TinkerCAD

What free 3D modeling software is there on the market?

On July 21, 2020 by Sandra S released

If you want to use 3D modeling software, you don’t need to invest a lot of money in software these days! There are free 3D software on the market to start object modeling or customize designs that are available as open source. In the 3D printing workflow, modeling is an essential step to a successful print job. This can be particularly intimidating for those who are new to these programs. Also, many believe that free modeling software is only for beginners, but that’s certainly not the case. With the following list, we want to introduce you to the 10 best free 3D modeling software, which are suitable for different experience levels. The list is sorted alphabetically.

Contents

3D Builders

3D Builder is free 3D modeling software that allows you to view, create and customize 3D models. It was developed by Microsoft Corporation and is only available for Windows. The main feature of 3D Builder is that it is suitable for any user with or without 3D modeling experience. With this software you can create objects by combining simple shapes or download a 3D model online and customize it as you need. Additional features include viewing and recovery, as well as easy-to-use customization tools. 3D Builder is perfect for 3D printing and supports all major 3D print file formats: STL, OBJ, 3MF, etc.

blenders

Developed in 1995, Blender is a comprehensive 3D modeling software that is very popular in the world of animation and video thanks to its numerous functions. Not only is it free, but it’s also open source, which means it’s constantly being improved. One of the most compelling advantages of Blender is that it supports the entire 3D printing process, including modeling, animation, simulation, rendering, motion tracking, etc. This CAD software is cross-platform and runs on Linux, Windows, and Mac computers. Blender is based on polygon modeling and is not necessarily the most widely used solution in the field of additive manufacturing, but it allows 3D models to be exported in formats adapted to the technology.

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BlocksCAD

BlocksCAD software is one of the easiest to use free 3D modeling software. Targeted towards the educational sector, the platform is very reminiscent of the LEGO system, since it is based on the construction of different blocks to obtain more complex final parts. The online software consists of adding and subtracting geometric figures in a plane with 3 main axes (x, y, z). To do this, the figures, actions and parameters must be placed on the left side of the screen so that they will later appear on the right layer. One of its advantages is that it is compatible with OpenSCAD software, an open source program more advanced than this one, so that once we have more experience, the figures created can be shared with the other program. Without a doubt, BlocksCAD is the ideal solution to get started with 3D modeling software, and it’s free!

FreeCAD

Developed by Jürgen Riegel, Werner Mayer and Yorik van Havre, FreeCAD is one of the most famous 3D modeling software that has advanced functionalities, is open-source and free. Compatible with Windows, Linux and Mac, the program supports a large number of formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DEX, OBJ, IFC and DAE. When creating 3D models, you must start with a 2D sketch, which then takes the form of the 3D imagination. The software is easy to use and allows you to define different relationships in the lines, such as angles, and then resize them. The 3D models can also be achieved through a process called “Filling”. Currently, FreeCAD has more than 25,000 members in its community, making it one of the most popular options in the 3D space.

LeoCAD

LeoCAD is designed for all users who want to start creating models without having to spend too much time learning the 3D model. The modeling process relies on Lego-like building blocks that you can add to create 3D models. At the same time, this free 3D modeling software is suitable for more experienced users who want to create advanced models, since it offers more complex functions than it seems at first glance. Also, LeoCAD is open source and available for Windows, Linus, MacOS. You can start modeling from scratch, but the platform also offers over 10,000 different parts that you can download directly from the LDraw parts library.

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mesh mixer

Meshmixer is free modeling software and part of the Autodesk software family. One of the distinguishing features of the software is that it cannot be used to create models from scratch. Instead, this software will help you in animation, modeling, cap editing, void filling, hole knocking, gouging, 3D surfacing, and automatic repair of pre-existing models that you can modify to create yours based on it to create your own models. One of Meshmixer’s biggest advantages is that you can modify the 3D model without worrying too much about its 3D topology – since the Mesh Mix functionality is quite powerful, it allows for easy stitching of a model to another and the software takes care of all the intricacies of mesh modification.

OpenSCAD

The free 3D modeling software OpenSCAD is open source CAD software that creates 3D models from scripts. Complex 3D models can be created from simple geometric base bodies through modifications. All the user has to do is familiarize himself with the programming language. Once he is familiar with it, he can create highly complex models with the free software and has complete control. If modeling with OpenSCAD seems too complicated to you, you can first use the free BlocksCAD software and thus get to know the type of modelling.

SketchUp Free

The 3D modeling software SketchUp Free is also known under its former name Sketch Up Maker, which was released in 2000. It is completely free of charge and, thanks to its easy handling, is also suitable for beginners. If required, the software also offers the option of accessing a library of ready-made, free 3D models. Alternatively, you can create your own model using a variety of paint, measure, and move tools with this surface modeling software. You can export the generated models as an STL file or save them in the Trimble Connect cloud. If you want to work with extensions, you have to resort to the paid software SketchUp Pro.

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TinkerCAD

Developed by conglomerate Autodesk, Tinkercad is an online modeling solution aimed primarily at beginners, teachers, and children. It is based on the construction geometry of solids, which means that the user models his object by combining solid shapes such as cubes, cylinders, etc. The 3D models thus obtained will be more or less complex, just like a LEGO construction. They can be exported in three different formats, STL, OBJ and SVG so you can print your favorite designs. The free 3D modeling software also provides access to a library of files that users can modify to easily get the shape they want.

Vectary

Vectary is a modeling solution developed by two 3D designers. It is an online platform that includes 100% free version and other paid solutions with more features. Available right from your browser, the free version allows you to model up to three 3D projects at once from solids (cubes, cylinders, capsules, spheres, etc.). Once the model is ready, you can export it in .STL format for 3D printing. Vectary also includes many tutorials to advance your modeling and a model library.

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