CAD/CAM modelling for sculpture

[Sculptocast]

I am really interested in the concept Olivier describes of creating 3D computer files that can then be made into physical sculptures. I've started looking into the software and hardware requirements and they look quite daunting - and expensive! I would like to know what you have used, Olivier, and also if anyone else has experimented in this field.

No doubt this will be a controversial subject, as any departure from the classical methods always is, but surely this is destined to become one of the ways of the future?

[olivier]

I have not done any digital sculptures this year… I have explored the process using tools such as mudbox (difficult) and Daz studio ( very easy for the human figure.)

Both works on a standard PC or Mac with a good graphic card…

I really used these tools to create a “blank” which I then refined, modified etc manually.

The cost is in the actual 3D printing. These printers are still too expensive for the general public. You have to send the file to a specialist shop in your area. Very costly. (there are also online businesses such as http://www.shapeways.com )
Once I have a printed model I take a silicone rubber mold from it to make a wax copy which I can work on using traditional methods…

This is mostly for small scale works but I know of people who have used the technology for monumental enlargements. The enlargements is not printed but milled out of a block of polystyrene.

You do not have to model on the computer… You can also scan an existing object in 3D and then modify it on the computer. Same problem here: costs. These 3d scanners are not cheap or you need to rent time and expertise at great costs. ( There are some machines that can scan an entire human body to high level of definitions.. Cost is prohibitive for now but one day this will spell the end of alginate molds for life castings… My dentist is already scanning existing teeth and printing new ones on the spot… )

Then you are only half way there. How to use a 3D software to work on the mesh file produced by the scanner? Many of these 3D modelling softwares have a very steep learning curve… Some private school specialises in training people over a 6 months to two years program. They are filling the gap left by traditional fine art schools who have been slow in adopting new technologies…

Blender is a free open source product. The old mother of 3D is Autodesk 3ds max. I also like Mudbox but still a bit young perhaps. There is also http://www.rhino3d.com and many others. In any case I am in no way an expert. I only have limited experience with mudbox (the trial version..)

You are right to say that this is the way of future… As more people use these 3D scanners, software and printers, the cost will come down, even more people will use the technology and who knows what wonderful things will emerge… Not only in art, I can foresee a day in the not too distant future where if you need a new toothbrush, you will not buy it from a shop but print it on your desktop…

As artists, I think we should wholeheartedly embrace and adopt these new technologies… Sure there will be some controversy " This is not art" but if people think that computers have a magical "make art" button, they are very much mistaken...

[eleesha]

What is a good first time CAD software? I have never used a CAD program before, but that doesn't mean i want a cheap limited one. I wouldn't like it to be highly professional. It will be my first time using one, so it has to be good for beginners. Preferably at around the 50 price range?
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