1-What is 3D printing?

3D printing is a process that makes it possible to create an actual object from a 3D file. The object is formed by applying successive layers of solid material. This technology gives its owner the ability to save time and money and offer design freedom.

2-What software should I use if I’m a beginner in 3D design?

– Google provides a free, easy to use application called Google Sketchup. This tool allows you to design everything you want in 3D, through an intuitive interface, and offers free 3D models for download.

-Autodesk’s Tinkercad is one of the most popular classroom tools for creating simple designs from scratch, quickly modifying existing designs. It’s a free online 3D design program that you can use in your web browser without downloading any software.

– Wings 3D is another free 3D application; the website has a forum, which is very useful to find answers to all your questions.

– Blender is available for free, but targets a more experienced audience.

– Newcomer Sculptris works like you are sculpting directly from clay.

– Make Human is a free specialized in human body 3D designs and lets you play with all body and face details. Amazing!

(versions compatible with the site for 3D printing: “Nightly Build” or v. 0.9.1).

– GLC Player is a free application which allows you to easily view 3D models. It’s lighter than regular modelling software so comes in handy when you just need to quickly check a 3D model before uploading it to sculpteo.com (are the materials properly linked to the model ? Are the textures in the right place? Has the model changed before and after the export?). GLC Player also lets you categorize 3D models into albums (like you would with a photo album).

3-Where can I get 3D files already designed

you can have a look in websites that might have a 3D model adapted to your needs.

-Thingiverse

-Cults 3D

-3D Via

-Google 3D Warehouse

-Turbosquid

-123D Autodesk

-CGTrader