Software:
- https://tinkercad.com/ (FREE) Web-based, introductory
- https://www.123dapp.com/ (FREE) Web-based, intermediate
- https://www.sketchup.com/ (FREE for Maker version) Mac/PC, intermediate
- (Sketchup will need plugins and/or converters to STL or OBJ format)
Many more a Google search away, but how to choose one? Answer the following:
- Can it save in STL or OBJ (most common formats for printers)?
- Are there free or discounted versions for students and teachers?
- Do education versions have some capabilities removed that you need?
- Is there an active user community (free support) online?
- Does my printer manufacturer provide one?
- The software to prepare prints is NOT the same as a modeling program.
- Try to use it before you set the students free on it. You may find that some are too buggy or have hidden costs not shown on the download page
- Ex: 3DTin.com has been found to be very likely to crash
Hardware:
- 2015 3D Printing issue of MAKE https://makezine.com/volume/make-42/
- Before choosing hardware, we would always recommend searching for the latest reviews. Every year, MAKE magazine does a roundup review of 3D printers that is very helpful. The field is young, so last year’s brand may not be the best deal anymore.
- Our 3D hardware findings so far:
- Makerbot – 5th generation (www.makerbot.com)
- Starting setup: $3700
- 10 rolls of filament
- 1 year warranty
- Extra extruder
- Findings:
- Very touchy, seems to often have errors
- Support is helpful
- Default settings have problems with simple models
- Gaps in models
- Warping at edges
- Resolution is very good (fine detail)
- Filament: $48 / 2 lbs. (close to generic rate)
- Starting setup: $3700
- Cube 3 (cubify.com)
- Starting setup: $1500
- 5 rolls of filament
- 90 day warranty
- Modeling software included with starter pack (read carefully as there are multiple packs to choose from)
- Findings
- Very reliable (no errors as of yet – over 20 prints)
- Default settings are helpful
- No gaps in models
- Some warping at edges, but glue helps
- Have not yet called support
- Must buy proprietary filament
- $49 for 0.7 lbs (about 3X generic rate)
- Starting setup: $1500
- Makerbot – 5th generation (www.makerbot.com)