[Design and Technology] 3D CAD modeling software

[Katie Harris]

Hi Antony,

Rhino is a great modelling program for creating organic and irregular forms. It is reasonably easy to pick up, and has a decent in-built rendering platform.

The other options you could look at are Google Sketchup or Solidworks. Sketchup is free, which means students can use it at home and there is no cost to the school to run it. It is probably the easiest CAD program to begin with and there are thousands of great tutorials online. Of the three options, Solidworks is the most commonly used CAD program in manufacturing, engineering and product design industries. It is a parametric modelling system that allows for accurate dimensioning and simulations/analysis of parts and assemblies.

If you were solely looking at a CAD program for Product Design and Technology, I would definitely recommend Solidworks, but if it is intended to be used in broader and  more artistic ways, Rhino could be a very good option for you.


Get in touch with me if you want to know anything else or to see some student work (I have students from year 8 -12 working with Solidworks).

Good luck!

Katie Harris

Head of Faculty - Technology
Aitken College
1010  Mickleham Rd
Greenvale
93339179




From: destech-bounces at edulists.com.au [mailto:destech-bounces at edulists.com.au] On Behalf Of Antony Benson
Sent: Tuesday, 3 September 2013 12:18 PM
To: destech at edulists.com.au
Subject: [Design and Technology] 3D CAD modeling software

Dear All,

I was looking for some 3D CAD modeling software for our Senior school students - 10 to 12 .

We are interested in something that produces some complex surfaces, with photo realistic renders. It is intended to be used in our Product Design, Systems, Visual Communication and Design, Media  and Studio Arts classes.

Currently we are looking at Rhino 3D.

Any thoughts, suggestions?

Kind Regards

Antony


Antony Benson
Director of Teaching and Learning - Art, Technology, Design
Senior Campus
(03)5241 1577

[Christian College Geelong]

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