Software HS2019

Owned by Luke Franzke
Last updated: Dec 28, 2019
The Digital Fabrication course will introduce focus on these applications:
CAD tools (Computer-Aided Design):
TinkerCad: A simple tool for making 3D objects (easy)
Rhino3D : A professional tool for NURBS Modeling, free for 3 months (medium) 
CAM tools:
Autodesk Slicer: A simple tool for converting a 3D object into slices for laser cutting. (easy)
Cetus3D: A 3D printer slicing application for preparing models to print on Cetus printers (easy)

Optional: 
Processing: Using processing for 3D geometry (medium to advanced) 
Grasshopper for Rhino: A powerful plugin for parametric and generative design (advanced) 

Further tools:

 

There are three main approaches to producing 3D forms with software:
  1. Polygonal - Points in 3D space, called vertices, are connected by line segments to form a polygon mesh.  These types of models are very fast for computers to render, so are most commonly used for games, special effects and animation. They are however only approximate in there rendering, so they are not suitable for highly detailed product design or engineering. 
  2. Curve or NURBS - Surfaces are defined by curves based on mathematics models. NURBS based software can produce highly accurate models, that can be scaled indefinitely 
  3. Digital sculpting or volumetric modeling. Voxel(3D pixels) based modelling are less common but off some unique advantages by representing volume in a form. It's commonly used for digital clay applications and for 3D printing material composites.


Modeling / Scripting (CAD

3D Scanning

Preparing Fabrication

Fabrication (CAM