Book Image

Blender 3D Printing by Example

By : Vicky Somma
5 (1)
Book Image

Blender 3D Printing by Example

5 (1)
By: Vicky Somma

Overview of this book

Blender is an open-source modeling and animation program popular in the 3D printing community. 3D printing brings along different considerations than animation and virtual reality. This book walks you through four projects to learn using Blender for 3D Printing, giving you information that you need to know to create high-quality 3D printed objects. The book starts with two jewelry projects-- a pendant of a silhouette and a bracelet with custom text. We then explore architectural modeling as you learn to makes a figurine from photos of a home. The final project, a human hand, illustrates how Blender can be used for organic models and how colors can be added to the design. You will learn modeling for 3D printing with the help of these projects. Whether you plan to print at-home or use a service bureau, you’ll start by understanding design requirements. The book begins with simple projects to get you started with 3D modeling basics and the tools available in Blender. As the book progresses, you’ll get exposed to more robust mesh modeling techniques, modifiers, and Blender shortcuts. By the time you reach your final project, you’ll be ready for organic modeling and learning how to add colors. In the final section, you’ll learn how to check for and correct common modeling issues to ensure the 3D printer can make your idea a reality!
Table of Contents (16 chapters)

Making the base whole

Now that our cylinder is in place, let's go ahead and use the Boolean Modifier we learned about in Chapter 4, Flattening a Torus and Boolean Union, to make a union with the cube and the cylinder. The steps are as follows:

  1. In Object Mode, right-click on the cube to select it.
  2. In the Properties Window, click on the wrench icon to get to Modifiers.
  3. Click on the Add Modifier drop-down and select Boolean.
  4. For Operation, pick Union. Under Object, pick the cylinder. Set the Solver to Carve:
Adding the Boolean Union to combine the cube and cylinder

Do not hit Apply at this time.

Understanding the mirror axis

At this point, we have half our base modeled. We can use another type of modifier, the Mirror...