3D modeling is a beneficial software in the field of construction and manufacturing. This ubiquitous technology is booming exponentially and attracts many constructions, architecture, healthcare, teaching, and manufacturing industries.
A wide range of software is available that can help us create and print 3D models. To use that 3D modeling software for 3D printing, you need to spend money as some of them are quite expensive, but there are a few free software available on the internet.
In this article, we will review the ten best 3D modeling software for 3D printing that has many salient features and has been sorted based on their availability, for whom this software is intended for and which operating system that software supports.
In addition to that, we will also discuss which software is compatible with which formats.
- SelfCAD: SelfCAD is one of the best 3D printing for 3D printing, freely available on the internet. It does not matter whether you are a student, freelancer, or business person; this software can match your skill set. Its interface is so simple that any user can get used to it in no time. If you are a beginner, then SelfCAD is the foremost software for 3D modeling.
Numerous training materials are available freely on the internet that can be useful for beginners. There are free lectures on YouTube, study material in pdf format, and online courses on 3D modeling software for 3D modeling; everything is accessible without spending a penny.
SelfCAD software provides you with a ten-day free trial with complete access to all the tools. After that period also, you can use that software without paying but with limited features, and if you like that software, you can purchase that software at an affordable price.
SelfCAD can support Windows 7, 8, 10 Mac and Linux, and you can also run this software on chrome, safari, and Firefox as it supports browsers as well. This software is compatible with almost all the formats available for 3D Modeling Software for 3D Printing, including ACC, B3D, CMS, IRR, LXO, and many more.
- Tinkercad: This 3D Modeling Software for 3D Printing is a browser-based software that is completely free to access. This software was developed by keeping in mind that if the user has zero experience with 3D modeling, they can also use it without facing any problem. It allows users to create models from basic shapes, a quite simple way to design any model. Along with that, users can create complex designs easily because of this user-friendly interface. The best part of this software is that it imports both 2D and 3D models.
A solid modeling feature is also available in this 3D Modeling Software for 3D Printing. Numerous files are available in its library, so users can use any shape and design their projects according to their will.
As previously mentioned, this is browser-based software; users can run this software only on chrome, safari, Firefox, or any other browser. This software is compatible with STL, SVG, c4d, OBJ, 123dx, 4ds, mb.
- Blender: Blender is another best 3D Modeling Software for 3D Printing that was initially developed as 3D animation software. Because of its features and easy interface, this is also widely used as a 3D Modeling Software for 3D Printing. Its photorealistic rendering feature is one of the best features of this software. Despite having an easy interface, users need to have at least a beginner level of knowledge of 3D Modeling Software for 3D Printing before using this software.
The software is freely available on the internet and is perfect for users looking for the compiled version of sculpting, animation, simulation, rendering, and motion tracking.
The software is compatible with STL, X, OBJ, DAE, LWO, PLY, FBX etc., and run-on Linux, Windows and Mac operating systems.
- FreeCAD: This 3D Modeling Software for 3D Printing features a fully parametric and recalculated option. It comes with many other features that can come in handy while designing any model. Some of the features are the undo-redo option, simulation and architectural tools etc.
The advantage of the parametric tool in 3D Modeling Software for 3D Printing is that it allows the user to design real objects of any parameter. With this feature, design editing is relatively easy.
The software is compatible with OBJ, STL, IGES, DAE, SVG, NASTRAN, OFF, IFC, FCSTD etc. and supports Linux, macOS, Windows operating systems.
- OpenSCAD: This is the 3D Modeling Software for 3D Printing for programmers because this software has a unique way of designing a model, and that is a programming language. The user needs to write codes in a script file and set the parameters of the object that the user needs, and according to that programming, the software design the model and after compiling that code user can view the model created by them. It’s another feature that users can import 2D models and extrude them in 3D.
The software is compatible with STL, OFF, DXF file format and can readily work on Linux, macOS and Windows operating systems.
- Wings3D: This is also an open-source 3D Modeling Software for 3D Printing, which works in polygon modeling. This kind of modeling allows the user to create more realistic shapes.
It has many shortcut keys that make your design in no time. It has a vast library that will give the users numerous options to design its model according to their wishes. Solid modeling is not available in the current version despite this software being absolutely fine for beginners and advanced users.
The software is compatible with STL, X, OBJ, DAE, LWO, PLY, FBX etc., and run-on Linux, Windows and Mac operating systems.
- SketchUp: SketchUp is another best 3D Modeling Software for 3D Printing for beginners and professionals. The best part of this software is that it creates a balance between usability and functionality, which makes it a perfect software for most skill levels.
Beginners can quickly learn using this software because it has an easy learning curve, and it also has many advanced features which can come into use for professionals.
The software can create almost all types of 3D Modeling for 3D Printing, but it is widely used for designing interior and exterior architectural projects.
The software is freely available in the web version. Still, users can also purchase its pro version, which supports macOS, Windows operating systems and is compatible with STL, DWG, DXF, 3DS, DAE, DEM format.
- DesignSpark: This software is best for professionals and users with advanced skills in 3D Modeling for 3D Printing. The Software is relatively faster than other available software with an easy interface. The best part of this 3D Modeling Software for 3D Printing is that it can generate a bill of material used in the design that can be helpful for industrial suppliers. Along with that, it also has electrical and PCB CAD tools that can be helpful for electrical related design.
The software is compatible with OBJ, STL, RSDOC, DXF, IDF, ECAD, IDB, EMN, SKP, IGES, STEP format and runs on Windows operating system.
- 3D Slash: This 3D Modeling Software for 3D Printing is ideal for beginners as it has a unique interface with some advanced features that allow the user to work with precision. 3D logo design is also possible with this software. There are some preloaded projects in the software that can help the user by giving a kickstart. This software is free on a web- browser with limited functions, but the user can avail of all the features by purchasing it at a reasonable price.
The software is compatible with Linux, macOS, Windows operating systems, OBJ, STL, and 3dslash format.
- Fusion 360: Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D modeling software for 3D Printing that can let the user create a team and work on a single project on a real-time basis. The advantage of the cloud platform is that it saves and store the data so that you can access your project from anywhere. It has numerous design option that allows the user to design the project according to its wish.
The software is free for personal use and start-ups, but users need to pay for a commercial license.
Conclusion
We’ve covered the best and most sophisticated 3D modeling software for 3D printing. We hope you find the list valuable and handy. Drop us a line if you have any doubts or concerns.
