A list of programs that will help you navigate 3D printing and find an approach to perform exactly your tasks. The article provides a list of the minimum required programs to do 3D printing. If you have a 3D printer, then this article will be a useful addition for you.

1. Simplify3D
2. Care
3 Geomagic Studio
4. AutoDesk Netfabb
5. AutoDesk MeshMixer
6. Zbrush
7. AutoDesk 3DS MAX
8. AutoDesk Inventor
9. InVesalius
10Materialize Magics

Simplify3D

Simplify3D is the best solution for preparing G-Code for most FDM 3D printers. Wide range of settings. At the moment I consider the program Simplify3D the strongest tool for G-Code preparation. However, the program is very difficult to learn, so take the time to study it. Manual submitted on our website. Please note that the program paid. Is she worth her money? Definitely yes!


Healing

Healing is another open source G-Code preparation software package. The main competitor of Simplify3D, however, is distributed free of charge. Free and open does not mean that this product is bad. A very large set of tools. Compared to Simplify3D, there are no processes only. But in 95% of cases, a set of settings will be enough. I recommend this program as the first for mastering a 3D printer.


Geomagic Studio

Geomagic Studio - The program has a huge range of possibilities. Current Package we use for stitching polygonal surfaces obtained by 3D scanning. The program has a complete set of tools for working with 3D scans, measuring and controlling the dimensions of the scanned product.


AutoDesk Netfabb

Netfabb - An excellent solution for preparing 3D models for 3D printing. Allows you to carry out almost any modification of models before XNUMXD printing, both in automatic mode and in manual mode. For example, model checking for printability or splitting an object into components. The program has functionality for thickness analysis product walls. At the moment, I think this is the best solution for finalizing models for printing. If you have a Mac, then you can download the program here.


AutoDesk MeshMixer

meshmixer – Another powerful package for preparing 3D models for 3D printing. The program has functionality for thickness analysis product walls. The program weighs very little. Sometimes I just send the download link to the client so they can see the model. In the program, you can very quickly create tree-like Support for SLA print. The program is very fast creates voids in the model.


ZBrush

ZBrush – A program for three-dimensional modeling based on the principle of sculpting. But this program will be useful to you, even if you are not a sculptor. In this program, a whole block is allocated for 3D printing. The program digests heavy models very well. Best of all the programs on this list. I also note that the program does the best job of approximating models: it quickly and efficiently reduces the number of polygons.


AutoDesk 3DS Max

Max 3ds – The best solution for polygonal 3D modeling. This program is very versatile, I studied it at the institute. I have done several projects in this program, but I don't use it often. However, when we work with designers, we most often see models created in this program. The program has acquired a large number of additions due to its prevalence. The only advice for those studying this program is to keep an eye on the polygon mesh. Sometimes here you can be so smart that not a single printer will accept the model.


AutoDesk Inventor

Inventor – 3D-CAD for mechanical design. Allows you to design, render and model solid products. I studied this program after Compass3D at the university. I think this is the best software for CAD design at the moment. Very intuitive interface and a large number of tools for analyzing models.


InVesalius

InVesalius – DICOM TO STL (TRANSFER OF MRI OR CT INTO A 3D MODEL). The simplest task is to assemble the layers into a model. This program just collects the layers created as a result of an MRI or CT scan. to the model in STL format. Want to print your skull? Then go ahead!


Materialize Magics

An analogue of NetFabb. Quite a large set of settings. In the program, you can prepare the G-Code, set supporting structures And much more. Excellent built-in engine for correcting models. Has excellent built-in converter from CAD design programs.


Free resources for viewing STL files:

In addition for Windows:

  • WinToTo - converts a raster image to a vector one.