Effortlessly Convert 3D Models to XYZ Coordinates | Affordable Software Options

[jgordo32]

Hi guys, I'm looking for the following functionality out of a free, or cheap software. I'm very close using google sketchup but I appear to have hit a snag that nobody on their forums can figure out, so I come here.

I want to be able to make a simple 3D model (so far I've just been using the 3D text tool in google sketchup). It will pretty much be limited to common geometric shapes. Cubes, spheres, and various rectangles connected to make letters etc.

Here's the hard part: I need the software to be able to convert the 3D model to a list of xyz coordinates. For example, if I drew a cube at the origin with length 1, I need a way to generate the following list:
0,0,0
0,0,1
0,1,0
0,1,1
1,0,0
1,0,1
1,1,0
1,1,1

Those are the 8 vertices of the cube.

Now let's pretend I used the 3D text tool in google sketch up to make 3D text that says JHU ECE. Not so easy anymore...

Anybody know of software that can do this on the cheap? Actually give me any software you know that can do this because my school has some CAD licenses, but I'm not sure which ones.

Thanks!

 

[mmwave]

Hi there, I would recommend checking out Blender for this functionality. It is a free and open-source 3D creation software that is widely used in the scientific community. It has a wide range of tools for creating 3D models, including common geometric shapes and text.

One of its features is the ability to export 3D models as a list of xyz coordinates. To do this, you can use the "Export" function and select "Wavefront (.obj)" as the file type. This will generate a .obj file that contains the list of vertices for your model.

Additionally, Blender has a large and active community that can provide support and assistance if you encounter any issues. I hope this helps and good luck with your project!