At Sierra Design Studios, we use a variety of different 3D software. While we are always on the search for new and exciting programs to expand our clients design potential, the software listed below summarizes the foundation programs on which most of our models are built.
First off is Rhinoceros 3D, most often referred to simply as Rhino. Rhino is a stand-alone, NURBS-based 3D modeling tool, developed by Robert McNeel & Associates. The software is commonly used for industrial design, architecture, marine design, jewelry design, automotive design, CAD / CAM, rapid prototyping, reverse engineering as well as the multimedia and graphic design industries. In plainer terms, it’s an incredibly powerful 3D modeling tool which crosses over a variety of industries making it one of 3D modelings most commonly used programs. Being as it’s so well traveled, bouncing from architects to jewelers to sneaker designers, it provides a bit of a common ground and language for a number of designers to gather upon.
The software I turn to most often is Gemvision’s Matrix 3D Design Software. I truly can’t speak highly enough of the software or the Gemvision corporation. Matrix is a Rhino/NURBS based program designed specifically for the jewelry industry. While it has many jeweler friendly builders, say for pave’, bezel building, signet rings, or other common jewelry projects, it can most definitely be used for projects outside of the scope of the jewelers bench. The Matrix development team is constantly examining and re-evaluating the tools and concepts used in their software. Thanks to this proactive approach, the software is always being streamlined, modified, & improved to help their users expand their design capabilities and increase chances of success in their design projects. In addition to Matrix design software, Gemvision also offers CAM systems (Revo Milling System, Aureus DT System) and CounterSketch Studio which allows retail jewelers to create virtual inventory. One of the things that makes this piece of software so attractive is it’s collaboration with other companies such as Stuller, and pieces of software such as V-Ray and T-Splines. To learn more, please view the web and video links below.
http://www.gemvision.com/html/products/matrix/matrix.html
Gemvision’s CAD/CAM Overview Featuring Testimonials
Gemvision\’s Matrix 6 \’Computer Aided Creativity\’ video
Last up is T-Splines for Rhino. Generally when designing in Rhino, the designer begins by drawing out curves that represent the shape of your model, then creating surfaces from the curves. Often the curves don’t lead to the surface the designer is looking for. So, you head back to the curves and tweak things until you get the surface you desire, which can be extremely tedious and time consuming. With T-Splines rather than returning to the beginning of the process to make tweaks, you can explore design changes by pushing and pulling the surface and viewing changes in real time. This gives the designer the ability to create organic models in a more intuitive way.