There are many 3D design software packages and web services available. Here, we have listed only those that are used and recommended by practitioners in Australia and New Zealand producing 3D printed materials for touch readers.
Jump to: Mapping, Converting from 2D, 3D Scanning, 3D Design Software.
Automated 3D Mapping Software
In this section: TouchMapper and Terrain2STL.
Touch Mapper
Touchmapper is free online software at https://touch-mapper.org/. It can be used to create a customised tactile graphic or 3D model of a map with streets and major buildings based on OpenStreetMap data. You can select the location, scale, and whether to print borders. A small cone will be added at the point of interest, i.e. the address entered to generate the map.
Terrain2STL
Terrain2STL is a free online tool at http://jthatch.com/Terrain2STL/. Specify longitude and latitude or find the area on a world map to generate a 3D model of terrain in that location. It is usually necessary to exaggerate the height to create a model that is tactually distinct. Note also that peaks may be rough and require some sanding after printing.
Converting from 2D
In this section: Smoothie 3D.
Converting a 2D image to a 3D relief
It is possible to convert a colour or black and white image to a 3D model based on greyscale. But beware – this technique very often results in an image that looks reasonable but does not make sense when accessed by touch. The original 2D image must be designed very carefully, with dark areas to be raised and light areas to be flat (or vice versa). It is helpful to simplify the image and remove background clutter before conversion.
Image to Lithopane is a free online service to quickly convert any image to a 3D relief. As an added bonus, you can wrap the relief onto a variety of shapes.
Alternatively, you can use drawing software like Inkscape (free), Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW to save a 2D image as .svg format. The .svg file can then be imported into TinkerCAD or directly into Cura slicer.
Smoothie 3D
Free online software at https://smoothie-3d.com/ specifically for sculpting from a 2D photographic image. This technique only works for fairly simple, symmetric shapes. It is recommended for organic forms such as animals, fruit, vegetables, etc.
3D Scanning
3D scanning involves taking a series of images of an object from all angles. These images are then used to construct a 3D model. You can use an app for a smartphone, an add-on such as Structure Sensor, or a professional 3D scanner that comes with its own software. The resultant 3D file will need to be manually adjusted to prepare it for 3D printing.
Requirements for 3D scanning:
- Access to the original object
- Access to the object from all angles
- Not suitable for moving objects or thin objects
- Difficult for uniform, shiny or transparent objects.
Recommended uses of 3D scanning: Complex objects that cannot easily be modelled.
Tips for successful 3D scanning:
- Use bright light spread evenly over the object.
- Keep an equal distance away from the object, making sure that the whole object fits in the screen.
- Use a plain background if possible.
3D Design Software
In this section: OpenSCAD and OpenJSCAD, TinkerCAD, SketchUp, Fusion 360, Netfabb, Blender and ZBrush.
OpenSCAD and OpenJSCAD
OpenSCAD and OpenJSCAD are free software using text programming input to create and combine 3D models. OpenSCAD can be downloaded from https://www.openscad.org/ for use on Linux/UNIX, Mac or Windows. OpenJSCAD is very similar to OpenSCAD except that it uses Javascript syntax and is an online program at https://openjscad.org/.
Advantages of OpenSCAD and OpenJSCAD:
- Good for precision.
- Accessible for people who are blind or have low vision.
- Easy to learn.
Disadvantages of OpenSCAD and OpenJSCAD: Not suitable for generating organic shapes.
Recommended uses for OpenSCAD and OpenJSCAD:
- Modelling by people who are blind or have low vision (for more details, see our Guidelines for 3D model selection, design and printing by people who are blind or have low vision).
- Generating braille labels using the template provided at www.thingiverse.com/thing:4167866 and adding braille labels onto pre-existing models.
- Precision for mathematical shapes.
Cost of OpenSCAD and OpenJSCAD: Free
Learning resources for OpenSCAD and OpenJSCAD:
- OpenSCAD documentation with tutorials, manual and code cheat sheet.
- OpenJSCAD user documentation.
- OpenJSCAD user group.
TinkerCAD
TinkerCAD is a free online 3D modelling software, based on adding and subtracting geometric shapes, that is easy and intuitive to learn. It is recommended as a first introduction to 3D modelling.
Advantages of TinkerCAD:
- Easy to learn.
- Has a large library of pre-defined shapes, including connectors.
- Solid modelling (i.e. all designs are 3D printable).
Disadvantages of TinkerCAD:
- Tracing from 2D graphics is not possible
- Operations can become slow as the models become more complex
- Working models are stored online and cannot be shared easily
- Stable internet connection is required
Recommended uses for TinkerCAD: Basic models built from components.
Cost of TinkerCAD: Free.
Learning resources for TinkerCAD:
- Learn TinkerCAD with starters, lessons and guided projects.
- PrintLab Designing in TinkerCAD for 3D Printing free course.
OnShape
OnShape is an easy next step after learning to use TinkerCAD. It takes a more “engineering” approach to computer aided design.
Advantages of OnShape:
- Very easy method for adding “fillets” and “chamfers” for rounded corners
- Ability to organise projects with multiple parts
- Ability to create schematics of your project
- Cloud-based app that runs very fast
Disadvantages of OnShape: Steep learning curve
Recommended uses of OnShape:
- Converting from a 2D profile sketch to an extruded 3D model. You can also import a .jpg photograph and trace.
- Any block-based resource, because it is easy to add “fillets” and “chamfers” for smoothing corners. The project can be exported from OnShape to TinkerCAD and finalised there.
Cost of OnShape: OnShape for Education is free for students and educators.
SketchUp
SketchUp is a 3D design software created for architectural drawings. Start by drawing lines and shapes, then push and pull surfaces to turn them into 3D forms.
Advantages of SketchUp:
- Allows tracing from a 2D image within the 3D design space.
- Easy precision by specifying measurements, snapping to corners or centre, etc.
- Easy to learn and use.
Disadvantages of SketchUp:
- Primarily used for 3D images rather than 3D printing, therefore shapes may not always be enclosed and 3D printable.
- Not suitable for rounded or organic shapes.
Recommended uses for SketchUp: Great for creating 3D models of buildings and 3D maps of indoor spaces.
Cost of SketchUp:
- SketchUp Free is a free online version of the software
- SketchUp for Schools is free with a G Suite or Microsoft account. It is online only.
- For professionals, SketchUp Pro costs USD$299 per year.
Learning resources for SketchUp: The SketchUp Help Center provides self-paced tutorials and user guides.
Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is a powerful tool for creating 3D designs from scratch. It has a steeper learning curve than the previous software packages but still easy enough to be taught to secondary school students.
Advantages of Fusion 360:
- A more powerful design program.
- Parametric design, meaning that you can easily change any component.
- Precision: Allows the designer to be very precise about measurements and tolerances of parts.
- Timeline allows you to see and change every step made during the design.
- Ability to import sketches and reference images to create accurate 3D models.
- Assembly features to create and test interactive designs before printing.
Disadvantages of Fusion 360:
- Not suitable for sculpting organic shapes.
- May initially be difficult to learn, as it takes a different approach to modelling using sketches. However, Fusion 360 shares some methods from other modelling software such as addition and subtraction functions (Boolean).
- Not ideal for editing existing STL files.
Recommended uses for Fusion 360:
- Move on to Fusion 360 once you have learned TinkerCAD and encountered some of its limitations.
- Can be used for applying braille to curved surfaces (one dot at a time).
- Best when paired with a mesh editing software such as Netfabb.
Cost of Fusion 360:
- Free for educational use.
- Free for 1 year but limited functionality for personal and non-commercial use
- AUD$590 per year for full features
Learning resources for Fusion 360:
- AutoDesk Fusion 360 courses
- Learn Autodesk Fusion 360 in 30 days for Complete Beginners YouTube series
Netfabb
Netfabb is well suited for editing existing 3D models. You can manipulate every triangle, cut models into pieces, add text, combine models and easily section files for dual colour printing.
Advantages of Netfabb:
- Integrated with Fusion 360.
- Allows you to mend or modify any existing models.
Recommended uses for Netfabb: Editing existing .stl files.
Cost of Netfabb:
- Free for educational use.
- Otherwise AUD$340 per year + GST for basic functionality.
Blender
Use Blender or ZBrush to sculpt organic shapes like anatomy models.
Disadvantages of Blender: Limited poly counts therefore not suitable for very complex models.
Recommended uses of Blender: Sculpting organic shapes
Cost of Blender: Free and open source.
ZBrush
Use ZBrush or Blender to sculpt organic shapes like anatomy models. Start with a simple sphere or stone block, then add or remove material using your preferred digital sculpting brush.
ZBrush Core Mini is a free version of the software with a simplified interface, making it much easier to use as a first step when learning to design by sculpting.
Advantages of ZBrush:
- Can create extremely organic forms suitable for anatomy, biology, characters from books, etc.
- Deep rendering tools for (visually) previewing designs
Disadvantages of ZBrush:
- Limited poly counts, therefore not suitable for very complex models
- Requires tinkering to make designs printable
Recommended uses of ZBrush:
- Sculpting organic shapes
- Seeing what a design will look like in real life before printing
Cost of ZBrush:
- Free educational licenses available.
- $895 for individuals or small companies
Last updated: July 24, 2023 at 14:00 pm