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 the text to a 3D mesh

Similar to the Bezier Curve in Chapter 3, Converting a Bezier Curve to a Properly Sized 3D Mesh, we want to convert our 2D text object into a mesh and make it 3D. Like most things in Blender, there are multiple ways to approach this.

Using the text object properties

You may have noticed in the Geometry section, there is a spot under Modifications where you can set up an Extrude height. This gives your text an exact thickness:

Setting the text thickness with font properties

You would still have to use the Object | Convert to | Mesh from Curve/Meta/Serf/Text menu option like we did in Chapter 3, Converting a Bezier Curve to a Properly Sized 3D Mesh, to convert your work to a 3D mesh. This approach...