Introduction to 3D print club's favourite tools

30 April 2020

Fusion 360 logo

Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is our go-to 3D modeling software. After a bit of instruction, it is user-friendly and free for non-commercial and hobbyist users. Fusion 360 is particularly useful for parametric modelling to create accurate prints.

Check out this great beginner's tutorial: Fusion 360 Tutorial for Absolute Beginners - Make a book holder

Meshmixer Logo

Meshmixer

Meshmixer is, like its name implies, perfect for mixing 3D meshes. However, there is way more to this software then just that. Its most useful functions are probably those related to analyzing and fixing STLs. Meshmixer can also be used to model with ‘digital clay’, perfect for making more organic shapes.

Check out this video about 5 uses for Meshmixer: Top 5 Must Know Meshmixer Tricks for 3D Printing

Cura Logo

Cura

To get a 3D model into the real world you’ll need to 3D print it and to print a model you’ll need a slicer. A slicer basically tells your 3D printer what to do by slicing the model into gcode instructions. Cura is an amazing, powerful and free slicer! Its basic settings can get you started. Once you're ready, its advanced setting can give you print quality you never dreamed off. Cura supports most printers so give it a go today.

Check out this in-depth beginners' tutorial for Cura: Cura 3d Slicer for Beginners in Depth Tutorial