"Any suggestions for 3D printing software (.stl output) ?" Topic

I was using ViaCAD and liked it but due to a hard drive crash and discs getting "lost in a move", I need to get a replacement.

I like Via for how it works with mechanical objects but can't see doing humans with it. However, would any software be good at both ?

I keep looking at zBrush but the price tag is a bit intimidating mainly due to the risk of "I'll never get this to work !" factor. I think they offer a cheaper download that might be worth a try.

Poser has been suggested too – but I think it is only good for humans, not mechanicals.

Any advice appreciated !

I've been using Rhino; I did a number of the SJ Games Ogre miniatures using it. It is user friendly, but is best for machines. I've seen very nice 'soft' subjects and mechanicals both done with zBrush, but don't have the money to invest in it ( that money having gone into keeping Rhino up to date).

if you are looking for direct .stl output zBrush is about the only software that EASILY handles hard and soft subjects. Rhino is good for hard, and has direct stl. Silo can do both hard and soft but it can be really hard to do hard edges. Pretty good for figures. Don't know how well blender handles soft bodies, but you can't beat the price.

Blender has a pretty steep learning curve and some of it is a bit counter intuitive. Haven't tried Rhino, but heard good things.

G.

Has you taken a look at Sketchup?

link

8)

Sketchup doesn't export to .stl directly, and if you don't know what you're doing and have double-sided polys or some tat are not knit together you can get into a heap of trouble. It also doesn't do organics (heck, it even has trouble with getting curves to look curvy!)