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)

The Edit mode


In Blender, the Edit mode allows more access to the shape of a single object so that it can be manipulated in order to change its shape. To enter Edit mode, use this method:

  1. Select an object.

  2. In the 3D View menu, locate the mode pop-up menu and select Edit Mode or press Tab on your keyboard.

In Edit mode, the 3D View menu, Tool Shelf, and Properties all change, adding new functionality only available in Edit mode:

Parts of objects

In Edit mode, objects are broken down into three parts:

  • Vertices: Points in three-dimensional space. Vertices don't have any shape by themselves

  • Lines: Two points are connected with a straight line between them

  • Faces: Three or more lines can be connected to make a face

There are many ways to think about vertices, lines, and faces. For instance, if making a kite, the vertices are the joints, the lines are the sticks, and the bits of paper are the faces. If the location of the vertices is moved, the shape of the kite will change. It's the same with a 3D object...