Are you an Autodesk Student or Startup? A lot of users of the software package are not aware that there is a free package available, which includes access to an impressive set of resources for startups and new entrepreneurs. Keith Ferrazzi is a big fan of Autodesk, particularly Startup Setup, BIM 360 Glue, and Fusion 360. He is also the author of ‘Never Eat Alone’.
Don’t know much about Autodesk? I don’t blame you. Their array of product offerings is vast and always changing. Today, I open up the Autodesk vault to share 10+ different tools
Autodesk Maya
If you’re looking for the best CAD software for 3D printing suites, choose Autodesk Maya – its modeling is also superior. Manipulating your 3D object is intuitive and rendering is also good, especially if you utilize the V-ray plugin. Its toolset is clean and user-friendly. You can export to several common formats including stereolithography file format (STL) and VRML. Full Review
- Intuitive user-interface
- Accessible for beginners
- Established company
Autodesk Fusion 360
In terms of the best 3D printing software, Autodesk is high on our list. It has the perfect tools for creating 3D printer ready models, allowing you to export to .STL or .OBJ. It can even work the other way around if you find the tools on Fusion easier than your printer’s native 3D modeling program. Here you can edit mesh, increase surface count, fill in holes, etc. A great product for development teams. Full Review
- Good export file support
- Cloud storage
- Reasonable $495 yearly price
Vectary
An interesting 3D model maker online that allows you to import 3D models and export for your 3D printing in STL or OBJ. VECTARY combines standard mesh modeling with subdivision modeling and a number of other tools for a surprisingly rich experience from free 3D modeling software. It supports easy 3D modeling and rendering. VECTARY is one of the top free 3D modeling software for beginners. Full Review
- Easy to access online
- Good for beginners
- Import/ export 3D printer files
3DS Max
3DS Max is great for preparing your 3D model for printing outside of your printer’s native software. It is used daily by architects, designers, and engineers. You can create your 3D models from scratch, as well as rendering. Visualization is top-notch; you’ll see everything that’s going on right before you. Because it’s part of the Autodesk suite of software you can easily import and export your desired 3D printing file type. A worthy tool. Full Review
- Import and export easily
- Check the model’s STL compliant
- Lots of expert features
TinkerCAD
3D Cad software has a natural relationship with 3D printing and TinkerCAD brings the two together. It’s also one of the best tools for beginners, while still having advanced features. It’s all about tinkering with those models and once you’ve got one that looks good, you can export to STL. One of the best CAD software for 3D printing programs out there. Full Review
- Good 3D printer support
- Easy to use
- Can handle complicated shapes
Ultimaker Cura
Ultimaker is often considered the go-to brand for 3D printers. Its open-source software Cura is a great option if you’re looking for the best 3D printing software. It makes sure your model is truly printer ready. The software is also integrated with many 3D printers out of the box. It’s one of the best free printing software packages. Full Review
- Integrated and well-liked
- Easy to use
- Ensures your model’s ready
FreeCAD
If you’re looking for CAD software for free that has 3D printing compatibility, meet Free CAD. It is user-friendly with good views and tools layout has numerous advanced CAD features you’d expect only on a paid program. For 3D printers exporting as STL, OBJ, and DAE is just a click away. It’s supported by Windows, Mac, and Linux, so everybody can use this free CAD software for 3D printing. Full Review
- 3D design software FREE
- Very user-friendly
- Supports STL, OBJ, and DAE
Solidworks
Solidworks has been around since the mid-90s and is definitely among the best CAD software for 3D printing. Not only can you import 3D printing STL files into Solidworks as a graphic body, but you can also work with it as a fully solid model, making further tweaking much easier. Obviously, you can also export in STL for 3D printing. You can also use design techniques like topology optimization, which saves material. Full Review
- Import and export STL
- Topology optimization saves filament
- Easy to use rotation view
Meshmixer
Meshmixer is exactly the tool you want if you need a free 3D printing software that lets you have more control over your models. It works with STL files flawlessly, plus it also supports a wide range of other formats like OBJ and PLY. Basic repairs can even be done automatically, or you can manipulate the model yourself. It’s also one of the best CAD software for mac. Full Review
- Full Windows and Mac
- Totally free
- Ideal for 3D printing
Sculptris
Currently one of the most used sculpting tools on the market, Sculptris is ideal for those that want to digitally sculpt their models like clay. The user interface is easy to get to grips with. While you can only import OBJ files, if you’ve got an STL file this can be pre-converted easily online. Exporting however can be done in both ready for 3D printing. The best part? It’s free! Full Review
- Ideal sculptor for 3D printing
- Export for 3D printing
- Easy to use interface
Blender
Blender is the go-to software for people that need printing compatibility without any hassle. It’s advanced enough to produce anything from jewelry to complex geometrics. It also lets you choose modeling styles, will inform you if your model is watertight to print. If you’re looking for easy 3D modeling software, choose Blender. Full Review
- Designed for 3D printing
- Wide compatibility
- Good at error detection
BlocksCAD
BlocksCAD allows you to code your own 3D models ready to export to virtually any 3D printer STL and other formats. It’s one of the more appealing computer-aided design programs. BlocksCAD is trusted by many educational institutions because it’s very versatile. It’s also perhaps the easiest to use 3D modeling software out there. Full Review
- Ideal for beginners/students
- Easy STL export
- Accessed via browser
SketchUp
A free 3D design software that can be rendered, and set up for 3D printing? It’s SketchUp. The main program itself is one of the most popular 3D drawing software packages and can model anything from entire buildings to and medical equipment. For 3D printing it’s as good as the printer you have, allowing you to export in STL and create your own architecture on a smaller scale. Full Review
- Used by professional architects
- Easy STL support
- Advanced 3D modeling features
3D Slash
3D Slash takes a fun approach to 3D modeling and 3D printing by allowing you to build your models like a stonecutter working on their block. The inspiration for the tool came from the popular block game Minecraft. Despite its quirkiness, it can easily model intermediate objects that can be 3D printed as STL or OBJ. It’s great if you want to build 3D printer models free. Full Review
- Fun and easy
- A capable 3D modeler
- STL and OBJ support
MeshLab
MeshLab is a finely tuned and fast working 3D triangular mesh processor that can export to STL for 3D printing. It has tools for editing, repairing, inspecting, and rendering ready for print. This is an incredibly efficient program compared to others that carry a hefty price tag. So, if you’re looking for free 3D modeling software for 3D printing, take a look at MeshLab. Full Review
- Free and open source
- Fast and efficient
- Best for modifying/repairing
Conclusion
Startups love Autodesk Software. Why? Simple … we let the small guys in the door BEFORE we charge them big bucks. How many other companies can say that? So if you want the best software (we think it is) and you want to get in at a special price (we like to think it’s pretty special) go check us out