3d modeling question

[WoodBow]

I would like to buy a laptop with the primary use being 3d modeling. I began learning fusion 360 (could have been sketchup, i can't remember) several years ago but got distracted. I would like to start back learning again.

Are there any specific features I should consider in a laptop with 3d modeling being the primary use?

Also, what avenues have yall taken to learn fusion 360? I was using a free course on youtube previously and had no complaints.



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[intunegp]

System requirements for Autodesk Fusion

Keep in mind when referencing this:

Minimum​

Minimum is relevant for legacy hardware or newer ultraportable, low-power devices. These devices are generally sufficient for basic modeling activities like learning CAD or slicing STLs, but may struggle to navigate hundred-component assemblies, long chains of parametric design history, or mission-critical toolpaths, as well as the high resolution graphics associated with these workflows.

Recommended​

Recommended reflects a minimum hardware performance baseline for professionals and those with mission-critical, resource-heavy workflows with local processing, large assemblies, or longtail parametric history, rendered with high quality canvas graphics and DPI scaling.

Tool path generation and simulation are multi-threaded operations that will benefit from an increase in core count. The user interface and many modeling operations will benefit from an increase in single-threaded clock speed.

 

[desertdwellerdyl]

I would like to buy a laptop with the primary use being 3d modeling. I began learning fusion 360 (could have been sketchup, i can't remember) several years ago but got distracted. I would like to start back learning again.

Are there any specific features I should consider in a laptop with 3d modeling being the primary use?

Also, what avenues have yall taken to learn fusion 360? I was using a free course on youtube previously and had no complaints.



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If you’re leaning laptop than you’ll end up getting a gaming laptop or some type of workstation (independent performance graphics card, lots of RAM, SSD, etc…). I ran a MSI Raider GE75 that was good for assemblies with hundreds of parts.

In terms of learning fusion 360 or more importantly learning how to use CAD tools just start making stuff. The easiest/quickest way would be to buy a 3D printer and try to design and print things.

Fusion 360 is decent for designing parts but horrible for assembly. I used it for a year at a small defense company.

Why do you want to get into designing/CAD?

 

[WoodBow]

Laptop for sure due to the fact that I will use it a lot at work. I work in radiology and sometimes have a lot of downtime that I would like to try to be productive during.


My initial projects will be gears for some things I am working on. But my interest are likely the same as everyone else who gets into 3d printing. I'd like to be able to design and make things that solve problems.

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[Beendare]

I was using Sketchup on macbook pro.
My business partner has a hot stuff laptop with an additional large monitor he uses with Autocad.

My only comment is do the research on which program is the most intuitive and easy to use. For example, I had Sketchup doing amazing things in a few days.

It takes years to be proficient in Autocad.

 

[Kurts86]

It doesn’t really take a super laptop to run 3D modeling software, I’ve seen it done with basically any midrange laptop that isn’t a surface pro/chromebook if you aren’t doing much with assemblies or FEA.

The hardcore CAD laptops I’ve had in the past were effectively gaming computers, they were 17” 15 lb monster computers to do a lot of serious modeling work. They were so big/expensive that honestly they aren’t worth it for anything less than professional use 1,000 hours per year.

 

[WoodBow]

What about touch screen and stylus use? Does that make anything any easier? I assume a larger display is beneficial?

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[Fowl Play]

No need for touch screen and stylus, they are not precise enough for CAD work. Only people I've ever seen use them are game designers grabbing surfaces of models to make things "look nice". When measurements are critical, you are not drawing anything. You are using a mouse to choose CenterPoint of a circle, then typing a diameter/radius dimension, etc.

The link above for system requirements is good, but agree if dealing in simple models you don't need anything crazy. If you think you may start opening larger assemblies or very complex/detailed parts in the future, go 16GB+ on RAM. RAM goes along way for CAD software (can be RAM heavy) and is considerably cheap compared to other components like processors, etc. My work laptop had 64GB of RAM but I was working with enormous assemblies (10,000+ parts)

I 100% agree with the comment above of just start making stuff to learn. Find a basic tutorial on youtube to get you rolling and then just start making something. If you can't figure out how to do what you want to do. Google that specific thing and you'll find a video on how to do it. Majority of the basic stuff for CAD software is intuitive and can be figured out through button clicks. The more advanced stuff you learn as needed. You could sit through a 100hr course "learning" all the advanced stuff, but you will have forgotten it by the time you need it the first time, and will wind up googling it anyways

 

[PredatoryProwler]

I run fusion 360 on an old thinkpad with 16gb of ram. As for learning fusion 360 I watched some video series on YouTube a while ago and whenever I come across something I have a question about there is usually either an Autodesk support thread, a YouTube video or a reddit post with someone who has had the same issue.

 

[flyfisher117]

How far down the rabbit hole do you want to go? Will you be designing and creating small widgets or do you want to start down the path of larger assemblies some day?

If you’re not planning on larger assemblies, structural or fluid analysis, or any sort of tool path creation you can get away with a lot less. If you want to do any of the above you will start running into performance issues.

I prefer big screens, but I’m staring at it 10 hours a day. I have never had a situation where I wanted touch screen or stylus. 14-15” would be ok for me.

I have ran out of RAM, and still fight it sometimes. I’m working in larger assemblies. Lots of STP models, lots of fasteners, many levels deep. Depending what you want I’d say no less than 16gb.

I have never really had an issue with the lower end graphics cards our PCs have. Occasionally I’ll have some lag on a nasty imported STP model. Though I am not rendering or doing any graphics heavy tasks short of rotating the model etc.

 

[WoodBow]

I do not anticipate ever working on large multi part renderings. I will not be doing it professionally. Only as the average tinkererer. When I messed with it before, I was using my work Lenovo think pad. And it worked just fine. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything if I'm buying one basically only for this purpose.

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[Dos Perros]

@WoodBow have you looked at OnShape? It's a free online modeling software from the same folks as SolidWorks. I have been using SolidWorks for the last few years but just now trying out OnShape and I dig it. I think it's perfect for a hobbyist. And it runs on your browser so you don't need much computing power.

 

[taskswap]

@WoodBow have you looked at OnShape? It's a free online modeling software from the same folks as SolidWorks. I have been using SolidWorks for the last few years but just now trying out OnShape and I dig it. I think it's perfect for a hobbyist. And it runs on your browser so you don't need much computing power.

I second the vote for OnShape. I know Fusion 360 and a few other 3D modeling tool and found OnShape to be the most user-friendly of the bunch, even over SketchUp. And if your primary goal is 3D printing (this is the gear-mods section...) it has direct outputs specifically for that. And no worries about system requirements - a Chromebook can probably handle it.

If you want to do complex assemblies I'd say Fusion is better but if you're just learning, why have the tool itself get in the way of your goal?

 

[WoodBow]

I have not heard of that but I will certainly check it out. I might even be able to use it on a work computer without involving IT to add a program.

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[PredatoryProwler]

I have ran out of RAM, and still fight it sometimes.

Just download some more lol

 

[uglymud]

I'm just starting to lean into the parametric cad programs. I used microstation a bit previously, but drawing foundation plans and rebar layouts is pretty simple.

Still relatively new, but between Onshape and Fusion, I really like Fusion. That could just be because I found better tutorials, though. The learn fusion 360 in 30 days series on YouTube has provided a lot of knowledge.

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