Tag Archives: Tinkercad
3D Modeling and Design for 3D Printing: Tinkercad, Sketchup and 123D
3D printing is a revolution in manufacturing, substituting personal fabrication for mass production. And for this revolution to be fulfilled, there needs to be supporting software (priced at the appropriate FREE) that enables mainstream adoption.
There are 3 contenders in the race for 3D modeling software juggernaut: Google Sketchup, Tinkercad, and Autodesk 123D. Of course there are traditional professional software packages that cost thousands of dollars, such as 3ds Max ($3495 MSRP also by Autodesk), but how will 3D printing go mainstream if the software is not cheaply available?
Popular Mechanics recently published a feature on the change in 3D modeling software to adapt to the emerging 3D printing revolution:
Thanks to an influx of easy-to-use software, 3D modeling isn’t just for engineers toiling endlessly on CAD programs anymore. New tools built with ordinary people in mind make it possible to design whatever parts or prototypes you can imagine, and bring them to life with the power of 3D printing.
Read more: How to Get Started 3D Modeling and Printing – Popular Mechanics
We agree. Empower the common designer with free software!
3D Printing image used under Creative Commons from Dylan.
Tinkercad Chess Set Design Contest: Winner Announced!
A few weeks ago, 3D design software company Tinkercad hosted a contest where users could submit their designs for 3D printable chess sets. The winner, announced today, was awarded a MakerBot 3D Printer.
The image above shows the winning submission, called Action Chess by cymon. This innovative design not only is a traditional chess set, but also pays homage to Transformers by allowing chess pieces to be combined into a larger creature.
Congratulations to cymon. Hope to see more creative designs like this soon!
