We heard the huge chatter across the 3D world recently about 3DTin, an impressive web-based 3D modelling tool. What? 3D modelling in a browser? Yes. True.There are tons of limitations, however. Essentially, 3DTin uses a simple building block approach, much like assembling a structure out of Lego blocks. In this way rudimentary models may be produced easily. But who would want rudimentary 3D models?
We do.
We need simple designs suitable for printing on home 3D printers. 3DTin may be the ticket to producing a lot of simple, printable models for many 3D modelling novices. The price is right, too: Free!
Here are some of the best features:
- Several features found in any 3D modelling tool, like color, measurements, views, simple object manipulation
- STL format export
- Surface smoothing
- Offline support to edit while not connected
- Social media features, ranking, etc.
- flattr integration
- 2D-Manifold violation detection
- Simplified Thingiverse submission process
Although the basis of the tool is the crude concept of “cubes” that are individually placed to gradually shaping an object, there are some significant restrictions, and building anything complex is kinda tedious. But for many, this may be the only way they can attempt 3D modelling.
