The top modeling software for 3D printing in 2022

Additive manufacturing or3D printingis more affordable than it’s ever been. Although some hobbyists buy a printer for crafts and to experiment with, it’s also an excellent engineering tool for innovative electronics orrobotic projects.

Typically, printers offer complimentary 3D models or free downloads that are ideal to start with. Eventually, you’ll likely want to design more customized parts. There are several 3D modeling software programs that offer a range of versatility and options. Some programs are free, and others will cost you. Some are easy to use, and others require a learning curve that takes time to master.

以下是适合不同用户需求和喜好的一些选项。

免费的3D建模软件
Open-source tools or software with free trials are ideal for first-time users. They provide a platform to learn, practice and identify your end goals for 3D design and development.

这里有一些免费软件程序…

SketchUp
Better known for architectural designing, SketchUp is equally relevant for 3D printing and is one of the easiest 3D modeling software available — making it ideal for beginners. It runs on a web browser, Chromebook, or iPad, and with a plugin, users can easily create STL files for print. Its basic platform is free and perfect for rapid prototyping. A subscription service is available for professional or commercial use (starting at $119/year).

SketchUp’s advantage is its simplicity and abundance of tools, including more than 4M+ pre-built 3D models (although these are not specific to electronics). You can build your first custom 3D model in a few hours or have a detailed model ready within a day. However, you’ll have to upgrade to SketchUp Pro ($299/year) for proper 3D printing and extended functionalities.

搅拌机
搅拌机is a relatively advanced open-source 3D modeling software free of cost. It’s commonly used for sculpting, architectural designs, VFX, video editing, video games, and 3D printing. Unlike SketchUp, Blender requires patience and effort as the software is sophisticated. Most find the results are worth the effort, and it does offer community support. There are several free online tutorials for learning Blender, plus the open-source community is proactive in sharing their 3D designs and STL files.

Rhino
Rhino is one of the best 3D modeling software programs for curved surface designs. Most modeling tools only handle basic geometrical shapes, but Rhino is a master with NURBS, curved designs, and can adapt LiDAR scans. It’s free for a 90-day trial, and the commercial version costs $995 (with a permanent license), and works on Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows.

Rhino includes a plugin solution, a developer platform, and a scripting language to fine-tune 3D designs. For non-developers, it comes with a Grasshopper tool that offers parametric modeling without any code. The tool is widely used for industrial, automotive, architectural, graphic, and CAD/CAM designs.

DAZ 3D
DAZ 3D is a fun-to-use free 3D modeling software for artists. Designed for animation movies and video game development, it’s useful for designing lifelike characters, face morphing, animation, and custom designs. There are additional paid 3D assets available, including custom shapes, people, and animals.

The 3D models or characters designed in DAZ 3D easily import into Blender using the DAZ-to-Blender bridge, which can then be printed in a few simple steps.

有几个用于学习DAZ工作室的在线教程，这应该在一天之内实现角色构建。如果您喜欢设计电子玩具或栩栩如生的机器人，Daz Studio适合您。您甚至可以上传照片并根据一张角色创建一个角色。

FreeCAD
An open-source parametric 3D modeling software, FreeCAD is excellent for designing real-life objects, including mechanical designs. You can start with a 2D sketch and turn it into a 3D model. These 3D models can be exported in STL, OBJ, DXF, STEP, SVG, IFC, IGES, and DAE file formats, of which STL, DXF, and OBJ can be printed. It uses Python for scripting the 3D models.

FreeCAD是一种先进的程序进化了two decades for mechanical engineers. It can be downloaded for Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, and Linux. It offers several tools including a robot simulation module, CAM/CNC workbench, finite element analysis tools, dedicated BIM, and experimental CFD. There’s a FreeCAD online manual and Wiki can be referenced for learning.

TinkerCAD
Tinkercad是用于电路设计和仿真的免费在线工具。这些模型是通过组合几何形状来创建的。TinkerCad是基于浏览器的3D软件，非常适合孩子们学习如何打印。它可以将3D模型导出到STL文件中，可以将其通过任何3D打印机将其打印到现实生活中。

Aside from 3D modeling, TinkerCAD’s tools can be used to prototype digital electronic circuits, including for use with Arduino, ATiny, and Micro:Bit. It has a simulator for microcontroller boards and can run-test embedded codes before physical interfacing. It can also be used to inspect how components respond virtually using an interactive code editor to simulate virtual projects.

For 3D printing, TinkerCAD is a basic tool, so an advanced program is required for product or engineer designs.

OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD是免费成本的开发人员友好的3D建模软件。它为Mac OS X，Microsoft Windows和Linux下载。OpenScad是一种独特的建模工具，在很大程度上依赖于脚本和编码来创建模型。尽管可以使用鼠标创建3D型号，但该软件最适合其脚本功能，这可能使其对非程序员造成恐吓。

It’s recommended that beginners familiarize themselves with Blender or FreeCAD before switching to OpenSCAD. It uses a functional programming language with C++ syntax.

3D Slash
3D Slash is interactive, easy to use, and ideal for beginners, offering a free trial version for browser or desktop applications. The premium platform is only $2 per month. 3D Slash also offers several advanced features for creating detailed designs, best used via the desktop app. This software can export models in STL, OBJ, DAE, and FBX formats; all are 3D-print ready.

Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is a professional 3D modeling software that combines design, engineering, electronics, and manufacturing capabilities. It’s the first and only 3D modeling tool with integrated Cloud-based CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB software. The free trial of the software can be downloaded online, with commercial use available for a licensing fee of $500/year.

This software has been designed for professional use, however, beginners can get through it with some training. Fusion 360 exports 3D models into DXF, FBX, OBJ, STL, STEP, 3DM, and other file formats that are 3D-print ready. It has several built-in features that can be used to evaluate the physical properties of a model even before it’s printed.

Cinema 4D
Cinema 4D is a professional 3D modeling software with a 14-day free trail. The commercial version costs $60 per month. It’s used for 3D modeling, VFX, game development, virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, architecture, and motion graphics. It also allows for capturing 3D models from a series of photographs.

Cinema 4D offers several tools for interactive modeling, re-topology, and advanced spline modeling. It includes parametric, polygonal, and volume modeling, as well as sculpting, fusion compositions, and several other useful features. It exports models into OBJ, STL, VRML, COLLADA, and any LWO formats that can be 3D printed.

Meshmixer
Meshmixer is an older version and a free alternative to Fusion 360 for beginners. The software has not been retired but is no longer in development. Many of the features in Fusion 360 are inherited from Meshmixer, which is available for Microsoft Windows.

This software works with triangular meshes and is useful for repairing 3D scans and models before printing. Hollowing is one of its commonly used tools that allow for printing lighter models. Additional tools include branching support structures and automatic print bed orientation, layout, and packing. Meshmixer is used for mesh mixing, 3D sculpting, re-meshing, mesh smoothing, surface stamping, stability, and thickness analysis.

Wings 3D
翅膀3 d是一个免费的、开源的3 d建模software written in Erlang, a functional programming language. It has a simple interface with context-sensitive menus and several tools for meshing and selection. It also supports lights and materials and has a built-in UV-mapping facility.

风3 d是容易学习和可以用于3 d modeling, printing, and engineering design, but not animation. The software is available for personal and commercial use and is actively maintained by a community. It downloads for Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Unix systems. On Mac OS X, it requires Mohave, and for Windows and Linux, it requires OpenGL 2.1.

Vectary
Vectary是一种基于浏览器的3D建模软件，可免费使用或作为高级版本（每月12美元）。它认为是3D建模和增强现实的最访问的平台。它不需要编码，包括大量的3D资产库。文件大小的限制为零。

Up to 25 projects can be created and exported to OBJ and STL file formats for 3D printing with the free version, including access to the 3D assets library. The licensed version is ideal for collaborative projects and offers project sharing, access and digital asset management, and versioning features.

Vectary allows 3D scaling, various colors and materials, simulating lighting effects, descriptions and labels, and real-time sharing for collaborative projects. It’s a worthy software for beginners and experts who want to build, simulate, and realize 3D models in augmented reality before physically printing them.

霍迪尼学徒
霍迪尼学徒is a free version of Houdini FX for non-commercial use. Houdini FX is a powerful animation tool for VFX, video game development, and video editing used by popular Hollywood studios like Walt Disney, Dreamworks, Pixar, and Sony Pictures. The movies like Frozen were animated using Houdini FX.

The free Houdini Apprentice is an excellent tool for beginners to try 3D modeling and animation. Its nodal workflow interacts with engineering designs in a manner that’s not possible with conventional 3D modeling tools. The software has several out-of-the-box features that simplify problem-solving and design engineering.

霍迪尼学徒is worth trying to experience its nodal workflow and model testing, but after experience on Blender, Solidworks, or other typical 3D programs. Plus, Houdini allows you to use VFX animation typically used in movies.

SelfCAD
A beginner-friendly 3D modeling software, SelfCAD can be used for sketching, sculpting, 3D modeling, design, rendering, STL slicing, and animation. The software is tuned for 3D printing and lets users slice STL and G-code files online. SelfCAD aims to make 3D designing and printing accessible to everyone. No prior experience in CAD/CAM is required to use the software.

There’s a free and commercial version ($14/month or $599 for a permanent license), available as desktop (PC and Mac) and browser-based applications. A hybrid version also allows syncing online and offline projects anytime and anywhere. There are also discount available for students and educators.

The tool has a short learning curve, with several tutorials available online. This is one of the affordable software that combines 3D modeling and printing in a seamless workflow.

Rocket 3F
Rocket 3F是一种基于Microsoft Windows的3D工具，用于多边形建模。这对于建模，重新探索，雕刻，推力，硬边缘和非线性细分边缘折痕很有用。Rocket有一个免费的专业版本（99美元）。高级版具有完全可自定义的用户界面和更广泛的工具包。该软件将3D模型导出到OBJ，DAE和FBX文件格式中。

块状
BlockScad是一种基于云的3D建模工具，旨在对学生进行3D设计和印刷的教育。该软件易于学习，并免费提供几个3D资产。这些型号可以导出到打印就绪的STL文件。学校的付费版本包括课程计划和学生管理等教育功能。