Switching from Solidworks

[sullivanmark123]

Hi all,

I'm currently seeking out for a new modelling program to best suit my needs. I'm working on 3D modelling of products which will be used in an iOS app. I know the ins and outs of solidworks but when it comes down to to modelling realistic sofas, beds and pillows, the program doesn't suit the job. I need a modelling software that I can pick up quickly which is built for modelling geometric and organic products. The ability to add dimensions in the modelling program is crucial also. 

I've considered both 3ds max and maya but im looking to get feedback on this topic. I don't have time to spend weeks learning a new program to find out its not suitable for the task at hand. I need a program thats suitable coming from a solidworks background.

I would appreciate any help on this topic. 

[leeminardi · Accepted solution]

If "...the ability to add dimensions in the modelling program is crucial" then 3ds Max alone will not be sufficient for your needs.  There are no dimensioning features in Max nor the ability to produce formal engineering drawings (multi view within a title block). Since I would think high precision is not a requisite for modeling the soft components of a pillow or couch I think a good  workflow would be to do organic shape modeling in Max and then import a NURBS model  (via IGES) or tessellated model (via stl) to Solidworks (or Autodesk Inventor).  3ds Max's goal is usually to produce a good looking picture or animation and not so much a precise geometric model.

[sullivanmark123]

Thanks for your reply.
I could use that workflow where I go back and forth from Solidworks. I just
want to clarify if you think 3Ds Max is the best program to use for what I
am trying to achieve. Is this the best option for me with a solidworks
background or is the any other program which would benefit me more? I was
also looking at maya and fusion 360 for this but I'm not sure. I want to
try avoid using blender.

[brentscannell · Accepted solution]

I think you might might best fill your needs with a hybrid of products such and Inventor for any hard surface products with strict physical requirements, and then 3ds Max to handle both the soft surface products as wel as to aggregate the final versions of your hard surface content (via imports) with your soft surface content. I've seen the the CAD/3ds Max combo a few times in the furniture visualization industry.

[leeminardi]

There are several tutorials online showing how to model furniture with Max.  You might find it helpful to skim through a few of them to see the process and results.  This will help you determine if it is right for you. I searched "3ds Max modeling furniture" in youtube and got the following.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4zYxRXFKD4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LB4iBow1Y1Q

As you will see in the vids, a lot of "eyeballing" is used and you typically are working with a mesh of one sort or another.  It is a much different process than you would use with Solidworks where you work with lofting and blending of surfaces.

I have not used Maya or Fusion.