Which is the best (easy-to-pick with upgrade option) software to create .stl file for 3D printing?
This is like asking what is the best vehicle. They’ll all get you from A to B, but each does it in it’s own way, and you may need certain features of one to accomplish your particular journey.
May I rephrase my question: Which software will you recommend to create .stl file for 3D printing?
I am really new to this. So pardon my ignorance.
Depends the models and price you want to make the STLs. I personally make everything in Solidworks. Google sketch up is free though and has a plug in to create STLs, is limited though. Both are great selections for making complex items but not so much for sketching, say, a face or cartoon like character, I believe people typically use meshcam for this.
Free program called scad that exports stl from its solids equation based script flow.
I don’t mind spending a few hundreds to purchase a good software which is easy to learn and includes advanced tools to finish up more sophisticated designs.
I am trying out TurboCAD Deluxe but I must say the progress is slow.
@Lin_CK solidworks is all I use. It isn’t super cheap but once you get the hang of it you can make anything. It’s a professional grade software that many companies use. Not to mention the stl quality is very good because of the softwares abilities.
Autodesk Fusion 360 will let you design just about whatever you want, and it’s free.
I am an old pensioner, my choice is ViaCad Pro V8 . (not free!)
As a complete beginner i lke this program!
Have a look at:
or the manuals and tutorials on youtube!
Check out FreeCAD and OpenSCAD too. As others have said, a lot depends on what you’re trying to model.
Your main parameters are: how much are you willing to spend (if anything), what kind of shapes are you planning on making (geometric or free-form), and are you a programmer or not.
I haven’t tried many programs yet, but I recommend one that does solid geometry rather than surfaces, to avoid the “leaking solid” problem on top of other things you need to learn.
appreciate all replies. shall check out those programs.
yes, i do solid geometry to model product design prototypes.
also, to add, stratasys mojo was really over my budget and the propriety resins weren’t cheap either. mojo does give good models.
the best i can fall on is to perfect my software skills.