Non-Animated 3d Modeling

#1

I’ll preface this by saying I have basically no experience in animation. Though, I am not looking to do any animation - for this project, at least :slight_smile:

I am working on prototypes that require building a 3D model that is very accurate, as it will be connected to other parts later. But, there are parts of the model that need to be organic and flowing. Then, the parts are 3d printed.

Having spent hundreds of hours on Sketchup and trying different plugins, I don’t believe there is an efficient way to achieve the “sculpting” portion of the part. But it works great for the initial model and ensuring the dimensions are correct.

I have been recommended to Maya, Blender, etc. but actually can’t find a lot of information besides their animation abilities.

Can anyone recommend a software for this? Or, would it be a combination of software? For example, maybe I can create the part in Sketchup, because I am comfortable with it, and perform the sculpting in Blender or Maya? Or maybe the part needs to be rebuilt in Blender?

Any help would be great. Thanks :slight_smile:

#2

why not edit in sculpt software , such as zbrush/Meshmixer/3D COAT

#3

Haven’t heard of these. Gives me some good stuff to research - Thanks

#4

just seach the name , Meshmixer and Sculptris are free , zbrush/Mudbox/3D COAT are commercial
they are sculpt software , all their tutorial are for modeling and mapping

#5

Blender also includes good sculpting, so no need to invest in Zbrush or 3DCoat.

Google “Blender sculpting and 3d printing”, and limit the search time range to the past year.

And it is possible to take (parts of) your work from Sketchup and import these into Blender for sculpting. Blender also includes an add-on to check for 3d printing issues.

PS you will have to teach yourself 3d sculpting in Blender (and general 3d sculpting technique). Look for Blender and sculpting tutorials. The Blender Cloud has a nice stylized character tutorial.