Book Image

3D Printing Designs: The Sun Puzzle

By : Joe Larson
Book Image

3D Printing Designs: The Sun Puzzle

By: Joe Larson

Overview of this book

Jigsaw puzzles derive their name from when they were cut from wood sheets using a hand-woodworking tool called a jig saw back in the 1760s. Have you ever wondered how a model idea for a jigsaw puzzle is articulated, and how it was made with these traditional tools? Through this book, you will master the techniques of designing simple to complex puzzles models for 3D printing. We will quickly introduce you to some simple and effective principles of designing 3D printed objects using Blender. Through the course of the book, you'll explore various robust sculpting methods supported by Blender that allow you to edit objects with actions such as bends or curves, similar to drawing or building up a clay structure of different shapes and sizes. Finally, when the model is sculpted, you'll learn some methods to cut the model and carve out multiple pieces of perfectly-fitting edges of different geometries to complete the puzzle. ------------------------------------------- Note from CM - [Page count: 60] [Price: $9.99 eBook | $19.99 print]
Table of Contents (11 chapters)

Sharpening the details


At this point, the general shape of the face is set, but there can be more detail added. Keep in mind that with 3D printing, there is such a thing as too much detail, since some of it won't come through. Then again, details tend to be the most impressive part, so spending some time sharpening some edges may be of benefit. Here's how:

  1. In the Tool Shelf, under Symmetry/Lock, click on the X button under Mirror so that it is highlighted in order to toggle mirroring back on.

  2. Switch to the Crease tool (Shift + C).

  3. Make sure the Add button in the Tool Shelf is highlighted. If not, click on it so it is highlighted.

  4. Adjust the view and change the Radius (F) until the brush is big enough to cover the bridge of the cheek.

  5. Draw a line following the bridge of the cheek to sharpen it a bit.

  6. Draw in a line around the eyebrows and down the bridge of the nose.

  7. While holding down Ctrl, draw a line following the curve of the mouth.

  8. Adjust the view to zoom in on one eye.

  9. While holding down Ctrl...