Re: Looking For something

Why 3d? Because it looks better when I have to present the finished
product.
I have had experience with using 3d type programs such as 3D studio
but this program can make stunning 3D models but nothing will be to
scale and I wont have any dimensions, I was just after a more
specialized program in what I'm trying to do.

I'll try and get my hands on a copy of inventor to see if it's what
I'm after, I have seen some pictures of it before and it did look
interesting.

Rhino3d is more more of your 3d generating program and less accurate,
yeah?

Thanks for your help Mick

>
> Why 3D? are you going to use 3D machining techniques on these or

is

> this for illustration? Are you looking for full 3D (rotate the
> object in space) type functions or an isometric view of the
> structure to use in a brochure or assembly drawing? The reason I
> ask is that if it's for pure illustration there are lower cost
> alternatives to full 3D modeling software.
>
> Being able to build things in 3D prior to bending steel has
> advantages but you can do a lot of fit and form in 2D. There is a
> pretty steep learning curve on the 3D applications but once you
> master them most of the group says you will never go back to doing
> 2D design.
>
> Autocad has several specialized applications that are aimed at

doing

> 3D type fabrication. They have a whole series. One is
> called "Inventor". They ship with a lot of canned shapes and
> fasteners. There are others that may have more of what you want in
> the way of pre-built objects.
>
> Rhino3D is less expensive but i don't know what kind of canned
> objects you can get for it. It will import and use most 3D file
> formats and you can import 2D art and turn it into 3d objects.