Texturing

3D Printing Post-processing
1

I’m not sure if this is the correct place to post this. But, since I don’t see a category elsewhere for 3rd party software, I’m giving it a go. Is there any software out there for texturing the surface of a print? Say, I designed a small box and wanted to add either a stone or wood surface to it, is there a program out there that would make this easy to do? I’ve designed programs in CAD (CorelDraw) to texture 2D, but I’m not aware of anything in the 3D software area. I haven’t received my printer yet, but I’m starting to look into software. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Lewi

2

Hi Lewi,

The short answer is yes.

The two most popular programs for producing a textured model are Mudbox and zbrush.

Unlike bump mapping, applying a material or decal to simulate a textured surface, the surface mesh actually needs to be displaced, and mudbox and zbrush were specifically written to displace or sculpt 3d surfaces. Most higher end 3d programs will allow a certain amount of displacement and even have some decent sculpting tools (modo and 3ds max). But for truly awesome results look into mudbox and zbrush.