Autodesk just released several new free 3D design programs as free downloads, under the name "123D". I haven't had time try it out yet, but it looks promising. Autodesk is maker of AutoCad, the longtime industry standard professional CAD program and I suspect this is their response to the extreme popularity of the free Sketchup 3D software. 123D is available for PC, Mac, iPad and there are also online versions.
One version, 123D Design is focused on producing models that can be sent directly to 3D printers. Another, 123D Make looks like it might be of considerable interest to paper modelers because it's focus is on producing printable and assemblable models. It says it allows PDF output, too. It looks fun.
Anyway, I'll be checking this stuff out as time permits and I thought some of you guys would be interested, too. Here's the links:
http://usa.autodesk.com/autodesk-123d/
http://www.youtube.com/user/123d
One version, 123D Design is focused on producing models that can be sent directly to 3D printers. Another, 123D Make looks like it might be of considerable interest to paper modelers because it's focus is on producing printable and assemblable models. It says it allows PDF output, too. It looks fun.
Anyway, I'll be checking this stuff out as time permits and I thought some of you guys would be interested, too. Here's the links:
http://usa.autodesk.com/autodesk-123d/
http://www.youtube.com/user/123d