Autodesk® 3ds Max®
Formally known as 3D Studio Max®, Autodesk® 3ds Max® is a 3D computer graphics software developed and produced by Autodesk® Media and Entertainment for making 3D animations, models, and images. It can be used on the Microsoft Window platform and features a flexible plugin for architecture. This software is typically used by video game developers, TV commercial studios and architectural visualization studios and can also be used for 3D printing. This software has multiple features which allow for animating virtual characters, automating repetitive tasks, texturing, and keyframing. You can create characters using custom skeletons and inverse kinematics. Predefined primitives can be used to create models by using boxes, cones, spheres, cylinders, and other shapes.
Using Autodesk® 3ds Max® for 3D Printing
This program can be used to create any number of objects or models for 3D printing. Its versatility allows for users to customize a model or object to the desired outcome, including shading and color. Create your 3D model and then print it off as a 3D object. The printer takes the 3D model blueprint and slices the blueprint into cross sections as a guideline for printing. The printer then creates the object by adding layers of materials until the object is complete.
Autodesk® 3ds Max® Current Systems Requirements for 2014
System requirements include Windows®8 or Windows 7 64-bit operating systems and at a minimum require a system with the following 64-bit specifications:
· Windows® 8 or Windows® 7 64-bit Professional operating system
· 64-bit Intel or AMD multi core processor
· 4 GB RAM minimum (8 GB recommended)
· 4.5 GB free disk space for installation
· 3-button mouse
· Latest version of Microsoft® Internet Explorer®, Apple® Safari®, or Mozilla® Firefox® web browser
Refer to the Recommended Hardware Wizard for a complete list of recommended systems and graphics cards (Autodesk, 2013)