Which is the best CAD software for 3D printing? Whether you are a beginner or expert 3D printing professional, there is something for you.
Out of the box OctoPrint is compatible with most of the available consumer 3D printers. And its powerful plugin system allows extending its functionality in various ways. To name a few: Visualize your bed leveling via Bed Level Visualizer. Create stunning timelapses that seem to just grow out of the print bed using Octolapse. With 3D printing, you can do almost anything. You can 3D print your basic needs – food, clothing, and shelter to your wants, toys, fashionable shoes and more. If you own a 3D printer, there are tons of cool things to 3D print. In fact, you will never run out of idea because you can bring to. Visit a site and download a 3D printer model. For instance, you can visit Thingiverse and select a 3D object that you want to 3D print. You will get a zip folder. Download a 3D printing software. For this example, you can download Cura Software, this is free. You will use this software to set your printing parameters and slice your model.
Using the right CAD software will make your 3D printing project easier. The right software to use will depend on what you are trying to print.
3D Design Software
There are two main categories of 3D design software: CAD software and 3D modeling software.
Generally, CAD (Computer Aided Design) software is used when creating industrial objects, such as mechanical objects.
On the other hand, 3D modeling software is used in video games and films to make organic animations. However, the software can also be used to create 3D print models.
Using CAD Software for 3D Printing
CAD software are highly technical tools that are used in industrial design, architecture, aerospace engineering, mechanical design, and other fronts.
Typically, a CAD model contains data such as tolerance, dimensions, material properties, specific information about the manufacturing process. Some CAD applications also have advanced animation and rendering capabilities, which make it easier to visualize the final product.
When making 3D printable models with CAD software, you can save the prints in stereolithography file format (STL). This is the default CAD file format for additive manufacturing (AM).
However, there are also other file formats that are used for additive manufacturing.
Which CAD Software Should You Use?
When I started using CAD software with my first 3D printer, I had no previous experience of 3D modeling. If you are a beginner, you shouldn't really be scared of using CAD software. There are lots of tutorials on YouTube on how to use specific CAD software.
Over the years, I've become more experienced in 3D printing and have tested various CAD software programs. Here is an overview of the best CAD software for 3D printing, for both beginners and experts.
Best CAD Software for 3D Printing (For Both Beginners & Experts)
1. Blender
The first program I downloaded and familiarized myself with was Blender– a full-featured modeling program with a physics engine and animation capabilities. The software has hundreds of settings and menus, which you will not need as a beginner.
With Blender, as is the case with most CAD 3D software, you will need a powerful machine to run it. Getting started with the software is easy, thanks to the many tutorials on YouTube.
After days of watching tutorials, I was more than pleased with what I managed to accomplish in Blender.
This is an awesome program with many capabilities. However, the program requires some computer power and may not be the ultimate beginner program. Are slot machines random. No bonus codes.
Watch Blender Tutorials
Level: Beginner
Cost: Free
2. TinkerCad
TinkerCad is a bit of a straight opposite of Blender: it's incredibly simple, educational and runs directly in your browser.
On the software, there's a menu full of basic shapes that you can puzzle together as if it were Lego. However, it is impossible to round off the corners of the shapes you create with the program.
TinkerCad makes it very easy to import vector graphics and make them three-dimensional and ready for printing.
However, the software is relatively limited. There is not a lot you can do with your 3D object with TinkerCad.
Watch TinkerCad Tutorials
Level: Beginner
Cost: Free
3. FreeCAD
FreeCAD is an open-source 3D modeling tool that allows you to design real-life objects of any size. The free software has parametric component, which makes editing easier. For instance, when you are creating your model, you can go to its history and change the parameters (color, dimensions, etc.) to get a different model.
I wouldn't recommend FreeCAD for professional 3D printing artists since it has just basic options. However, it is a good CAD software for beginners.
Watch FreeCAD Tutorials
Level: Beginner
Cost: Free
4. BlocksCAD
BlocksCAD is specifically designed for educational purposes. When you have mastered the software, you will be able to use OpenSCAD, a more advanced CAD program. With BlocksCAD, the commands for developing and transforming objects are represented by color blocks.
The software's code is compatible with OpenSCAD's code. Therefore, after developing your models on BlocksCAD, you can polish them up on OpenSCAD. You can export your models as either STL or OpenSCAD.
Check BlocksCAD YouTube channel to learn how to use the software.
Watch BlocksCAD Tutorials
Level: Beginner
Cost: Free
5. Creo
One of the market leaders in product design is Creo CAD software. This program has many functionalities, such as direct modeling, freestyle surface generation, motion generation, parametric generation, structural generation, thermal generation, among others.
With this complete additive manufacturing software, you can perform all your dimensioning calculations while modeling your final idea.
The software comes with a 30-day fully-functioning trial.
Watch Creo 3D Tutorials
Level: Intermediate
Cost: $2,310 for each license
6. Autodesk Fusion 360
Autodesk Fusion 360 is a popular CAD program designed forproduct design. On the software, there is a button that you can press to send your finished item directly to any 3D printer or slicer.
Autodesk Fusion 360 is quite an advanced CAD software. I did not really know how to use any of the features until I got a crash course in SolidWorks, a commercial program with similar features.
There are two modes to work in Fusion 360: a CAD mode with logic, and a modeling mode, where you can easily turn your stylish symmetrical model into organic models.
Fusion 360 offers a mix of features found in both Blender and TinkerCad. As a result, it is the software I prefer and use the most.
Watch Fusion 360 Tutorials
Level: Intermediate
Cost: $60 per month or free for students, educators & academic institutions
7. Solidworks
Solidworks is one of the best CAD software for professional 3D designers. This parametric feature-based software has various features, including design validation tools. The software is practical and detailed, which makes it an excellent choice for designing industrial objects.
Most CAD software mimics curves by gently inclining flat structures. However, Solidworks uses a system of NURBS, which allows it to create detailed curvatures. Moreover, the software using dimensional sketching rather than polygonal modeling. Dimensional sketching makes resizing less of a hassle.
However, Solidworks has limited support for importing .STL files. Free shopping spree. If you want to download and edit .STL files, you will need a different program.
Watch Solidworks Tutorials
Level: Professional
Cost: $3,995 for each license
8. AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a professional 3D modeling software that is mainly used in industrial and architectural design. The software is great at 2D drafting but not really much at 3D modeling. As a result, it is not as widely used in the 3D printing community as some of the software I've presented above. Moreover, the software has a steep learning curve when you want to make complex models.
AutoCAD is primarily designed for professionals with experience in programming models algorithmically. The software's models can be converted into STLL files for 3D printing.
Watch AutoCAD Tutorials
Level: Professional
Cost:From $185/month or $1,470/year
-Free and fully-functional version to download for students and faculties.
9. CATIA
CATIA CAD is not just a CAD software but a multi-platform software suite for CAD, CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering), CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) and more. CATIA enabled advanced product design and development through different stages. This makes it an excellent program for systems architects, mechanical engineers, and creative designers.
CATIA also has a 3D design environment through which different parties can collaborate on product modeling and share designs.
Watch CATIA Tutorials
What Software Do I Need To 3d Printer
Level: Professional
Cost: $3,995 for each license
8. AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a professional 3D modeling software that is mainly used in industrial and architectural design. The software is great at 2D drafting but not really much at 3D modeling. As a result, it is not as widely used in the 3D printing community as some of the software I've presented above. Moreover, the software has a steep learning curve when you want to make complex models.
AutoCAD is primarily designed for professionals with experience in programming models algorithmically. The software's models can be converted into STLL files for 3D printing.
Watch AutoCAD Tutorials
Level: Professional
Cost:From $185/month or $1,470/year
-Free and fully-functional version to download for students and faculties.
9. CATIA
CATIA CAD is not just a CAD software but a multi-platform software suite for CAD, CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering), CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) and more. CATIA enabled advanced product design and development through different stages. This makes it an excellent program for systems architects, mechanical engineers, and creative designers.
CATIA also has a 3D design environment through which different parties can collaborate on product modeling and share designs.
Watch CATIA Tutorials
What Software Do I Need To 3d Printer
Level: Professional
Cost: From $10,000
10. OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is an open-source software for making solid 3D models. This free software is aimed at experienced users looking to use advanced features. Programmers and coders love the software's Extrusion of 2D outlines and Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG).
You can use OpenSCAD to create simple shapes that are already parametrically defined. https://coolpfiles623.weebly.com/class-ii-slots.html.
However, since the software is completely based on description language, it may not be suitable for everyone.
Watch OpenSCAD Tutorials
Level: Professional
Cost: Free
11. Rhino3D
Rhino3D is a commercial 3D computer graphics and CAD program that is known for versatility. The software used NURB, a precise mathematical model that enables manipulation of solids, surfaces, meshes, curves and points in different ways. Video editing software to cut videos.
Rhino3D comes with various design features and can create complex 3D models. However, it has quite a learning curve.
Watch Rhino3D Tutorials
Level: Professional
Cost: Includes different bundles; Rhino 6.0 starts at 995€ for Windows and Rhino 5.0 at 695€ for Mac
Sooner or later, you will find the best CAD software for 3D printing for you. However, if you are a beginner, I would recommend TinkerCad.
Want help finding the right 3D printer? Then read our guide to buying 3D printers!
We can indicate two aspects related to programming within 3D printing technology. The first is 3D graphics programming, and the other is programming the 3D printer itself. These two important issues are what lets you make the most of 3D printing. However, to operate a Zortrax 3D printer you don't need any programming skills at all.
Coded 3D Model
3D graphics has an air of artistic creativity around it. It's the work of architects, interior designers, computer graphics artists and all other people who do modeling. Indeed, a large proportion of graphics software is based on drawing and creating 3D objects. But there is an alternative, one that's at the base of computer generated 3D graphics: parametric modeling. You design by editing the script, not by drawing. You simply code your 3D model and create drawings. OpenSCAD is a good example of software of this kind. Working in it is based on creating basic solids: spheres, cones, cubes etc. Then you perform cutting and joining so as to create a complete model.
What Can You Make With 3d Printer
Graphics in 3D video games and animations is usually created in a similar manner. The same technology can by used in 3D printing. It's the perfect method for people who are adept at coding, but aren't familiar with typical 3D graphics software. Remember, though, that for basic operation of the Zortrax M200 and M300 3D printers there's no coding skills required. Besides creating your own projects coded or designed in graphics software you can take advantage of projects by other users, e.g. in the vast Zortrax Library from the Z-SUITE software which comes with the printer. You can also commission someone more experienced to create the model.
Programming the 3D Printer
When you read about 3D printing, you can come across G-CodeL a programming language that transforms 3D models into instructions which a 3D printer can understand. The language can be mastered in order to modify parameters of the printout by operating on the code. In their M200 and M300 3D printers Zortrax have decided not to implement this solution and to give their users a much simpler tool, which doesn't require knowledge and skills in programming. Once you buy a Zortrax printer, you'll be able to download the free Z-SUITE software from their website after providing the 3D printer's serial number.
Z-SUITE gives you an intuitive means of preparing your files for 3D printing and deciding on specific parameters, such as ventilator speed, print precision, layer thickness and type of infill. Everything is done as if it were a simple computer program. If you're able to deal with online banking and social media, you'll also manage to prepare a 3D model for printing on a Zortrax 3D printer.
Coding Is the Future
Coding will be a valuable skill and its importance will continue to grow. The world is already lacking hundreds of thousands of programers. In many countries young children are already being taught coding and it's becoming a staple in the curriculum due to the electronics surrounding us and the possibilities it brings. Moreover, coding helps develop logical thinking. Coding opens up the door to additional functions of a device and lets you create new things. That is also the case with 3D printing. Graphics coding lets you create advanced objects based on realistic solids. You don't need to be an artist, just get the hang of the coding and know what you want of your 3D model.
