Basic 3D Design
(with SketchUp)
by Matt Thomas
Build.STL - Jan. 2017
Basic types of 3D design
- Wireframe
- Surface
- Solid
Most modern design applications have variations on all three types and are often expressed as display options.
Coordinates
All modeling software center around the cartesian coordinates system often notated as X, Y and Z.
Sometimes these same axes are represented with the colors red, green and blue.
The coordinate system can be represented using your hand to orient your mind to the appropriate axis.
I personally use my left hand with the middle finger representing X, index finger representing Y and thumb representing Z.
SketchUp 2017
Pros:
- Free - SketchUp Make 2017 User
- Simple to get started
- Numerous Extensions
- Tons of tutorials
http://www.sketchup.com/learn/videos - Surfaced based modeling
Cons:
- 3D printer support requires extension
- Surfaced based modeling
- Solid modeling - Pro version only ($675)
Drawing Demo
Small Case for Adafruit HUZZAH ESP8266 IoT Sensor
Recommended Extensions
Popular Alternatives
Autodesk Fusion 360
http://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360
Long ancestory of design products in AutoCAD
Free Startup License
Onshape
https://www.onshape.com/
Unlimited storage for public projects
Created by the same people that created Solidworks
Real-time collaboration, version control built-in
Questions?
Slides:
https://where.matsinet.codes/presentations/3d-design-with-sketchup
Feedback...
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- Matt Thomas
- Twitter: @matsinet
- Website (Work in progress): https://where.matsinet.codes
Slides: https://where.matsinet.codes/presentations/3d-design-with-sketchup