3D printing starts not with a printer but with a model. The quality of the 3D model determines how accurate and functional the printed part will be. Many people think creating models needs expensive software and years of training. In fact, there are plenty of free programs that let you start modelling today \u2014 even with no experience.<\/p>\n
In this article we look at the five best free 3D modelling programs for preparing files for printing. For each one we give the difficulty level, strengths and the official website.<\/p>\n
Difficulty:<\/strong> beginner<\/p>\n Best for:<\/strong> simple parts, enclosures, toys, educational projects<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve never done any 3D modelling, Tinkercad (tinkercad.com) is the perfect place to start. It\u2019s a free online editor from Autodesk that runs right in your browser with nothing to install.<\/p>\n The way it works is intuitive: you drag basic shapes (cubes, cylinders, spheres) onto the workplane, resize them and combine them. Shapes can be merged or subtracted from one another to create holes and more complex forms.<\/p>\n Tinkercad is great for your first steps, but for complex engineering parts with precise dimensions it may not be enough.<\/p>\n Difficulty:<\/strong> intermediate<\/p>\n Best for:<\/strong> engineering parts, mechanisms, functional prototypes<\/p>\n Fusion 360 (autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360) from Autodesk is a powerful CAD\/CAM system that\u2019s free for personal use. It combines parametric modelling, rendering and manufacturing preparation in one environment.<\/p>\n Fusion 360 takes longer to learn than Tinkercad but rewards you with far broader capabilities. If you plan to create parts with precise tolerances and technical requirements, it\u2019s one of the best options.<\/p>\n Difficulty:<\/strong> intermediate to advanced<\/p>\n Best for:<\/strong> figurines, sculptures, decorative items, organic shapes<\/p>\n Blender (blender.org) is free, open-source software and an industry standard for 3D graphics. Although Blender is more often associated with animation and visualisation, it\u2019s also great for preparing models for 3D printing.<\/p>\n Blender has a steeper learning curve, but if you need to create a character figurine, a decorative piece or anything with smooth, organic lines, you won\u2019t find a better free tool.<\/p>\n Difficulty:<\/strong> intermediate<\/p>\n Best for:<\/strong> technical parts, enclosures, mechanical components<\/p>\n FreeCAD (freecad.org) is free, open-source software for parametric 3D modelling. It\u2019s aimed at engineering design and is an alternative to commercial CAD systems.<\/p>\n FreeCAD is especially good for those who want to work with technical drawings and need precise control over part dimensions.<\/p>\n Difficulty:<\/strong> intermediate (basic programming skills needed)<\/p>\n Best for:<\/strong> parametric parts, mounts, series of items in different sizes<\/p>\n OpenSCAD (openscad.org) is a unique tool in which you create a model not with the mouse but with a scripting language. You describe the geometry in code, and the program generates the 3D model.<\/p>\n If you have programming experience, OpenSCAD may become your fastest tool for creating technical parts.<\/p>\n Whichever program you choose, the main thing is to export the result as an STL. It\u2019s the standard format for 3D printing and is supported by all the programs above. Read more about preparing a file for printing in our article how to prepare an STL file for 3D printing<\/a>.<\/p>\n Not every shape can be printed. Overhanging features need supports, very thin walls can break, and very small details simply won\u2019t print. Before modelling, it\u2019s worth checking what your chosen printing material<\/a> can do.<\/p>\n Make sure the model is \u201cwatertight\u201d (manifold) \u2014 that is, it has no open faces, holes or flipped normals. Most programs have built-in tools for checking this.<\/p>\n We understand that 3D modelling isn\u2019t for everyone. If you have an idea but don\u2019t feel like modelling it yourself, message us: we\u2019ll tell you where to find a ready-made model (on Printables, Thingiverse or MakerWorld) or who can make one. We\u2019ll print the ready-made model in PLA or PETG.<\/p>\n\n
2. Fusion 360 \u2014 a professional tool with a free licence<\/h2>\n
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3. Blender \u2014 a versatile tool for organic shapes<\/h2>\n
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4. FreeCAD \u2014 parametric modelling without limits<\/h2>\n
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5. OpenSCAD \u2014 3D modelling with code<\/h2>\n
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Which program should you choose?<\/h2>\n
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Useful tips before you create a model<\/h2>\n
Take 3D printing\u2019s limits into account<\/h3>\n
Check the model before sending it for printing<\/h3>\n
Don\u2019t want to model it yourself?<\/h2>\n