• I want to thank all the members that have upgraded your accounts. I truly appreciate your support of the site monetarily. Supporting the site keeps this site up and running as a lot of work daily goes on behind the scenes. Click to Support Signs101 ...

3D software

J

jayhawksigns

New Member
I got a little itch to do something different for a proof layout that we did last week so I went searching for 3D design software so that I could do a full 3D rendering of the sign to show the customer. I was basically wondering if anyone else messed with this kind of stuff and which programs they used.

I did the layout in Inivis AC3D, which I felt was really intuitive compared to a couple of other programs I tried briefly, those were Blender, SKetch-up and another one that I uninstalled already.

Thanks for the input.
 
C

ChiknNutz

New Member
Coming from a career in Aerospace, I can safely say that I know this subject quite well. I've used a program called Unigraphics quite extensively, but it is WAY more than even an above average sign shop would need...not to mention the extreme costs associated with same. The major user of UG is GM. Another major player is CATIA, which is what Boeing and Dodge uses.

Down the scale a bit are programs like SolidWorks, SolidEdge, AutoCAD Mechanical Desktop, etc. These are much more affordable at around $5000. I've used SolidWorks a bit, along with SolidEdge, but am not really proficient with either. Another that I've looked into a bit, but haven't used it at all yet, is called Alibre. This can be had for less than $2000 and looks to be a VERY powerful product with a very acceptable price-tag. They even have a FREE edition. If you went with this one, you'd likely want the Expert package as it will perform the 3D rendering that you are looking for. I've been tempted to buy this just to have as it is quite enticing given the price-per-feature.

Let me know if you have any questions on the subject.
 
gROUND cHUCK

gROUND cHUCK

New Member
There's 3D Studio Max : http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?id=5659302&siteID=123112

3DS I'm sure is way more then you need.

Scanvec Amiable has a good program called EnRoute: http://www.scanvecamiable.com/EnRoute8482;_FAMILY30.asp

Enroute is used mostly for CNC routing.

Another good one is Rhino 3D: http://www.rhino3d.com/

Rhino is probably more of what you are looking for...

Ther are a few more like Maxon Cinama 4D, Milkshape 3D, Bryce 3D, and so on, But I still think Rhino is what you want.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top