How about this MAYA Personal Learning Edtion, not sure what the limitations are i.e if they've limited output resolution, poly count etc. but it might be worth a look.
http://www.alias.com/eng/products-services/maya/maya_ple/index.shtml
BL21DE3
http://www.alias.com/eng/products-services/maya/maya_ple/index.shtml
BL21DE3
there is always this...
http://www.ashampoo.com/frontend/products/php/product.php?idstring=0103&session_langid=2
http://www.ashampoo.com/frontend/products/php/product.php?idstring=0103&session_langid=2
I haven't tried this yet, but a colleague of mine loves it. It's a 3-D modelling program, not a CAD program. It's FREE!
www.blender3d.org
John
www.blender3d.org
John
www.rhino3d.com
Not cheap but not expensive. This is the best bang for buck in the 3D industry. Ultra-intuitive interface. With no experience in 3D, you can start modelling in a day and be 50% proficient in a week. I know, that was my learning curve. More important, it will import/export just about every other file format so sending your job out to a machinist or woodshop CNC is a cinch. Plus, if you need to view a 3D file from someone else, it's almost guaranteed not to be a problem.
There is a free 30 day eval. And the academic prices are some of the best I've seen.
ensen.
Not cheap but not expensive. This is the best bang for buck in the 3D industry. Ultra-intuitive interface. With no experience in 3D, you can start modelling in a day and be 50% proficient in a week. I know, that was my learning curve. More important, it will import/export just about every other file format so sending your job out to a machinist or woodshop CNC is a cinch. Plus, if you need to view a 3D file from someone else, it's almost guaranteed not to be a problem.
There is a free 30 day eval. And the academic prices are some of the best I've seen.
ensen.
Also check out the web support email list.
http://news2.mcneel.com/scripts/dnewsweb.exe?cmd=xover&group=rhino
Not only does the software mfg use the email list to provide technical support to both novice and pro users, but they also use it to develop the next betas, service packs and versions. And let me tell you, the users do not pull punches... if something doesn't work quite right they let everyone know and quickly.
Just like on diyAudio, a search through the post archives will usually find you an answer to the basic questions.
Oh yeah... one more thing. Take a look at the Penguin plug-in for Rhino. Now that is a killer app!
ensen.
http://news2.mcneel.com/scripts/dnewsweb.exe?cmd=xover&group=rhino
Not only does the software mfg use the email list to provide technical support to both novice and pro users, but they also use it to develop the next betas, service packs and versions. And let me tell you, the users do not pull punches... if something doesn't work quite right they let everyone know and quickly.
Just like on diyAudio, a search through the post archives will usually find you an answer to the basic questions.
Oh yeah... one more thing. Take a look at the Penguin plug-in for Rhino. Now that is a killer app!
ensen.
Well I don't have much input except a link to some audio stuff I've done using 3DS Max: www.vikash.info/3d_modeling/
I usually use it when I want a quick visualisation of enclosure dimensions. Here's an example: http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=368764#post368764
I usually use it when I want a quick visualisation of enclosure dimensions. Here's an example: http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=368764#post368764
www.ironcad.com
extraordinary solid modeler, very easy to learn and use
the lightweight/lower-cost version is called 'Inovate', similar in price to Rhino but better suited to loudspeaker box design (I love Rhino too but it's a surface modeler and more complicated)
call their 1.800 number and ask how much it costs, Kevin usually answers.
demo version is available
extraordinary solid modeler, very easy to learn and use
the lightweight/lower-cost version is called 'Inovate', similar in price to Rhino but better suited to loudspeaker box design (I love Rhino too but it's a surface modeler and more complicated)
call their 1.800 number and ask how much it costs, Kevin usually answers.
demo version is available
BL21DE3 said:
Available for Mac (OS X) too... not really aimed at accurate CAD drawing, amazing tool for the price
Devil_H@ck said:
Also OS X, this one is really targeted at Architecture
Me, i'm still using a copy of Alias Sketch! that i got for free with my LaserWriter IIg (i did pay for an upgrade)
dave
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
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