Free 3D design software.

[firebird]

Hi

The July issue of Model Engineers Workshop has the first in a series of articles about 3D computer modelling. The series is based on Truespace software. The good news is it can be downloaded free from this website. http://caligari.com I have downloaded it, over 100mb, so its a big programme and it looks good. Apparently this programme cost several hundred dollars a few months ago. Its the complete programme and is not limited or restricted in any way. Grab it while you can

Cheers

Rich

 

[deere_x475guy]

Firebird will this also allow 2d drawings and dimensioning? I guess I will find out soon anyway as I am downloading the videos now.

 

[firebird]

Hi Bob

I have only just downloaded it myself but I believe it will let you import 1D & 2D. I won't have time to play with it for a while but with MEW mag doing a series of articles with a tutorial its something I will have a go at. Its nice, I think to be able to read a hard copy and look at the pc at the same time. Much easier than switching between help files.

Cheers

Rich

 

[deere_x475guy]

I downloaded and installed all the files, manual, videos and the program. It installed and runs fine on Vista so I am going to play with it abit this afternoon.

 

[rickharris]

Looks like a steep learning curve and not intuitive - at least to me based on the other 3D systems I have used - Prodesktop and Proengineer. More study required.

On another level WHY is there a shark in the objects library/?

 

[SignalFailure]

I've been using Wings3D for many years and would recommend it to anyone wanting a quick 'low-poly' modelling program. Doddle to use and free. I knocked up this quick representation of a project-to-be in just a couple of minutes...

EDIT Blender and Anim8or are other well respected free 3D programs but I don't like either.

 

[tel]

..... and I know wot THAT'S gonna be! ;D

 

[John S]

Looks like a steep learning curve and not intuitive - at least to me based on the other 3D systems I have used - Prodesktop and Proengineer. More study required.

On another level WHY is there a shark in the objects library/?

Caligari is an art progam, more suited to doing animations for films than tied to dimension 3D engineering work.

 

[SignalFailure]

..... and I know wot THAT'S gonna be! ;D

;D This will be the crude version!

 

[tel]

BTW - Jesse is going to take some more pics of his version and send 'em

 

[eskimobob]

Any further thoughts on TrueSpace? - Apparently the company was bought by Microsoft and then the program made freely available in an effort for them to compete with Google Sketchup :

I have downloaded it but wonder from the commets above whether I am wasting my time?

 

[deere_x475guy]

I agree with what John Stevenson said about it. I now am using Alibre Design (standard version) that I got for $99.00. It works just great for modeling and creating dimensioned drawings.

 

[Tin Falcon]

I too jumped on the alibre bandwagon an got a license. There is a bit of learning curve
I do need to practice more with it but the near automatic dimensioning and drawing generation is impressive.
The first weekend I had it I drew up a fairly simple bushing for my boss at work. It Probly took an hour but I did produce a usable drawing that the boss could email to a vendor. The vendor said the drawing looked professionally done and asked the boss if he had a cad guy .
Tin

 

[bearcar1]

............... The vendor said the drawing looked professionally done and asked the boss if he had a cad guy .
Tin

To which I hope the boss man answered "why yes, I do as a matter of fact" :
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

 

[Tin Falcon]

actually he did. ;D
Tin