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)

Using materials

For most printing processes, the color you put on your model in Blender has no impact on the color of the final print. For the FFF/FDM printers, the color of your print is going to be the color of the filament(s) you have loaded into the machine. SLA will be dictated by the resin being used. For the 3D Printing Service Bureaus, you may be picking a dye color when you order your prints.

The exception is the full-color printing 3D Printing Service Bureaus offer in Sandstone (gypsum powder) and now Plastic. Those printers need color information. In Blender, one way you can add color is by adding and assigning single-colored materials to your objects and faces.

Adding a material to the whole object

The steps to...