Solid modelling: Autodesk 123D, 3DVia Shape and Creo

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Really like interface of this free application ( you can get it at http://www.123dapp.com/downloads )

Retina

Looks really cute, but it seems like the ease of use is at the cost of the amount of options, and the cell shading look doesn't seem to be optional. :-D

Vitaliy_Kiselev

> but it seems like the ease of use is at the cost of the amount of options

First, most options appear if you need them as pie context menus.

Second, they are moving fast with each release adding stuff.

If not the awful NET, it had been ideal for modelling small things.

Vitaliy_Kiselev

http://www.3dvia.com/products/3dvia-shape/

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Most advanched free thing that I found, also not very large

Creo Elements/Direct Modeling Express 4.0

http://www.ptc.com/products/creo-elements-direct/modeling-express/index-v2.htm

Some more info:
http://creo.ptc.com/2011/08/10/improving-concept-design-with-direct-modeling-software-try-it-for-free/

Short review:

http://www.deskeng.com/virtual_desktop/?p=4238

Tutorials - http://usingcreo.com/

Their free scetching app, also useful

http://creo.ptc.com/2011/08/03/creo-sketch-free-sketching-software-for-concept-design/
http://www.ptc.com/go/sketch

Retina

Creo looks extremely userfriendly and useful. I think for your purposes, maybe even the free version would fit the bill.

Vitaliy_Kiselev

SpaceClaim Engineer

Most intuitive interace that I saw up to this time.
Initially look like Prius, but has Ferrari engine :-)

http://www.spaceclaim.com/en/

Link to their short video :
http://www.spaceclaim.com/en/Resources/VidPlayer.aspx?v=SpaceClaim-Top10-Final.mp4

I mostly work in Creo Direct Extpess now, but this thing allow to make most things 2x-3x faster.
Making a model like on screenshot requires less than 1 minute.

Similar thing done in Creo shows all workplanes and geometry used, SpaceClaim don't need this.

Vitaliy_Kiselev

KeyCreator 2011 by http://www.kubotekusa.com/

stonebat

What's practical use of such tools in videography? Commercial product advertising?

Vitaliy_Kiselev

@stonebat

I use it to model things that later will be produced and used in practice.
And you can use for anything else.

Bueller

i have a 3D printer that is used to make such models. it's a powder based system. it's does not have a high level of tolerance but it does work pretty well. Here is a picture of the Bladerunner Blaster i made with it..

Vitaliy_Kiselev

@Bueller

It is very interesting.
3D printers market is extremely fast growing.

Bueller

@Vitally Yes it is.

But the build size of the newst generation of "affordable" machines (under $5000) have very small build boxes. then realized that you could by an older/2002 machine for much less that works much better. i got this printer for $2,000 US, and spent about three months putting it back together and getting it to work with powder and a binder solution that is 1/50th the cost of the "proprietary" materials. it's called a ZCorp 402 machine. it's cool because it has an 8"X10"X10" build size. They are not for sale anymore but come up on ebay occasionally. Also the company that makes them has very bad customer service. So we developed a user group that has been fantastic in keeping everyone up and running. if you want to know more just let me know.