free/affordable 3d modeling software

[Shizuma]

So currently I use Solidworks 2013 as I've been working on Solidworks since 1998 at my work and their license allows for an install at work and home so my work gave me a copy to install on my home PC. Now Solidworks is a great piece of CAD software for doing real mechanical designs, however when it comes to doing organic shapes it's kind of like having to persuade it to make those shapes with a sledge hammer, you can get it to do a lot of things, but not gracefully or easily.

Now what I'm looking for is free/affordable 3d modeling software that I could use in conjunction with Solidworks, using Solidworks to get the basic shape and dimensions for the part then export it out into an .stl file, import it into the other software and then add the more free form organic shapes to the part, does anyone have any good suggestions on what software I would want to look at/try out for doing that?

[precisionpete]

Been looking also.
Not free but I am close to buying this one.
They give you a free trial with some good starting tutorials.
Haven't used sketchup in a long time, kinda like them only on steroids
Bonzai3d ~$500

If you look let us know what you think.

[Shizuma]

$500 unfortunately is way out of my price range for personal use software, maybe if I was a business that would be ok, but really I'd want to find something in the sub $100 range.

[jesse]

OpenSCAD if you're familiar with programming

[Batteau62]

I'm pretty impressed with DesignSpark Mechanical. But "organic" sculpting for free...I would say one of these: http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/25-free-3d ... -not-miss/
This one looks interesting, but still $380(unless you're a student $99) http://3d-coat.com/

[Shizuma]

Thanks for that link I'll try some of those out, hopefully one of them will fit the bill for what I want.

[dpmacri]

I don't really do organic 3D modeling but played with Sculptris (http://pixologic.com/sculptris/) a little bit. It might work for you.

[jesse]

Also, Meshmixer

[Holy1]

Yes, mesh mixer is good and free. Awkward to learn but worth the patience.

[Cosmic]

Blender http://www.blender.org/

[heathenx]

Sounds like you're looking for Autodesk Fusion 360. It's completely free. It's a good cross between Inventor and Fusion. I use it at home for all of my modeling.

http://fusion360.autodesk.com/about