What's the easiest way to build 3D models ?

[snoopy]

I've been fortunate to get most of my 3D step models from 3D Content Central but I have a few parts that I can't find models for so I need to build them from scratch. I've tried to use freecad but that has left me scratching my head. The most promising and easy to use 3D design package is Sketchup but it can't export to STEP files so that eliminates that.

Any other suggestions ?

[Precipice]

I make really hacky models using extrusions and the like, within Altium.
(Note that you can make extrusions in other directions than vertical, by doing the usual vertical extrusion, then hitting the 'convert to STEP' button, and manipulating the part as usual. This at least allows more complex shapes without too much effort).
I'd like to hear a better solution too, though!

(TE have good 3D models, if you're after anything they make...)

[hammy]

For a 3D printer? Important is that you can export to STL.
I use:
- SketchupMake with STL export Plugin (https://extensions.sketchup.com/en/content/sketchup-stl)
- ViaCAD 3D (http://www.punchcad.com/p-27-punch-viacad-2d3d-v9.aspx). You can buy it with 25% off if you subscribe for the Newsletter.

Sketup is good for easy models. But if the object is more complex ViaCAD is the way to go.

Cheers
hammy

PS: And there is Autocad 123Design and ThinkerCAD. But this is "save files in the cloud" software.

[ElektroQuark]

FreeCAD is easy for this type of packages, free and has good tutorials. Take a look at it HERE!

[hammy]

FreeCAD is easy for this type of packages, free and has good tutorials.

I had the impression he sorted freecad already out in his first post:

I've tried to use freecad but that has left me scratching my head.

[ElektroQuark]

Ups! Sorry! 

[sleemanj]

Have you looked at Designspark Mechanical from RS? 

Havn't used it, no idea if it's any good, no idea if it can be used to get stuff into Altium, but I do remember it looked quite simple to use when it was released.


http://www.designspark.com/eng/page/mechanical

Silent movie of somebody making a basic enclosure model...

[Rufus]

Have you looked at Designspark Mechanical from RS? 
Havn't used it, no idea if it's any good,

It is a crippled version of Spaceclaim which is very good. The crippling includes prevention of modifying imported step (and probably other format) models and 3D export restricted to STL (I think). The crippling severely limits its usefulness.

[snoopy]

I make really hacky models using extrusions and the like, within Altium.
(Note that you can make extrusions in other directions than vertical, by doing the usual vertical extrusion, then hitting the 'convert to STEP' button, and manipulating the part as usual. This at least allows more complex shapes without too much effort).
I'd like to hear a better solution too, though!

(TE have good 3D models, if you're after anything they make...)

looked at doing that but it became a bit unwieldy for complex shapes.

cheers

[snoopy]

For a 3D printer? Important is that you can export to STL.
I use:
- SketchupMake with STL export Plugin (https://extensions.sketchup.com/en/content/sketchup-stl)
- ViaCAD 3D (http://www.punchcad.com/p-27-punch-viacad-2d3d-v9.aspx). You can buy it with 25% off if you subscribe for the Newsletter.

Sketup is good for easy models. But if the object is more complex ViaCAD is the way to go.

Cheers
hammy

PS: And there is Autocad 123Design and ThinkerCAD. But this is "save files in the cloud" software.

looked everywhere for something like this for sketchup but no-one seemed to know.

actually Altium only handles STEP and STP files.

thanks

[snoopy]

FreeCAD is easy for this type of packages, free and has good tutorials. Take a look at it HERE!

I may have to revisit it again because it looks like a capable package but when I watch the videos it looks easy but as soon as I start doing something I get stuck 

cheers

[snoopy]

Have you looked at Designspark Mechanical from RS? 

Havn't used it, no idea if it's any good, no idea if it can be used to get stuff into Altium, but I do remember it looked quite simple to use when it was released.


http://www.designspark.com/eng/page/mechanical

Silent movie of somebody making a basic enclosure model...

looks promising. It can import STEP files but can't edit them, but it can also export STL files so I will give this one a go

cheers

[Sebastian]

I use Autodesk Inventor, it's relatively easy and quick to use and free for students.

[mrpackethead]

Autodesk Fusion 360. its pretty good and best of all its free.  But make your suppliers do the work. if they want to sell things these days 3d models are mandatory!