We work for a research division where we need to rapidly prototype
devices. The prototypes don`t need to function but just need to look
real. Please view (http://www.uivisions.com/3d/) for the kind of
products we prototype. We own a stereolithography machine (3D printer)
so we need a software that can output an ".stl" format. Our team is
trained in multimedia tools such as flash, photoshop and illustrator.
We are looking for a 3D modeling tool that we could use for the
purposes of creating 3D objects and sending them to the
stereolithography machine. We have looked at 3D studio max, Maya and
Autocad but all of these tools may be overkill to make simple
prototypes. We want a software that is easy to use and learn,
preferably a software that has training CD`s.We would like a matrix of
different modeling software available in the market comparing ease of
use, training availability and price. Finally we would like a
recommendation based on our description above.
all functions and characteristics.

---

Request for Question Clarification by hedgie-ga on 27 Aug 2003 00:46 PDT

Hi os man can

   Are you able/willing to work in the Unix/Linux environment
   or are you limited to MS windows environment?

    Is cost of the software and availability of support a consideration?

osmancan-ga,

Corel's Bryce 5 is a lower-end 3D modelling program for landscapes,
and Poser 5 is a lower-end 3D modelling program for human
figures/characters. The 2 programs typically use the .obj format, but
may be able to covert to .stl using a special plugin. Are you familiar
with Bryce and Poser a all? Also, Macromedia's Director MX supports
simple 3D modelling, but I've have to check into the supported 3D
formats for export.

omniscientbeing-ga
GA Researcher