What the best software for 3d?

[artguy]

What’s the best software for 3d work that people are using? Does anyone have some suggestions? Post an image from your program or link as I’d love to see what’s happening in the 3d art/sculpture world.:cool:

[Chas. Colburn]

Hi Artguy,
I use Generic Cadd and Turbocad for my 3-D work.
Check me out in the portfolio section of the ISC page.
All of it is done on a computer, templated and fabricated.

I hear Rino Cad is popular among sculptors.
Check out Curtis Weatherall's site at: accuart.com (i think)
Check out Helaman Furguson too. If you type his name into google his site comes right up.

Chas.

[RuBert]

Hi Chas,

I'm so glad to see you post something. I'm sure we met a couple of times at different ISC Conferences. You have been using computers for a long time in your work, and a little differently from some of the other sculptors.

I remember the geometry of figuring out the construction of your work was incredibly difficult. Computers can be great for helping with that, but you still have to build the designs.

We should start some construction threads and even show images of work as it is being made.

[Zek]

My old Head of department at Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, Bruce Gernard, has been working with 3D packages for sometime. You can view his work at:

http://www.finearts.mmu.ac.uk/fast-uk/fastable02.html

Zek

[Weatherall]

I have used a number of software programs to design sculpture. I primarily use Rhino. I have attatched a few images of a sculpture created in Rhino for you to review. It is of the Lifetime Achievement Award that was completed for the International Sculpture Center. Once the award was completed using the CAD software it was saved in STL format and a rapid prototype was generated. A mold was then pulled and it was cast in bronze. There are a number of powerful CAD packages that enable sculptors to create and design 3D forms. Pro E and SolidWorks are a couple of others you may want to check out.
AccuArt (http://www.accuart.net)

[jslomba]

I have been using 3DStudio Max as a sort of three-dimensional sketchbook. It is a fairly intuitive CAD package (maybe not as intuitive as Rhino). I have also used 3DSMax to create templates for fabricated works, but I am wondering if anyone has direct experience with having designs rapid prototyped or three-dimensionally printed. If so, are there RP companies in the northeast who are willing to deal with individual sculptors?

[fritchie]

jslomba - Sorry this is off the current topic, but I like your avatar, and wonder how the sculpture itself was done? I couldn't access the webpage posted under your profile. Is this by regular hand-sculpted methods, or software? Do you know of software packages and equipment which can scan and manipulate real objects, especially organic ones, such as a face? Quite a bit was published on this several years ago, but I have not seen anything recently.

[lowpoly]

This thread has some links on 3d printing:

http://cube.phlatt.net/forums/spiraloid/viewtopic.php?TopicID=563

This one has some insight on scanning and splitting the huge amount of data between 3d geometry and 2d displacement mapping:

http://cube.phlatt.net/forums/spiraloid/viewtopic.php?TopicID=235

Scanners:

www.cyberware.com (good for faces, gives point cloud)
http://www.immersion.com/products/3d/capture/overview.shtml (good for clay models, gives a structured mesh)

Tools for point clouds:

www.paraform.com

There's much more, these were the first I could think of.

[fritchie]

Nice references here. Obviously a field still heavy on the computer side. Probably will be leading edge there for quite some time.

[sculpt3d]

I have been using 3D Studio Max since the 1990 original version of 3D Studio beta 1 on DOS although I primarily use Rhino as the modeling program to design sculptures for manufacture by rapid prototype systems and/or CNC milling.

I use 3D Studio MAX for visualizations of sculpture projects and creating virtual sculptures/3D animations. I have successfully used 3D Studio MAX to create .stl files for rapid prototype but there can be technical problems with the files that I have not experienced with Rhino.

Rhino is developed primarily as an engineering grade CAD program for industrial designers. Therefore, the .stl files tend to be consistently "watertight". Animation programs like Maya (which I also use for visualizations) and 3D Studio MAX are less concerned with the cohesiveness of wireframe models although it is possible to patch these models to make them "watertight" for manufacture.

At New York Institute of Technology Fine Arts Department we have a Zcorp 3D printer that I have used to create dozens of gypsum sculptures during the past year. You may see some of these pieces at: http://www.a-factor-e.com/smith (Most recent work in the timeline at the bottom of the page).

Recently I have been sending selected files to Johnson Atelier Stone Division to be carved in marble. They are exquisitely beautiful far beyond the visualizations.

For more examples of RP sculpture by several other sculptors worldwide visit: http://www.a-factor-e.com/RP to view the International Rapid Prototype Sculpture Exhibition that I have curated.

[obseq]

on my end its been truspace for me....


havent had the opportunity to use some of the other programs but truspace is grid-based vector design.

i found it to be rather intuitive, although going from this sort of program to a time-line based application such as flash or director was pretty irritating at times;)

[jsimms]

I'm such a fan of Rhino3d I don't know how I got along without it. Although I have Autocad, I very seldom use it.
John

http://johnesimms.com/

[jfmenna]

The best 3D package hands down is SensAble Technology's FreeForm Modeling system. It's interface respond's directly to your touch and the only limits to what you can create are your own traditional sculpting and drawing abilities. Check it out at www.sensable.com

Unfortunately it costs about 30 or 40 thousand dollars but one can also get good results with the complete version of Maya. I find it more intuitive than Rhino(but that's just my opinion) plus its' Subdivision Surfaces tool set gives one a lot more freedom than just nurbs or polygon modeling alone. With the .dxf export plug-in enabled, one can export seamless .stl's to any type of engineering or milling program your production outsource will be using. Maya can be purchased for about $1500 and there is a learning version available for absolutely free at www.aliaswavefront.com called the Maya Personal Learning Edition.

Another inexpensive(meaning free!)program is the opensource 3D modeling program called Blender. It has a pretty unique interface(originally developed for Linux, I think) but can do just about anything any other high end 3D program can do.

DV Garage's 3D tool-kit is pretty cheap, as is Carara.

Here's a list of both Animation and Modeling packages out there that are worth checking out...it really boils down to what interface you're most comfortable with and what you can afford:

Maya, Lightwave, XSI, Houdini, Rhino, Alias StudioTools, FormZ, Blender, 3dsMax, AutoCad, 3dStudio VIZ(an autocad, 3dmax hybrid), Elictric Image Universe(or it's baby brother, 3D Toolkit)

Hope this helps...

[fritchie]

Thanks for posting these hints, jfmenna.

I'd like to get more discussion going in this area, but unfortunately it's one with a pitched learning curve, and since it's so different from what most sculptors do every day, the learning's got to fit into the time cracks. I sincerely expect to go into some of the links you and lowpoly have put up, but that’s got to fit into my other activities, and progress will be slow.

[jfmenna]

Hi, fritchie,

You're right about the learning curve but it is definitely worth it. I started studying Maya 13 months ago and only now feel strong enough to seriously develop my ideas with it in an artistic way. I found that it was like learning a 2nd language...after the first month or so of immersion a bubble kind of just pops and all of the sudden you understand what you're hearing and can communicate ideas...after a while you even catch yourself thinking in that language and you know that you've got it. I wound up buying about 3 or 4 different books and scouring tons of different web tutorials. I think the easiest way to initiate one's self is to just take a basic 3D modeling class at a community college or art center. Whether they use Maya or 3DMax, it doesn't really matter. Once you learn one program, you can learn how to use any of the others in a matter of days since the basic principles are all basically the same it's only the interfaces that differ. I've updated my digital site...on it there's a Rapid Prototype sculpture that I did a few months ago, plus I've updated the 3D visualization page.http://hometown.aol.com/jfmenna/index.html

[xsculpt]

hello everyone.

the use of computers and CAD or modeling software in sculpture is fruitful. It opens up worlds of possbilities. On the practical side I think of it like this. There are two types of programs: 1. the CAD (architecture, industrial design, mechanical design, sculpture) 2. Modeling, more akin to animation, hollywood, visualization, some cross over to design, definitely also sculpture, organic.

If you want to build things you have to worry about two things Additive construction and subtractive milling. For additive you need water tight models. For milling you can get away with either nurbs or poly surfaces but it also needs to be a solid water tight model.

there are so many good programs out there that its a matter of trial and error. I love the field and have put my hands on a lot of different softwares.

CAD
rhino has been mentioned, very positive
form z, really needs an overhaul but very useful
Auto CAD, why bother?
Catia, Pro E, Alias Studio, etc,., why bother? They are powerful and cool and don't really add that much.

Modeling
(usually has rendering, animation, can be very complicated)
-3dstudio has a lot of supporters, www.discrete.com
-Maya is legacy ware. its difficult to learn and may actually prevent healthy usage www.aliaswavefront.com (20 years old this year!)
-Lightwave has a tradition of making bad models for automatic construction. It may be fixed now a days but I don't know. multiplatform www.newtek.com
-Cinema 4dxl is a fine little program, very easy, very logical, multi platform and my program of choice. www.maxoncomputer.com

there are many many others.

working with software that has animation capabilities offers some amazing capabilties for sculpture. I do it every day!!

FREE MODELING
For a great little starter FOR FREE, multi platform, package try: www.wings3d.com
FREE

Remember, you don't have to be a geek to use computers to make your work.

You don't have to use PC's to do 3D work.

Keep your eyes open for sculpture conferences that may include modeling, computing work shops.

Lots of sculptors are making work with computers. The ISC site has a wonderful resource. you can visit my site as well and maybe even come join me at my opening this fall in Chelsea, New York, NY. www.bitforms.com (09.12.03) www.michaelrees.com

Rodin once said that carving was the history of sculpture but modelling was its destiny. How could he know?

cheers!

[Araich]

Great post Michael. Tell me this, can any 3d software be set to produce 3d images (colour shift, like at the pictures)?

I simply cannot get past the 2d image on the screen.

[obseq]

Originally posted by Araich
Great post Michael. Tell me this, can any 3d software be set to produce 3d images (colour shift, like at the pictures)?

I simply cannot get past the 2d image on the screen.


Absolutely,

Just about any vector-based modeling program allows for complete navigation in *and* around the object. Directed light can also allow for any tonal or color shifts like you asked about.

In the past I have used Truespace for some modeling and animation work. For some, adjusting to a 3-d coordinate system proved tricky, especially, if s/he dabbled in timeline-based applications beforehand.

The perspective advantage with such applications is worthwhile.

[Araich]

Nope. I mean the funny 3d glasses you wear at the cinema, that make it look like 3d - not this other thing, which is more or less a 2d animation.

[xsculpt]

Well as it happens there are a few different solutions for "seeing" 3D on the screen. I've witnessed demos of products, and more and more they will come, but in these dire economic times, a lot of innovation and new product announcement has slowed.

Here's what I found, I've seen others too!!

http://www.actuality-systems.com/
http://www.i-glassesstore.com/
http://www.cyviz.com/
http://www.3dz.co.uk/3d_lcd_monitor.html

there's two other companies I can't find right now.

best,mr

[xsculpt]

my two cents worth.

keep it simple.

try things out and follow your instinct. I've found the programs I like the most are the one's I've discovered through my instinct.

start with a FREE program like www.wings3d.com and try it. grow your knowledge.

Don't use a solution that "everyone" else is using. Experts and digirati will tell you things like, "well if you're into 3D you've got to learn ______ this program". That program could be the most difficult program in the world to learn. Scale it back.

For example Maya and 3dS max are major programs that are profoundly deep. Deep means they have multiple layers and tools and take years to master. THere are easier simpler programs that may accomplish your goals. Remember you're a sculptor not reaching for a phd in software. Again, Keep it simple.

Decide what you want to do with it. Here are some examples:
visualization
construction drawings
physical 3d output (manufacture)
rapid prototyping
computer numerical control machining
animation
all of the above.

You'll choose different programs based on your combination of those abilties.

don't spend a lot of money. Get hooked up with other artists/computer people and trade freely within that community. respect copyright when producing your final work.

thats about it... 2 cents

mr

[Araich]

Far out! I want half of those products :D

Stereoscopic 3D computer imaging - that was the term I was refering to by "like at the pictures". lol.

I think I could actually get interested if I had a stereoscopic view of the image.

[xsculpt]

groovy.

http://www.elumens.com/products/visionstation.html

and the one that doesn't need glasses:

http://www.dti3d.com/products.asp