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)

Thinking about Design Requirements

In this book, we will walk through four custom 3D printing projects in Blender. First, we will use Bezier curves to make a custom shape, the silhouette of a child, for a profile pendant. Our second project, a coordinate bracelet, illustrates building with standard shapes and how text can be used to personalize models. You'll get more acquainted with mesh modeling tools and Boolean intersections in our third project, creating a textured house figurine. Finally, you'll learn how Blender can be used for organic shapes as you work on modeling a human hand.

Before you build a house, before you sew a quilt, the process begins with a plan. The same is true with 3D modeling and 3D printing. When you model with your design requirements in mind, every measurement, every angle, every click of the mouse, all work toward your end goal. This chapter will cover some key questions to reflect on before you begin to model:

  • What type of printing process will be used to make your design?
  • How does that process impact design elements such overhangs, detailing, and wall thicknesses?
  • How big do you want the final piece to be?