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)

Summary

In this chapter, you did a lot of adjusting to fine-tune the shape of your hand. You learned how extra edge loops could be used to control rounding, shape large details such as muscles and tendons, and flatten the base of your piece. You learned how to select entire edge loops at once and how to slide them without distorting your shape. You learned how to correct a poorly positioned thumb by rotating vertices around the 3D Cursor. Finally, you learned about Blender's Proportional Editing tool and how it can adjust multiple items at once.

The 3D Printing Service Bureaus support full color printing. In Chapter 14, Coloring Models with Materials and UV Maps, you will learn how to take advantage of that by adding colors to your 3D model.