Having just got my first full size printer,

3D Printing
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1

Having just got my first full size printer, looking to start creating some designs to prints. Googling suggest there all manner of programs to do this, can anyone suggest any that are a good place to start? thanks

2

OnShape is very powerful, but you need an internet connection whenever you want to use it. It’s made by the people who made solidworks, except it’s free, and all your designs are stored publicly. Private storage comes with a monthly fee.

3

@ThantiK thanks, i will look into it, whats your opinion on this?http://www.freecadweb.org

4

If your focus is engineering type creations, Fusion 360 is free to hobbyists. There is TinkerCAD as well. If you are handy with simple (or complex) coding, OpenSCAD is a great program.

On the organic front, Blender (tough learning curve, powerful program) and Meshmixer. All of the above are free programs.

I’ve used all except TinkerCAD and I’m certain that I’ve missed many other choices.

5

Whatever you do, stay far far away from Sketchup. FreeCAD is also amazing – the developers just make some choices that I don’t agree with, but it’s great otherwise.

6

I’ll second tinkercad if your starting out. Fusion 360 is my favorite “free” cad software. Easy enough to get quickly, powerful enough for most home users.there are lots of tutorials on google for both. Also I agree that google sketch up in the devil.

7

I use primarily designspark mechanical, easy to use and free. (Scaled down version of spaceclaim)

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I use tinkercad and love it. Let the kids explore they will do well. Also thingiverse is a good place to find ideas.