various portions by utilizing different-sized brushes. You can also make use of the software’s Symmetry Mode to ensure that the model is symmetrical from both perspectives.
Ultimaker Cura
Ultimaker Cura is an easy-to-use software that allows you to create 3D prints. It allows you to select your print settings, including print bed temperature, print speed, and filament material. The software also has a community of users who are available to help you with any issues you might encounter.
Price
It is one of the most suitable solutions for novices who do not want to spend a lot of money on expensive software. It is a free and open-source 3D sculpting program that is available online.
Features
Users can simply monitor all of their 3D printing tasks from a single user interface, which makes it simple to keep track of everything. You may use adjustment tools to scale the 3D model in a short amount of time. There are numerous networks that you can use to print.
You can use the software with the STL, X3D, OBJ, and 3MF file formats, among others. Add printers and bespoke content to an extensive library with relative ease. New users will find the program to be simple to use, with a short learning curve.
3D Slash
You can use this program through 3D printing enthusiasts. It has a simple interface that makes it easy to create designs and upload them directly to your printer. It’s compatible with multiple printers and can be customized for your specific model.
Price
It is one of the most suitable solutions for novices who do not want to spend a lot of money on expensive software. It is a free and open-source 3D sculpting program that is available online.
Features
Users can simply monitor all of their 3D printing tasks from a single user interface, which makes it simple to keep track of everything. You may use adjustment tools to scale the 3D model in a short amount of time.
There are numerous networks that you can use, such as using it with the STL, X3D, OBJ, and 3MF file formats, among others. Add printers and bespoke content to an extensive library with relative ease. New users will find the program to be simple to use, with a short learning curve.
Leopoly
This is a powerful 3D modeling software that is designed for both beginners and professionals alike. The software allows users to create complex models and even render them in high-quality. You can 3D print, animate, or present your creations as a video or a series of still images.
Price
Its cutting-edge technology opens up new possibilities for 3D creation, and it has been designed to meet the needs of the 3D printing sector, as well as the virtual reality and augmented reality spaces, among other industries. The difference between the free and premium versions is as follows: Price: $9.99 per month | $74.94 per year
Features
This shortens sales cycles, adapts 3D drawings to personalize objects and experiences, automates printing processes, creates digital goods and designs, enhances customer experience, simplifies training and creates new products. It can generate 3D models and view them in a 3D environment quickly and effortlessly. LeoShape includes products like ShapeLab, ShapeShape, and LeoTrainer.
The LeoShape program allows users to model and print their ideas using a 3D printer. It is a cloud-based program that creates realistic and sophisticated models. Contains sculpting, 3D texturing, cutting, engraving, and custom design capabilities. LeoShape gives visual representations of the component’s size, structure, etc.
Autodesk 3DS Max
This 3D modeling software has all the tools you need to create complex models in 3D. The software has large libraries of objects that can be used to design complicated items. The object library includes over 600,000 items, including multiple materials and lighting options.
Price
It is particularly well suited for the fabrication of highly efficient mechanical components. The cost is determined by the duration of your term: $60 per month if paid monthly, or $42 per month if paid yearly.
Features
It provides complete control over form designs, enabling you to print things of any shape quickly and effectively, and it is easy to use. The comprehensive modeling capabilities of the powerful modeling tool enable the creation of extremely detailed and clean models. Its History Tree functionality facilitates the modification of things in a more timely and accurate manner.
You may easily work with other designers on the same platform in real time, and you can share your designs with them. Make use of simulation to guarantee that the design is tested for simulation and functioning as early as possible. By readily configuring material and production limitations, this program generates high-quality designs.
Morphi
This is a powerful 3D design tool that makes it easy for you to create or edit models in 3D. You can also use it to create animations and even export your creations for use in games and video. It allows you to manipulate objects in real time, so if you want to move a model, your changes will be reflected immediately.
Price
There are four different subscription options available: Currently available for free, Edu pricing is $9.99, and Desktop pricing is $9.99 [a 15-day trial is available]. Desktop Price: $4.99 [Discounted per license for institutions such as libraries, schools, and corporations, as well as for bulk purchases of 20 or more licenses]
Features
This program contains a lot of distinguishing characteristics that make it not just functional, but also user-friendly. These characteristics include: Using your fingers, you may extrude and construct 3D forms. You can also link things together, cut and paste objects, and join them together again. It comes with preloaded 3D models from which you may pick, as well as an auto-save option that is really helpful. You may make use of the undo and redo functions in the customizable interface. You may experiment with a large number of different tools.
BlocksCAD
This is a 3D modeling program that allows you to create a variety of models. It includes many useful features, including the ability to copy your existing model and use it as a template for others. The software also has multiple predefined objects that can be added to any model you create.
Price
It is the most effective teaching tool for learning all there is to know about 3D modeling and printing. The program is accessible at no charge to users.
Features
A color-coded set of bricks, which are interchangeable with those found in the building toy LEGO, represents each command. Its code is completely compatible with OpenSCAD, allowing users to complete the final finishing process using more sophisticated professional applications. It features a YouTube channel with instructional videos, and it has a straightforward and basic layout.
SketchUp
This 3D printing software has been around for more than a decade, but it continues to add new features and improve on the ones it already has. It’s an extremely popular design tool for both professionals and hobbyists alike because it’s very easy to learn and use.
Price
The program is most suitable for professionals that need to quickly and simply produce 3D models in order to present them to customers. To begin, you may download and use its free trial edition. After that, the premium plans begin at $119 per year and go up to $1199 per year, depending on the package.
Features
A collaborative workspace is provided by the program, which allows users to share 3D model designs and other important information. An immersive VR experience allows designers to simulate the design before printing, and a 3D model viewer allows users to record 3D designs in 2D. It provides various templates that users can use as a starting point for producing 3D designs; it is a good choice for novices who are new to 3D modeling and printing; and, last, it provides an entertaining and easy user experience for users to navigate through.
OnShape
The cloud-based 3D modeling and printing software is one of the most powerful alternatives for 3D modeling and printing currently available. Compared to other software now available on the market, the solidly constructed program is simple to use. The good news is that it is totally hosted in the cloud, which allows you to save a significant amount of storage space.
Price
You may use the free version to access the most basic features of the program. If you want more sophisticated features, you may want to consider upgrading to a subscription plan, which starts at $125 per month per user if invoiced yearly.
Features
The fact that it was designed entirely in a cloud environment allows for seamless communication throughout the whole organization. In addition, it is compatible with a variety of platforms and devices such as desktop computers, smartphones and tablets. It was developed with the needs of designers, engineers and manufacturers in mind.
The best choice for agile teams that require close collaboration and integration. Includes tools for creating detailed and immersive 3D models for printing. There is just one master version of the CAD program data stored in the software, so there are no difficulties with duplicating files or transferring software licenses between computers.
Rhinoceros 3D
Rhinoceros 3D is widely regarded as one of the most flexible 3D printing software available. Rhino makes use of NURB, a mathematical model that is accurate and allows users to manipulate curves, points, surfaces, meshes, and solids in any way they see fit. Rhino is a 3D modeling and animation software. Aside from that, the tool provides graphic artists with a diverse variety of design capabilities.
Price
It is one of the most competent software programs available for the creation of any kind of diverse 3D modeling and printing projects and comes with a number of additional packages. The premium plans begin at $495 per month.
Features
Using the history recording capability, users may alter input curves and update the object m’s properties. Control points may easily be shown on the 3D model for fast design manipulation, For example, it can import data from DXF and SolidWorks files as well as those created using other software like IGES and AutoCAD. The program can also ingest 3D-scanned point data from the cloud and support 3D digitizers. Rhinoceros 3D enables you to build depth from any angle.
Blender
Blender is a free 3D printing software and modeling and animation program. It focuses on 3D and gives all the tools needed to create 3D movies from scratch. It includes rigging, modeling, simulation, animation, rendering, compositing, motion tracking, and 2D animation.
An integrated video sequence editor in Blender lets you do things like video cuts and splicing, as well as video masking and color grading. Features an integrated compositor.
This lets you post-process renders without leaving Blender. Import raw video, track it, mask areas, and reconstruct camera movements in your 3D environment in real-time.
Price
Anyone may utilize this platform since it is free and open-source.
Features
You can easily design, change, sculpt, and edit your models using Blender’s wide range of modeling tools. A variety of tools are available to help you with digital sculpting at different phases of the production process. By using simple keyframing or more complex walk-cycles, artists may turn their still characters into beautiful animations. Finally, it has a powerful, impartial rendering engine that generates stunning, ultra-realistic images.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between in-house milling and CNC?
A: The main difference between in-house milling and CNC is the amount of control you have over the material. In-house milling allows you to weigh out your materials, so you can create parts that are exactly the same weight. CNC machines are not affected by individual parts unless you’re using a very precise material.
Q: Is 3D printing software a viable design option for my new business?
A: 3D printing can be a very valuable design option for your new business because it gives you the ability to prototype quickly and inexpensively.
Q: What is the best 3D modeling software for intricate designs?
A: To make intricate designs, you need software that is powerful and flexible. Ponente is the best choice. It allows you to accurately model detailed objects and handle problems such as overhanging surfaces. And because it features a powerful and easy-to-use interface, it’s also very easy to learn and use.
Q: Which 3D printing software is best for universities?
A: Autodesk 123D Design is the best choice for universities because it’s free, and it features a powerful but easy-to-use interface. It’s a very good beginner 3D design tool.
Q: Which 3D printing software is best for prototyping?
A: The easiest way to prototype with a 3D printer is to first make the model using a CAD program and save it as an STL file. Thereafter, you can use the file to print the part using a 3D printer.
Q: What really is 3D Printing Software, and how does it work?
A: 3D Printing software is in fact a software that is used to import CAD files. With this software, you can convert your CAD files into 3D models in STL format. The STL model will be printed on a 3D Printer.
Q: What are some of the greatest 3D printing software’s most sophisticated features?
A: Some of the most sophisticated features in 3D printing software are the ability to convert designs into 3D models, to export STL files that can be used in different industries, and to work with specific materials.
Q: What is the reason behind purchasing a 3D Design Software?
A: Purchasing a 3D Design Software is an excellent decision because it will allow you to not only design products but also create physical objects such as jewelry.
Final Thoughts
Through this article, we have highlighted some of the more popular design options available for creating 3D models for printing with a 3D printer. And while this software does provide some improvements over the early versions of the printers currently on the market, it still remains that you will need to use fusing filament to bond layers together.
And since no 3D printer is capable of automatically generating binding material, you will still need access to this somewhat costly resin or plastic in order to complete your 3D printing project. The one thing that remains true with all the different types of 3D printing technologies is that if you want to create your own parts, then you need an intact design file.
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