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)

Trial and Error – Topology Edits

In this chapter, you'll see how moving and adding edges and vertices affects the appearance of your hand. You'll add extra edges to round out surfaces, outline new details, and control the sharpness of other edges. You'll learn new editing techniques to help streamline your process. The chapter will cover the following topics:

  • Learning about the advantages of quad faces over triangles
  • Using the Loop Cut and Slide tool to better shape the hand
  • Creating extra edge loops to flatten the base
  • Selecting a whole edge loop at once
  • Using Edge Slide to move existing edges
  • Changing Blender's Pivot Point to better control rotation
  • Editing groups of vertices with Blender's Proportional Editing tool