3D printing is becoming a major asset for the fashion industry. As we've seen in previous blog posts, the shoe industry is actually taking full advantage of this new manufacturing process. This is one way to improve prototyping and production processes at many different companies. But to improve these processes, it's important to get the right 3D modeling software. Even if you don't want to 3D print your product, shoe design software can really improve your shoe design process on different levels.
If you work in the shoe industry, this article can help you understand how 3D design software can improve your company's production. We'll also give you some tips for choosing the right shoe design software with our selection of some of the best programs.
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1. Why does the shoe industry use 3D printing?
Maybe you have a question: Why do you need 3D printing to make shoes?
- Improve product development process
Additive manufacturing is increasingly being used in the fashion industry. In fact, it's a great way to create prototypes and finished products. Why is this technology attractive to fashion companies? This is a great way to create intricate designs of clothes, shoes or even accessories with complete freedom. Each design can be 3D printed.
Also, it is now possible to print with different 3D printing materials, and obviously there is one that will be right for your project. Flexible materials are great for clothing, but any rigid material can also be used for accessories or shoe parts, such as high heels. This technology can actually open up a wide range of new possibilities for your company.
Keep in mind that you're not necessarily talking about 3D printing an entire shoe, which can be used, for example, to create a custom sole for a customer.
- Suitable for both small and large companies
This manufacturing process is now used by small companies such as Feetz, but it is also used by large companies such as Adidas to develop Futurecraft 4D. If you want to learn more about the benefits of 3D printing for the shoe industry, check out our previous articles.
Jean-Marc Pedeboy, CEO of Stratégies, a company that develops CAD software for the footwear industry, explained to us: “Thanks to 3D printing services such as Sculpteo, small companies can also use this technology. Buy expensive 3D machines to manufacture products." Small companies are more likely to choose 3D printing for product development, and it is a good way for them to optimize and reduce costs.
In fact, it is much cheaper to manufacture different iterations of a product using additive manufacturing techniques. But to do that, you need a 3D modeling software.
2. Why do you need 3D modeling software?
Why do we need 3D modeling software?
- Improve product development process
Using CAD software and 3D printing can reduce the price of prototypes by a factor of 10.
Furthermore, brands today have to create new collections faster, a task that is impossible using traditional prototyping methods. Prototyping with 3D printing is amazing. Modifying models and creating iterations with the right 3D programs can help you save time and money. With these software tools, you will be able to revise and Adjust your design.
- to visualize
Now instead of just 2D patterns, get full 3D shoe designs with photorealistic renderings.
For example, textures and paintings can be added to 3D models so that you and the client can better visualize the finished product in the future. It becomes crucial to get a good shoe software, this way, your clients will be able to visualize the shoe designs you create. These 3D sketches will be a true and accurate representation of your final product. A good visualization of the product before the manufacturing process is essential, it will allow for last touches to get the best finished product.
- How to choose the perfect 3D shoe software?
3D software can be difficult to use. The first thing to consider when choosing software is to verify the level of experience required to use it.
If you've never used modeling software before, some advanced programs can be difficult to use, and you won't be able to achieve perfect results. You must also examine the 3D tools you need to create footwear designs and make sure the software you want to use can meet your needs.
Can design elements be added? Are the visualization options advanced enough? Can I export 3D files? These are all aspects to consider.
So, what 3D modeling software is suitable for shoe design? Basically it can be divided into two categories: 3D software specifically for shoe design, and general 3D modeling software that can be used to design shoe designs.
3. Special software for shoe 3D design
3.1 Shoemaster
Shoemaster is a great program for beginners. You won't have much freedom when using this program, as you can only choose between a few designs. However, if you don't have any previous 3D modeling experience, it might be a good solution and you can still create beautiful shoe designs using both 2D and 3D. It's an easy-to-use program that customizes shoes to fit your client's morphology!
3.2 CAD3D+
ICad3D+ is a software that lets you work with 3D designs and 2D patterns. This is a solution that improves accuracy and saves time. The program offers different packages, depending on what you want from the shoe design process: pattern engineering, 3D design or all the different options.
3.3 Romans CAD
Romans CAD is an amazing shoe design program that efficiently creates all shoe prototypes. It is an exact plan, entirely dedicated to the creation of footwear and leather goods. It is a cloud-based program that enables teams to work faster and be more efficient. In fact, it's a great way to facilitate communication between designers and manufacturers.
"It's a cloud-based software" explains Jean-Marc Pedeboy, "The fashion industry is constantly evolving and brands have to work faster. Romans CAD provides better communication and collaboration for those working in the shoe industry".
3.4 InkXE
This custom shoe design software comes with advanced shoe design tools. This is a great option if you need to generate 3D models for clients to better visualize shoe projects. You can access various customization options and design elements with the InkXE Shoe Designer program.
4. General modeling software that can design 3D shoes
Powerful general-purpose 3D modeling software can also be used to design 3D models of shoes, but often requires a longer learning period.
4.1 Way
Shoe brand Keen Shoes actually uses the 3D modeling software Modo. In fact, it is a creative 3D modeling software that allows the development of new ideas with great accuracy and complete freedom. This program has helped them create the ideal product for the comfort of their customers, as the shoes do have an optimized design.
4.2 Maya
Maya is an efficient 3D modeling software that can be used in many different applications. Just as the fashion industry can take full advantage of all the software tools Maya has to offer, so can the footwear industry. It's a complex piece of software, but if you're creating shoes with a professional designer, it's probably one of the best ways to get an accurate 3D model of your shoe project!
4.3 ZBrush
We saw earlier that good visualization of a project is crucial, especially for fashion projects. ZBrush actually offers great rendering options. This is an amazing CAD program that you can use to create 2D patterns and 3D designs. Keep in mind that this software has advanced tools and is aimed at experienced users.
SculptGL is a free cloud-based sculpting software that can be regarded as a free replacement for ZBrush, give it a try!
4.4 Fusion360
Fusion 360 is ideal for this type of project because it is a cloud-based software that allows team members to communicate faster and work on the same version of the project. It has advanced software tools for solid, mesh and parametric modeling. However, if you already have 3D modeling experience, it is best to use this 3D software.
Since this 3D modeling software has a huge community, it's easy to find video tutorials to help you with your projects.
4.5 CorelDraw
CorelDraw helps you work on 2D or 3D projects. This graphics kit offers some great features to help you create your shoe projects. The program has a user-friendly interface and it will give you some great benefits if you need to 3D print some shoe designs.
5. Model format conversion
The shoe design software you choose, the 3D model format that can be exported may not meet the needs other than 3D printing, such as visualization, interactive marketing games, etc., then don’t miss the powerful 3D format conversion tool NSDT 3DConvert :
NSDT 3DConvert is a cloud-based application that supports conversion between GLB, GLTF, FBX, OBJ, DAE, STEP, STL, PLY and other 3D formats, and supports online preview.
Original Link: 3D Modeling and Printing of Shoes—BimAnt