3D Printing CAD Software

[muttclugg]

Just wondering what software people tend to use for their 3D printing needs? I've read about Sketchup being pretty good but all these licenses are rather expensive so some opinions before spending would be appreciated.

Sketchup does a free version but it looks a bit limited compared to the pro version. Autodesk have a few options but again, looks expensive for an amateur!

Any recommendations?

 

[Glaucus]

hands down fusion 360. free up untill your company makes more than $100,000 a year.
install it, then once you have it up and running you can register for the free version.

 

[muttclugg]

hands down fusion 360. free up untill your company makes more than $100,000 a year.
install it, then once you have it up and running you can register for the free version.

Thanks Glaucus. I've just downloaded Fusion 360 and signed up for the free version. Looks complex! Certainly given me some reading to do!!

 

[Glaucus]

Thanks Glaucus. I've just downloaded Fusion 360 and signed up for the free version. Looks complex! Certainly given me some reading to do!!

Save the reading, tons of great tutorials on YouTube.

 

[xxalxx]

Another thumbs up for Fusion 360.

 

[muttclugg]

Seems good so far. Are there any preferred forums for help and advice? Seems to be lots about but none that are very active .

 

[Glaucus]

No idea, I just use YouTube tutorials.

 

[SPG]

CATIA or Solidworks

(if you can afford it)

 

[delta0]

Fusion will blow away all the others for CAD and 3D printing. Make sure you do the built in tutorials. If you need another tool for 3D printing take a look at Meshmixer.

 

[lotus7]

Another vote for fusion 360.

 

[Chaos]

There is a course on Udemy called Designing for 3D Printing with Fusion 360 by Vladimir Mariano which is a good easy beginner course.