Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Dale74 on July 02, 2019, 08:26:09 AM

Title: Which 3d image software?
Post by: Dale74 on July 02, 2019, 08:26:09 AM
Hi everyone, i am very much a newbie to the cnc world. i have my 3040, am about to purchase mach 3 and need advise on which software (hopefully free) for creating 3d images is the best please.

Many Thanks
Dale
Title: Re: Which 3d image software?
Post by: joeaverage on July 02, 2019, 08:43:15 AM
Hi,
Fusion 360, made by Autodesk, the same company that makes AutoCAD, Inventor and HSMWorks, has made a splash
because its free to hobbyists. It is by no means the only CAD/CAM program around but it is a good one.

Often you have a very simple job for which you don't require CAD/CAM, maybe cut a rectangular slot, drill a bolt pattern
and face the material. NFS MillWizard ($75) is good for chaining simple operations together. It gives what amounts to
'conversational programming' to Mach. I use it a lot.

Craig
Title: Re: Which 3d image software?
Post by: Dale74 on July 02, 2019, 09:49:59 AM
Thanks Craig
Title: Re: Which 3d image software?
Post by: ger21 on July 02, 2019, 11:36:39 AM
"3d IMAGE"  is most likely the wrong terminology. Images are not 3D.
Can you post an example pic of what you want to do? I suspect Fusion 360 would not be the best option.
Title: Re: Which 3d image software?
Post by: Dale74 on July 03, 2019, 08:28:10 AM
This eventually
Title: Re: Which 3d image software?
Post by: ger21 on July 03, 2019, 11:30:24 AM
That's just a 2D image? What do you want the finished project to look like?
You'd likely want to use something like Aspire to create a 3D model of that. Be aware it will take a lot of skill, practice, or both.
Title: Re: Which 3d image software?
Post by: Dale74 on July 09, 2019, 05:49:06 AM
Thanks
Title: Re: Which 3d image software?
Post by: SAWDOG on September 25, 2019, 03:18:44 PM
Vectric Aspire is what I use. Pretty simple, great tutorials, good support(overseas). I am 1 year new to this and feeling very comfortable with the software and creating 3D finished products from 2D vectors and images. A little late on this but my .02 in case it helps someone else.