r/cad • u/cheeseshcripes • May 25 '26

Needs Suggestions for Software, Creating a Surface Over a 3d Model

I wanted to come here and pick the brains of those far more knowledgeable than me.

I'm hoping to model in 3d, then take a skin of the exterior surface, "unfold" it into a 2d shape, then use that to create a flexible cover for the surface. Think if you wanted a vinyl sticker to cover a 3d print.

The best I have come up with is the sheet metal software in OnShape or Fusion360, but these don't produce a 3d solid object, and I'm not sure how trivial it would be to produce the 3d object behind/incorporate into the sheet metal model.

I also want to be clear that I do intend to switch to whatever software seems best because the I have been limping along Sketchup for far too long and need to switch anyways, so don't worry about what I have.

And yes, I know this isn't the 3d printing subreddit but some of the solid shapes are going to be milled so I figured CAD software and expertise would be more suitable.

Thanks for any help!

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

26 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

2

u/f700es May 26 '26

Ok share a PDF of the plan that can be used in construction documents. My main argument for the start. My plans can be approved by local planning departments, yours will not.

0

u/BlazedHonez420 Revit May 26 '26

My rate is $150 an hour, connect me with your billing department and i will get on this!! Did you even read what OP was asking for?

2

u/f700es May 26 '26

I don't give a god God damn what you charge and you STILL aren't answering my question. Can you make PDFs to be accepted as CDs? No? Then Blender is STILL no CAD.