Cubify Invent Tutorial #1

I've decided to use the time while my Cube is being loaned out to a museum to take a hard look at the new Cubify Invent CAD software.  And, I'll be sharing what I'm learning with you.

I'm a firm believer that ignorance is a benefit when it comes to creating tutorials to be used by other new users.  Experts often bypass what was helpful to them as they learned the product for the first time.  I like to create tutorials while my struggles are fresh in my mind, knowing that other will be going through those same struggles.

Keep it simple.

Tutorials are not only helpful at learning various operations of a product; but, also provide some strategies for attacking the learning process.  In this regard, my strategy is simple.  Don't take on too much at once.  Use one drawing tool and see what can be done with it by applying the modifying tools.

In this tutorial we use only the CIRCLE drawing tool.  We then apply various modifying tools like Mirror, Offset and Extrude.  It's surprising what can be accomplished using this simple learning strategy.

So, here it is... our first tutorial for Cubify Invent...

As you can see, if we try not to be too ambitious as we learn a new product, we can get a very good feel for the potential.  And, for a sub-$50 product, Cubify Invent is VERY powerful!

Cost vs. Other Considerations

I can already tell that I will probably not be as productive, in terms of time, with Cubify Invent as I am with Moment of Inspiration (MOI).  But, MOI is 6 times more expensive.  And, having a lower cost alternative that can get the job done just as well, if not as quickly, is a huge deal.  And, I can already tell that there are some things in Cubify Invent that are missing in MOI.  So, I cannot see myself limited to one product or the other now that I have both.

The feature were I change the original drawing and it's reflected in the updated extrusion is a very cool feature and, alone, makes it worthwhile to learn Cubify Invent.  That is something I have longed for in MOI and, as far as I can tell, it's just not there.

I was skeptical about Cubify Invent until I actually sat down and played with it.  Yes, there are some things that continue to be completely baffling and others mildly annoying (Like the inexplicable need for multiple clicking in Mirror.).  But, those are small hurdles that probably go away with experience.

I hope this first tutorial helps get you up and learning quickly.

Cubify Invent - New 3D Software for $49!

3D Systems has just announced a new 3D drawing application at just $49.  It's called Cubify invent.

Cubify Invent Product Introduction Image

I haven't had an opportunity to work with it in any real depth.  But, from the little time that I have spent with it, Invent looks like a relatively easy and very capable 3D drawing package.

While it steers clear of technical jargon,  like "BOOLEAN", it has a full compliment of boolean functions.  And, for me, that is one of the most critical capabilities for a truly useful 3D printing application.

You can download a 15 day trial from the product's page.

My initial feeling is that Invent is going to be a bit more time consuming when creating the same objects than Moment of Inspiration.  However, there is a substantial cost differential and Invent is designed to be "Print Ready" and that could be a big equalizer.

I am NOT going to post a review immediately.  I'm far too familiar and comfortable with my current 3D application to be able to be fair to Invent until I have had some time to get comfortable with it as well.  I don't want to confuse differences in style with differences in capability.

But, I will post an introduction to the product from the point of view of how to get started.

Fortunately, Cubify has included a number of Getting Started Videos.  And that is where I will be beginning my own quest to understand and use it effectively.

One of the things that I can point out is that the process of creating a 3D object begins with a 2D sketch.  That immediately gives it a familiar feel.  In fact, to create the simplest 3D objects, all one has to do is to extrude that sketch.  So, it certainly shows promise as an entry level consumer 3D tool.  But, that would not be enough if that were all there is.   Fortunately, it is not.  It appears to be reasonably comprehensive and the videos are an excellent introduction.

More later...