3D 打印机基本上是《星际迷航》(Star Trek)技术的诞生。能够在屏幕上设计一个物体并在数小时后将其拿到手中，这简直是奇迹，但关键是找到能让打印机将您的视觉转化为塑料的软件。
网络上有很多免费和付费 3D 设计软件的选项，但我们将最好的免费选项汇总到一个易于扫描的列表中，以帮助您找到所需的内容。您已经在 3D 打印机上花费了数百美元——无需在软件上花费更多。
(Best Software)适合初学者的(Beginners)最佳软件：Tinkercad（网站(Website)）
Tinkercad是一种教育CAD工具，非常适合熟练的设计师和设计他们的第一个模型的人。该软件的网站上有各种指南和视频，向您展示如何使用Tinkercad。
当您完成项目设计并准备打印时，Tinkercad 会(Tinkercad)自动将文件保存为3D 打印机可以读取的STL文件。(STL)
Tinkercad的另一个巨大好处是它完全基于云，因此您不必担心您的硬件是否可以处理软件。无需下载任何东西。
只需(Just)创建一个帐户并登录即可开始设计您的 3D 模型。
最佳(Best Software)精度软件：FreeCAD（网站(Website)）
如果您打算使用 3D 打印机为缝纫机、电器或工具等物品制作替换零件，那么您就会知道精确测量的价值。
FreeCAD允许您创建足够精确的设计，您可以打印小玩具的替换装备。您可能无法用它设计精细的模型，但FreeCAD是修复小零件或制作比例模型的绝佳工具。
该软件可以下载用于Windows、
Apple和Linux。它是一种广泛使用的软件，但请记住，它仍处于测试阶段——根据程序员的说法，它还没有准备好用于生产用途。尽管有这个警告，成千上万的人在使用 FreeCAD 时没有报告任何问题。
(Best Software)多边形建模(Polygonal Modeling)的最佳软件：Blender（网站(Website)）
多边形(Polygonal)建模可能听起来很吓人，但它并不像名字所说的那么复杂。多边形(Polygonal)建模是大多数人在谈到 3D 建模时所想到的：在 3D 环境中创建图形和对象。Blender是此类工作的最重要工具之一。Blender处理创建过程的所有方面，从建模到渲染。
最重要的是，Blender是完全免费的，并且拥有一个强大、活跃的社区，可以回答出现的任何问题。Blender在大学中通常用作教育工具，但设计师和 3D 艺术家使用它来创建庞大、详细的世界。
您可以采用相同的深度并将其应用于 3D 打印机的设计。这非常适合那些想要制作钥匙链或视频游戏小人物或DND角色的人。
最佳(Best Software)建筑建模(Architecture Modeling)软件：SketchUp（网站(Website)）
此列表中的大多数软件适用于较小的包含模型，但SketchUp可用于设计更大的模型。它是许多建筑师用来设计房屋模型的软件。它主要是手动的，这意味着使用此列表中的其他一些程序需要更高水平的技能。
SketchUp 的免费版本完全基于云，可在任何操作系统上运行。然而，更专业（和强大）的软件版本都是付费应用程序。
试一试免费版本，如果您发现自己掌握了它，可以考虑换成一个可以访问所需工具的版本——但即使是免费版本的SketchUp也足够强大，可以创建复杂、令人难以置信的设计。
寻找 3D 打印机
如果您拥有一台 3D 打印机，您将能够设计和打印您心中想要的任何东西（如果您花足够的时间设计它！）但是，即使您购买了一台初学者 3D 打印机，这也是一笔不小的投资。最好的3D 打印机(best 3D printers)可能要花费几千美元。
如果您没有钱（或空间）购买 3D 打印机，请不要害怕。只需(Just)检查您当地的图书馆或创客空间。您通常可以购买创客空间的会员资格并访问那里的所有设备。
图书馆和创客空间使用 3D 打印机每次打印的费用通常不超过几美元。如果您的兴趣不只是想了解 3D 打印机的工作原理，这里有一些网站，您可以在其中免费找到可以在本地打印机上打印和打印的设计：
3D打印技术真的很酷，而且随着时间的推移它只会不断改进。事实上，一些医疗供应商已经开始 3D 打印假肢。如果您有兴趣参与其中，只需尝试此列表中的其中一个程序，让您的想象力引导您。
The Best Free 3D Modeling Software
3D prіnters are baѕіcally Ѕtar Τrek technology come to life. The ability to design an objeсt on scrеen and have it in your hands hours later is nothing short of miraculous, but the key is finding software that lets your printer translate your vision into plastic.
There are a lot of options on the web for both free and paid 3D design software, but we have put together the best free options into an easy-to-scan list to help you find just what you need. You’ve already spent several hundred on a 3D printer—there’s no need to spend more on software.
Best Software for Beginners: Tinkercad (Website)
Tinkercad is an educational CAD tool that is perfect for both skilled designers and people designing their first model. The software’s website has a variety of guides and videos that show you how to use Tinkercad.
When you finish designing your project and are ready to print it, Tinkercad automatically saves the file as an STL file that 3D printers can read.
Another great benefit to Tinkercad is that
it’s completely based in the cloud, so you don’t have to worry whether your
hardware can handle the software or not. There’s no need to download anything.
Just make an account and log in to start designing your 3D model.
Best Software for Precision: FreeCAD (Website)
If you intend to use a 3D printer to make replacement parts for something like a sewing machine, appliance, or tool, then you know the value of precise measurements.
FreeCAD allows you to create designs with enough precision that you could print a replacement gear for small toys. You might not be able to design elaborate models with it, but FreeCAD is a great tool for fixing small parts or making scale models.
The software can be downloaded for Windows,
Apple, and Linux. It’s a widely used software, but keep in mind that it’s still
in its beta phase—according to the programmers, it isn’t ready for production
use. Despite this warning, thousands of people use FreeCAD without any reported
problems.
Best Software for Polygonal Modeling: Blender (Website)
Polygonal modeling might sound scary, but
it’s not as complicated as the name makes it out to be. Polygonal modeling is
what most people think of when it comes to 3D modeling: the creation of figures
and objects in a 3D context. Blender is one of the foremost tools for this type
of work. Blender handles all aspects of the creation process, from modeling to
rendering.
Best of all, Blender is completely free and has a robust, active community that can answer any questions that arise. Blender is commonly used in universities as an educational tool, but designers and 3D artists use it to create massive, detailed worlds.
You can take that same level of depth and apply it to designs for 3D printers. This is perfect for those of you that want to make keychains or small figures of video game or DND characters.
Best Software for Architecture Modeling: SketchUp (Website)
The majority of the software on this list
is for smaller, contained models, but SketchUp can be used to design much
larger models. It’s the software that many architects use to design house
models. It’s largely manual, which means it takes a higher level of skill to
use than some of the other programs on this list.
SketchUp’s free version is entirely cloud-based and will work on any operation system. However, the more professional (and powerful) versions of the software are all paid applications.
Give the free version a shot and, if you find yourself mastering it, consider swapping to a version that gives you access to the tools you need—but even the free version of SketchUp is powerful enough to create complex, incredible designs.
Finding a 3D Printer
If you own a 3D printer, you will be able to design and print anything your heart desires (if you spend enough time designing it!) However, it’s quite the investment, even if you purchase a beginner 3D printer. The best 3D printers can cost a few thousand dollars.
If you don’t have the money (or space) for a 3D printer, never fear. Just check your local library or makerspace. You can often purchase memberships to makerspaces and gain access to all of the equipment there.
Libraries and makerspaces usually charge no
more than a few dollars per print to use the 3D printer. And if your interest
doesn’t go beyond wanting to see how a 3D printer works, here are a few
websites where you can find designs for free that you can take and print at a
local printer:
3D printing technology is really cool, and
it only continues to improve as time goes on. In fact, some medical suppliers
have begun to 3D print prosthetic limbs. If you’re interested in getting
involved, just try out one of the programs on this list and let your
imagination guide you.
