Dunno much about programs other than that autocad is the best, and probably the hardest to learn. And as far as where to start, measure the outside diameter, screwholes, depth, and go nuts.

 

3D printed parts tend to be brittle and depending on the plastic used can deteriorate over time. It might work fine for the 10f grill, but isn't going to be strong enough to protect a sub woofer from something sliding around in the trunk of a car.

As far as what to use to model the parts, for free software try SketchUp and see if it will output the kind of files the printer needs.

There also should be computers available for use on campus that have software to create models on. Depending on which application the school teaches they probably will have one of either SolidWorks, AutoDesk Inventor, or ProEngineer.



Best and hardest to learn seem mutually exclusive. Fact is, AutoCAD is used very little for 3D these days.

 

Yeah, autocad will work just fine, as long as it's not the LT version.

 

Solidworks is a great program IMO and I would recommend that you use ABS filament over HIPS or PLA...

An industry first "3D Printed Grille Press Box" from a training I attended a while back.



Finished product.



I know you are trying to print the grills themselves, but I'm curious why? Most 3D printers do not print a "finished" product and you will have to do more work to get it to be aesthetically pleasing. Unless you are going for something really dimensional, or a grill pattern that isn't available, I wouldn't print the grill itself. Just my .02-

 

I would stay away from 3d printed grill for same reasons as above, plus since you dont have experience to design you may be better off to buy some already manufactured, or you can make them similar to above with a printed mold and press or make the mold from mdf with a router. Much easier!