3d printing and design software

[Robert Lambie]

i havent used any, but like you did consider it a while back. in end i think i downloaded some trial version software and gave it a go. took a while to find my feet one night, then closed it and went to bed. next time i opened it, it had expired and never tried again. :lol1:

i like the idea of being able to take a customers currant logo and creating some sort of 3D effect from it. (obviously depends on logo) but could be a good selling point. by that i mean, 3 sign makers offering same job, same price… in comes the guy offering same but the logo is 3D and a bit more expensive. it could sway the sale in your favour. a bit like what digital prints do over cut vinyl these days…

[Becky Freemantle]

You might be interested in ArtCAM Express 2011 http://www.artcamexpress.com It has just been released and only starts at £99. It is a good start point if you are new to CADCAM and it enables you to import 3D artwork or access a library of 3D clipart so you can quickly create 3D signs. you can also buy extra modules if you need extra functionality at a later date. One of those is the Texture toolpath module, which can be used to add texture to a sign.

[Phill Fenton]

Thanks for your reply Becky. My reason for asking was because my daughter had been using Rhino 3d as part of her course in jewelry design at Dundee University. I was intrigued by it’s capabilities and had wondered about it’s use as a signmaking tool.

She has subsequently bought Rhino for her studies and intends to specialise in 3d modeling her designs. She will use a 3rd party 3d printing process to produce a wax model which can subsequently be used to produce items in precious metal such as silver using the hot wax displacement moulding process.

I’m also thinking about becoming a Jeweler instead of a signmaker as it seems like a lot of fun 😀

[David Rowland]

Rhino is very much like Autocad… i love to use it again but its a object modelling software, not really a building design software… very expensive.

Start at the free Google Sketchup and see how you get on… its great fun

[Phill Fenton]

The pictures below show a model created in Rhino. My thoughts are to send the model off to be cnc routed in a material such as mdf – then use this as a master to create a fibreglass mould from which copies would be produced. Probably not really viable for a "one off" but could be used when multiple copies are required. Alternatively design and produce a master sign blank which could then be decorated and customised to suit the individual company?

If nothing else – it would make a nice Birthday cake 😕

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[Mo Gillis-Coates]

Nice Phill…. I use the 3d part of Photo Shop CS5 a lot, below is something that I produced with it the first time I messed around with it… it’s easy to use, especially if you know your way around photo shop.

Just as a point, have you seen the new desk top 3D printers…..? Check these links out. We wanted to try something like this for a product we are producing. They are cheaper than most decent digital solvent printers these days… One of the printers below is only around the £7k mark

This is ground breaking stuff!

http://www.desktopfactory.com/

http://www.youtube.com/rapidprotovideo# … vL8VZOQqGU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&v=TixcxANQSZg

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[Nicola McIntosh]

I have maya which is the most advanced 3d design software from autodesk who have a massive range of software, but have never looked into using it for signage, but I will now 😀

[Jason Davies]

It’s good to demonstrate visuals to customers, started using Infini D on a Mac back in 96 which was very impressive for customers, especially printing work out via photoshop. Not bothered tthat much now. The last time I used it I used Lightwave which was interesting. I find I can do most of the presentation stuff in Illustrator.

It is very good if you want to animate certain things like lights coming on etc.

[Michael Kalisperas]

I use to use 3d studio max when I worked at the BBC but these days I use cinema 4d on a mac it’s fantastic for the odd design but most times it’s quicker for me to simulate 3d in illustrator. I would recommend cinema 4d though to anyone. 3G studio is a bit expensive 😉

[Elena kalispera]

It’s all Greek to me polygons and coordinates headache I just like simple old fashion design!!! X

[Michael Kalisperas]

Hahaha just tell me to my face babe yiur only meters away!! Sorry guys domestic!!!

[Martin Pearson]

Yer, lets have no domestics here please :lol1: :lol1:

Sure it could have all sorts of uses for the sign trade, after all we already have 3D signs made from signroc and equivalent materials.
Not sure what the cost to use these is like to be honest, have seen some very detailed prototypes produced but for that sort of application then cost is maybe not quite so relevant.

[Michael Kalisperas]

oh domestics that what this business does to you 🙂 STRESSFUL

All good though in the end unlike some clients 🙂