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)

Using Empties to Model the Base of the House

Another common 3D modeling project is an architectural model. In this section of the book, we'll model a small figurine based on photographs of a real-life house. In my case, I will be modeling the home my father grew up in, a home my grandfather designed and built.

In this chapter, we'll begin by using Blender objects called empties to add in multiple reference images. We'll then use mesh modeling techniques to make the shape of the house. The skills you will use are as follows:

  • Adding and editing empty objects
  • Scaling and using photos of different sizes
  • Extruding faces of a 3D object
  • Merging vertices to make a roof
  • Adding new edges with the Loop Cut and Slide tool