3D Slash Now Offers User-Friendly 3D Modeling App for Raspberry Pi

French company 3D Slash describes its modeling software as ‘a 3D piece of cake.’ Though I was slightly disappointed to learn that they have not, in fact, 3D printed any cake at this time, their software apps make 3D modeling as easy as pie. Raspberry Pi, to be exact. Tomorrow, 3D Slash will officially be releasing a new, free 3D modeling app for the educational computer system.

3D Slash teaches users about 3D modeling using a basic interface that draws from the simplest of tools: building blocks. Users are led through the modeling process, building their designs one cube at a time. Likewise, Raspberry Pi’s tiny, inexpensive computer was designed to simplify computer programming. The device, which is geared towards children and plugs into a standard computer monitor or TV, teaches programming skills for a number of applications, but until now, it has not offered a basic 3D modeling app. Tomorrow though, that will change upon the release of the 3D Slash app, which will be available for free download from 3D Slash’s website.

The 3D software was specifically designed for Pi-Top, Raspberry Pi’s build-your-own laptop kit. Pi-Top was created to give both kids and adults a thorough rundown on computer hardware and software creation. Unlike most programming and coding educational tools, it’s also designed to make learning fun, and the 3D Slash software is no exception. The game-like program uses bright colors and simple, intuitive features to appeal to young users in particular.

“Raspberry Pi focuses on broad access to IT for all, from hardware to software,” says a statement from Pi-Top. “At Pi-Top we encourage our community to build their own robots, PCBs and IoT. 3D Slash completes the picture with a fun and fast-learning 3D app to turn the creations of users into reality.”

As an organization, Raspberry Pi is committed to expanding computer science education, which, according to the founders, seemed to have dropped as the technology grew. At 3DPrint.com, we commonly hear the same refrain: technological education is crucial for children, but all too often the resources just aren’t there.

“We are enthusiastic about releasing a new version of 3D Slash for the Raspberry Pi world,” said Sylvain Huet, CEO of 3D Slash. “We share the same values regarding friendly IT education, which includes beginners, and the desire to put the power of creation into the hands of the people–and it’s really inspiring to partner up with Pi-Top on this wonderful project.”

Their company charity, the Raspberry Pi Foundation, has done some impressive work in getting their educational tools into the hands of kids not only in the UK, where Raspberry Pi is based, but all over the world, including in developing countries. A partnership with 3D Slash, whose mission is to make 3D printing accessible to everyone despite age or experience level, made a lot of sense and certainly will benefit many of the younger generations as they hone valuable skill sets for future careers.