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)

Converting a Bezier curve into a mesh

Now that we have finalized the shape of our curve, we want to translate that layout to a format that will be easy to combine with other 3D objects. We want to make our curve into what's called a mesh. As a curve, each segment is defined by two control points and two handles, which makes it easy to define and edit.

That same shape as a mesh is comprised of numerous points (vertices) and line segments (edges):

As a curve, the forehead is defined by two control points and two handles. As a mesh, that is translated to specific vertices.

Viewing the curve in Edit Mode gives you a preview of where the final vertices will be. The arrows that show the direction of the curve also illustrate where the points will be.

You can select how many vertices will ultimately define each curve segment. On the bottom right of your screen is an area known...