Modding Case mod designer software?

i am looking for to design for my new case, but am sick of drawing or using photoshop.

i thought i would like doing on any CAD software, but been tried on autoCAD from my father but too complicated to me..
so is anyone know which software is recommend for case modify design?

 

For 3d modeling I use 3ds max... though a lot of people on these forums prefer to use sketchup (which doesn't produce very good renders =x)

 

Most people around here seem to use sketchup, since its so easy to use. The website doesn't seem to be working right now though...

 

thanks to all... yeah sketchup is down atm, will check it later tonight..
i know 3d studio about produce best renders but i only know how to make a tea pot lol

 

I almost exclusively use Rhino3D. http://www.rhino3d.com Far easier than AutoCAD or 3DStudio for modelling. And with the Flamingo plugin, it does some amazing renderings. Not surprising since Robert McNeel & Associates started out making rendering plugins for AutoCAD in the early 90s. Here's a couple examples of what I've done with it recently..
Concept of a turbo intake for a 16valve Mercedes 190E:

My personal case project:

 

Myself, I use Lightwave 3D which is a very good 3D package with an amazing renderer, good layout, and is easy to use.
I also have access to Maya, but don't think it fits nice when doing tight measures and similiar.

 

I would like to second the Lightwave 3D recommendation. Though I've never used it for designing a case, it is by far the best 3D animation software I've ever used (which includes Rhino, Maya, 3DSM, and Bryce). And coupled with the suite software of Aura 2, video toaster, frame factory, etc, it is like a dream.

*melts*

 

wow dude that case will look soooooooo sweet, i wana watch the progress when u start that project, thats dam inspiring stuff

 

Thanks! The worklog is here: http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=52981

Twilighted: In all fairness, Rhino3D isn't an animation package. More of a 'pure' modelling deal. When I want to animate something, I usually model it in Rhino and import it to 3DStudio Max for texture and animation.

I still miss the way 3DS was laid out in DOS before it was Max.

 

rhino pwns all
me loves rhino

 

what software you use really depends on why you want to model your case.
i.e. if you want to make an ultra-realistic rendering use autoCAD/Rhino, but if you want to just play with some ideas and then actually make the case, use sketchup.
See the thread in my sig for examples of what can be done...

 

sketchup is $475!!! I thought it was free

 

it can be

 

Most CAD sftware is available in a free, or very cheap educational version.

I use Pro/Engineer which is the daddy for complex mechanism design. You can get pro/desktop free from ptc.com which is it's chopped down little brother.

 

*cough*linky*cough*

 

anyone that knows how to use sketchup well, could you add me to msn

unbroken_traditions@hotmail.com

i seem to be having a few "problems"

The guy that wants sketchup for free, add me aswell i will send you it, its only 10mb and i'm on 1mb connection anyway (Y)



Over and out

Jang

 

There are tutorials on how to use it on the sketchup site, and it's pretty easy anyway.

I'm learning 3D Studio Max so as soon as I get good at that, I will probably use it.

 

pencil and paper, all you ever need.

 

Bah, you don't even need that much Thats what your minds for .

 

i use...

I use Maya. yes the program where its almost impossibal to make a cube. LOL. Personally its not the greatest. but being able to add fur to my computer is kind of interesting. LOL