LibGuides: 3D Printing at CSHL: 3D Software

Getting Started

To design your own parts, you are going to need both a drawing/modeling and slicer software to convert your design from it's 3D representation into the physical movements of the 3D printer.

For drawing your design we recommend the open source software: FreeCAD. You first draw your design using lines and other shapes, then constrain the length and angles of your drawing. This model then gives you a precise control of all your dimensions. This is great for iterating over different size options. FreeCAD does parametric modeling, so it does take a little extra effort to learn compared to a simple drawing program, but it give you everything you need to tackle a project of any size.

Save your design in the native FreeCAD format, but you will also export the design into the generic: STL format.

To translate the STL model into g-code use: PrusaSlicer

PrusaSlicer takes the 3D STL model and determines the layers needed to physically create your design. The result is G-code, which directs each movement of the 3D printer. The software can also build supporting structures and create voids to save material cost and build time. Profiles of the printer and filament have been calibrated, always use the defaults to start with (unless there is a problem.)

PrusaSlicer is also free to download and is available for Windows, Macs and Linux. After installing the software, on the Mac it should be under Applications | Official Prusa Drivers | PrusaSlicer. The first time you use the software, do: Configuration | Configuration Assistant ... Then allow the latest available configuration (If prompted). Click through "Next >", Selecting MK2 Family - Original Prusa i3 MK2S 0.4mm nozzle printer. For Filament Profiles, select: Prusa PLA and any other filament you might have on hand.

Once you have read the STL file in, and positioned the design on the bed, and confirmed the simple settings are:

0.15mm OPTIMAL
PrusaPLA
Original Prusa i3 MK2S

you can then press the "Slice now" button at the bottom right. Upon success, click the same button which will now say "Generate G-code". Place this file onto an old SD card.

CAD/CAM Software

FreeCAD
FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler made primarily to design real-life objects of any size. Parametric modeling allows you to easily modify your design by going back into your model history and changing its parameters.
FreeCAD allows you to sketch geometry constrained 2D shapes and use them as a base to build other objects. It contains many components to adjust dimensions or extract design details from 3D models to create high quality production ready drawings.
FreeCAD is a multiplatfom (Windows, Mac and Linux), highly customizable and extensible software. It reads and writes to many open file formats including STL, SVG and DXF.
Onshape
Onshape is the first and only full-cloud 3D CAD system that lets everyone on a design team simultaneously work together using a web browser, phone or tablet. They offers a free pricing tier for Makers.
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Onshape is professional 3D CAD. Create complex parts, assemblies, and detailed drawings all within your web browser. Easily define parameters and relationships to allow designs to be easily modified. Use mates to build realistic assembly motion.
Solidworks
An industry standard in 3D design. Complete set of packages, including rendering and testing.
OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD models. It is free software and available for Linux/UNIX, Windows and Mac OS X. Unlike most free software for creating 3D models (such as Blender) it does not focus on the artistic aspects of 3D modelling but instead on the CAD aspects. Thus it might be the application you are looking for when you are planning to create 3D models of machine parts but pretty sure is not what you are looking for when you are more interested in creating computer-animated movies.

OpenSCAD is not an interactive modeller. Instead it is something like a 3D-compiler that reads in a script file that describes the object and renders the 3D model from this script file. This gives you (the designer) full control over the modelling process and enables you to easily change any step in the modelling process or make designs that are defined by configurable parameters.
AutoDesk 123D Design
123D Design is a free, powerful, yet simple 3D creation and editing tool which supports many new 3D printers.
Rhinoceros
Rhino can create, edit, analyze, document, render, animate, and translate NURBS* curves, surfaces, and solids, point clouds, and polygon meshes. There are no limits on complexity, degree, or size beyond those of your hardware.

Modeling Tools

Blender
Blender is open source software design for artistic modeling, think animated characters. Blender is able to do: Photorealistic Rendering, Fast Rigging (transforming a model into a posable character), Animation toolset, Sculpting, Game Design, and Video Editing.
Silos
Silo 2 is a focused 3D modeling application with the ability to effortlessly switch between organically sculpting high-polygon models and precisely controlling hard-edged surfaces. It can be used for anything from creating 3D characters for video games and movies to quickly exploring 3D architectural ideas.

Alternatives

Adobe Illustrator
Long known for creating vector art (2D), You can use this tool for laser cutters.
Sketchup
SketchUp users are architects, designers, builders, makers and engineers.
Tinkercad
Tinkercad is an easy, browser-based 3D design and modeling tool for all. Tinkercad is also your perfect 3d printing companion – it allows you to imagine anything, and then design it in minutes! Tinkercad is part of the 123D family of free apps from AutoDesk (Makers of AutoCAD)..