PhotoWorks Alternative?

I've been using Lightwave 3D since version 5, and think it produces beautiful renders. It's much more than just a renderer however.

Not sure of the cost of Maya or anything else, LW[8] is about $1500.00.

MT

I use PW2 all the time. Is there something you're not getting out of PW2 that's causing your trek toward other software? Curious.

Jeff Mowry > Is everyone here using a PhotoWorks produce renderings?

if you feel a bit adventurous you can try using open source (free) Blender.

this requires you to export as VRML files. see these examples I picked of technical type renders done using blender to give you a feel for its ability. ?t=23172&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=45

I use PolyTrans from Okino (conversion software without the renderer) to convert SolidWorks models to *.OBJ files, and then bring them into Lightwave 3D. All texturing is done in Lightwave.

If you buy the SolidWorks add-in, PolyTrans will "grab" the open part in SW and automatically bring it into PT. You can then save it in many, many different poly mesh outputs.

Never used the NuGraf renderer, though it looks very nice. Like I said before, Lightwave is more than just a "renderer"... It's a full on animation package. Fundamentally, there is NOTHING you cannot do once in Lightwave. Really need to look their website and study the images and animations to get a full appreciation for it's power. It's amazingly simple to use (with the prerequisite reading of doc's and the many books available). Using Lightwave is a religion for some, it can become very addictive.

If I had my way, I would spend all my work time in SW and LW exclusively.

Mike T.

Hiya Depends on what you want to do - I use Maya Complete (the "stipped down" Maya? - £1500), but it is a PIA to get even simple good looking renders out of - totally different workflow to Solidworks, but the additional possibilities are endless - Maya is more of an environment for producing completed video/film sequences - 99% of which you won't need for static pictures or simple animations of single objects. From what I've seen, 3D Studio Max or Viz are better for industrial design - faster to getting good looking results from the box and more intuative for the standard Windows user. Solidworks is light years ahead of Maya for ease of interaction and "no brainer" solutions for user interaction.I've also heard very good things about lightwave, but haven't used it since Windows 3.11, so have no relevant comments! One thing with Maya is that is can use the Mental Ray render engine -the same as used in Photoworks, but without the eons of time and hassle required. Results from this can be cracking (see

for examples from Photoworks). Version 6 of Maya apparently supports STL files, which gives a smooth flow from Solidworks to rendering. However, unless you are looking to integrate your models in animations or sales flics, I'd look elsewhere than Maya:

3D Studio MAX 3D Studio VIZ Lightwave Cinema 4D

Also look at the Flamingo renderer for Rhino - combined with the forthcoming Bongo animation system, it provides a pretty simple route to getting pretty good results. Hope it helps Deri