3D Rendering Software

[=[PULSAR]=]

I know this probably isn't in the right section but I figure this is where I would get the most hits. I've have seen a couple people do project builds and before they started building they did a 3D render of what their finished project would look like. I'm trying to build a new case out of acrylic and not sure how it is going to look and need to see how it will look configured. Does anyone know the software that was used for those renders?

-Thanks Ryan:)

[NaeKuh]

solid works.

very expensive.

[=[PULSAR]=]

how hard is it to use?

[NaeKuh]

that i couldnt tell ya.

I would have no use to buy the software to use it.

[joecop120]

Solidworks is pretty easy to learn for basic features. I taught myself by doing all of the tutorials, and then practicing with everyday objects. If you are a student, you can get a good deal on an academic edition through your school.

[Petra]

Solidworks is one option, but I'd hardly consider it an ideal solution for a modder's project planning due to its learning curve and just how much of a PITA it is to do anything with it (comparatively speaking). Nevermind the difference between modeling and rendering, with Solidworks being primarily for the former.

OP, most of the people who are posting worklogs with models of what they're aiming to accomplish are using Google SketchUp (basic version is free to download and use). It's very easy to work with and there are several, very large online model databases that you can download parts from (like waterblocks, pumps, radiators, etc.) to speed along your build planning.

[ScottAllyn]

for your needs, I bet Google Sketchup (http://sketchup.google.com/) would suffice. You're not going to get photo-realistic renders but you'll certainly be able to get a feel for what your build will look like. You *can* use some 3rd-party apps to get photo-realistic renders from Sketchup models but that seems like overkill for what you're asking about.

As far as ease-of-use goes, it's definitely easier to pick up than Solidworks, but how much easier really depends on you and how close you are to the "model user" that the interface was designed for (i.e. whether the interface is intuitive to you or not). I picked it up pretty quickly, but I've been dabbling in these types of programs for far too long. :D There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube.

Edit: Funny - Petra and I posted about the same thing at the same time. :D

[Mick64]

You can use Google SketchUp to create your design, then render it using Kerkythea. Both are free and quite simple to use. Examples.......:D

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/mickcox64/MyWBMKIV-Split-01.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk77/mickcox64/BP45-12s.jpg

[just a noob]

i wouldn't recommend solidworks, i use it at school, took me 2 months just to learn how to use it properly, plus its outrageous($4000+) so i would say google sketchup instead mainly because its free

[Locke]

Dassualt has raised the price of SW uop over 7k i believe for the 2009 version. Rhinoceros 3D is a GREAT renderer some of Shrek was done in it. There is a third party add on called Flamingo that is really really good. Also Rhino new is $1200, but you might be able to get a student copy for less than $300. I used SW to help design my case, and it worked pretyt well, im gonna finish it off then take what I have learned and build a new one at the end of the year. In this section do a search for "Wyrm" and you can see how I used it.

[Vapor]

OP, most of the people who are posting worklogs with models of what they're aiming to accomplish are using Google SketchUp (basic version is free to download and use). It's very easy to work with and there are several, very large online model databases that you can download parts from (like waterblocks, pumps, radiators, etc.) to speed along your build planning.Any links to these databases? I'm curious :p:

[ScottAllyn]

Nice renders Mick!

Pulsar, as a much more simple example, here's a quick hack that I did to an existing Sketchup model of a stock Mountain Mods U2-UFO to see what my idea for a different front panel might look like:

http://www.scottallyn.com/images/mm-render1.jpg

...and here's what I just got in the mail:

http://www.scottallyn.com/images/mm-new-front.png

Sketchup did the trick for me. :)

[ScottAllyn]

Any links to these databases? I'm curious :p:

Here's one: http://scc.jezmckean.com/

The Sketchup parts on that site make it real easy to throw parts into your virtual case to try out different configurations before ever laying hands on any parts:

http://www.scottallyn.com/images/mm-custom-front-2.jpg

[=[PULSAR]=]

So far its working pretty well just have to learn all the controls, I'm having a tough time lining up and moving pieces. Did you just send a render into MM and they shot you a product?

[ScottAllyn]

You probably could send them a render and have them work up a drawing from it, but they'll charge you for that work. Once I verified, in Sketchup, that the panel would look okay, I made a dimensioned drawing in AutoCAD and sent that to MountainMods as a PDF file. This is the file, if you're curious:

http://www.scottallyn.com/images/MountainMods/front-panel-layout.pdf

Regarding the controls and lining parts up, watch some of the tutorials on YouTube - they should give you a good jump start.

[voigts]

Sketchup is the way to go for case modding designing. I spent about 40 hours with it designing my case completely before I ever built a thing. The case components collection is a great time saver.

Sketchup has it quirks which can drive you nuts learning them, especially lining corners up and such. It is very easy to have a tiny gap between line ends if you don't use point inferences. Once you get the hang of it though, it is a wonderful tool. I spent a lot of time on the case I made before this one also modeling it in Sketchup, and it took me a lot more time as I was learning the software. This time around, I could just jump in and start working right off of the bat.