3D modeling programs

1

I want to do some 3D modeling onsite but I don’t have a laptop. Additionally, my cats have chewed through one of my desktop’s cords, so I can’t use it right now.
Do any of MakeICT’s computers have Blender or Lychee Slicer installed? According to the resin printing class I took, I need to create a model in a modeling program (Blender) and then run it through Lychee before I can move on to Prura Slice.
All three of these are free programs, but every computer I’ve checked (hallway laptops and FabLab desktops) has only Prura Slice installed. It doesn’t seem possible for me to design my own 3D model at MakeICT.

I would just install the programs myself but I don’t have admin access.

2 Likes
2

@IT (and checking on the recency of those PrusaSlicer versions would also be appreciated)

2 Likes
3

@IT Any updates? I’d gladly volunteer to help out if it’s an issue of time or labor. I really want to branch out into the FabLab.

1 Like
4

This was briefly mentioned in the IT meeting yesterday. I could probably have time sometime this week to come install these items on at least one of the laptops, though I’m not sure which day at the moment. If someone else from @IT has time to do this, please do and report back here.

1 Like
5

I have a class this evening and came a little early to get some of the laptops taken care of. Turns out I don’t have the admin credentials to install anything. Lychee and Blender are downloaded on the HenryFord (top right in the cart), I just couldn’t install it.

1 Like
6

Yeah, that’s the same issue we ran into with PrusaSlicer.

1 Like
7

So, first of all, I apologize for this taking so long. I didn’t make it to the space last week.

I did all of the following on the HenryFord laptop only.

I was able to install Blender, but Blender won’t run. It pops up an alert that the graphics card or driver version is not supported on the driver. I did check to see if the graphics card driver could be updated but it said that the newest available version is installed. Looking at the system requirements on the Blender web site the laptop is below that level of required platform. I suppose maybe an older version of Blender might work? Does anyone have suggestions there?

Because Blender won’t run, I did install FreeCAD. That does start and run. So that would be an option for 3D modeling if you want to use that.

I also installed LycheeSlicer and it seems to run. For some reason it didn’t put anything in the start menu, but I made a shortcut to the executable that is on the desktop.

4 Likes
8

Late to the thread but this is why I like Onshape. Browser based, log in anywhere no installation required. It’s not as artistic as blender but blender is a very steep learning curve anyway if you’re new it wouldn’t be my favorite to dive into.

1 Like
9

All previous versions of Blender are available for download and, in some cases, older versions are actually better/preferable over the latest release. It’s like Minecraft, some people stick with one iteration forever because they prefer the style or rely on extensions that no one updates. Last time I used Blender was years ago on my old PC so anything would be new and shiny for me.

2 Likes
10

Looks like onshape cam is part of the subscription services. As much as I dislike it, Fusion still seems to be the best, most accessible CAD/CAM package for hobbiests.