I want to start making subjects for 3D printing as part of my hoby: figurines.
I already work in 3D creation in the field of mechanical design, but for more artistic creations I am looking for a software that will leave me more free and above all usable without too much expense in private.
I tried Blinder, but the results when I import it into Sculteo's remote platform are far from what I have in the final result. I think that everything that is improved in the rendering is not taken into account in the 3D export.
Do you know of more interesting and easy-to-use software to make small artistic parts in 3D printing?
For this specific case (miniatures), I don't know but as a general rule, a software allowing the export in STEP is sufficient (whether it's Sketchup, SW, Catia, etc...).
I use Sculpto a lot (for proto-mecha though).
They obviously manage the .obj format for Blender export.
I think, to sum up, that it is better to choose a good export format on the software you manage, rather than changing software (and taking the risk of not mastering anything anymore) and having the right format.
The big point for the figurine work will be the number of details to add to the 3D model. It's true that I already use a tool to make mechanical models, so based on lengths, real references. For artistic achievements, I don't see myself modifying the shapes in a parametric way. I need more flexibility and intuitive creation.
Indeed Sculpteo recognizes the models exported from Blender, but Blender being mainly used for 3D animation, there is a rendering layer that is more image processing than 3D effects on the real model.
And I think that when exporting to .obj, these filters or effects are not taken into account. As a result, my décor is full of holes, where a simple round barrel looks like a polygon ...
The ideal would be to be able to start from a basic model (as in sculture: a green) and work out the details. I'm going to look at the 123dapp software, if it's usable on PC. (no Ipad ...)
Okay, so in the end it's really the "re-treatment" that is not covered...
I understand that a mecha software is not as free (from a creative point of view of course) as a mecha software where the slightest point is programmable.
Before testing X sup software, have you tried to change your "provider"?
At least test an upload to another prototyping company?
Finally, what is the material chosen?
It must be said that a 3D print accepts tolerances of 0.1 mm. It seems enough but on details of miniatures, it quickly becomes restrictive...
Indeed, it is the treatment items that are not taken into account. No, I haven't looked for another supplier. At the same time I hadn't found many automated platforms to upload 3D files and get a screenshot easily.
An idea for a site/supplier?
For printing accuracy, I thought printers went below 1/10 mm. The supplier itself gives me better accuracy. Good to look at the first piece, because there is the marketing communication side...
Blender will work just as well as any other software. All you have to do is apply the modifiers so that they are taken into account in the mesh and not just "visually".
I'm going to try this last blinder command, it will save me from redoing some test models in SketchUp.
I tested 123dapp.com/sculpt, but in the end I find the intuitive side not suitable: impossible to touch up the existing mesh and therefore to manage the shapes independently.
Here is the screenshot of the scenery I made with Blinder. The barrels were created next to it. You have a glimpse of what it looks like once imported to the Sculteo platform.
I still haven't started Sketchup. I would have to find a good tutorial.