3D printing design software

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.

3D printed map with white base and black raised roads and buildings

Map created using Touchmapper.
The filament colour was changed during printing for high contrast roads and buildings.

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.

Square orange plastic model with "tower hill" in braille at the front. The top surface represents a crater with steep walls and hills in the centre.

Terrain model of Tower Hill volcanic crater.
Braille labels were added using OpenSCAD.

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.

Headshot of Chantelle Griffiths (1) with background removed (2) then converted to a single-colour model with pale areas raised (3 & 4)

Photograph with background removed and conversion to a lithopane model and 3D print

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.

simple greyscale image and 3D printed equivalent with black areas raised higher

Greyscale image and 3D conversion for
The Drover by Walter Withers

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.

Photograph of squirrel and simple 3D squirrel shape

Smoothie 3D

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.
holding a hand scanner above a statuette. The scanner is attached to a laptop computer.

3D scanning at Bendigo Art Gallery

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/.

Simple code and 3D rendered snowman (two balls and a cone)

OpenSCAD editor and preview

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:

Cost of OpenSCAD and OpenJSCAD: Free

Learning resources for OpenSCAD and OpenJSCAD:

screenshot with code on one side and rendered 3D braille dots on the other

OpenSCAD for creating braille labels

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.

screenshot from TinkerCAD with 3D model on a workplane and a selection of 3D shapes to add

TinkerCAD workspace

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:

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.

Multi-level 3D building plan

SketchUp design

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:

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.

3D rendered design in Fusion 360 workspace

Fusion 360 modelling

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:

screenshot of Fusion 360 workspace with grid, 2D design and measurements

Fusion 360 sketching

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