3D Printing in Blender is not the most generally used option in the industry. Still, it does allow 3D models to be exported in formats that are compatible with the technology.
Blender is a full 3D modeling software created in 1995 and is quite popular in animation and film because of its many capabilities. Blender is unique because it is entirely free and open-source, which means it is continually being updated. It has a large community that meets regularly worldwide to exchange best practices and user concerns.
Is 3D Printing in Blender as fantastic as it appears? Let’s return to the basics of the Blender software!
The Blender solution was created for an animation studio and was never intended to be shared with the rest of the world. However, the program swiftly became open source. The Blender Foundation (the organization behind the improvements) claims that 3 million people use it worldwide. Modeling, animation, simulation, video editing, 3D rendering, and other operations are divided into a dozen families in the software. It’s more geared toward animation companies, artists, and small teams working on video or filmmaking — Blender is used to create multiple “Open Movies.” Spring is one of the most recent.
As you may know, 3D software provides various modeling options, including surface, solid, and organic modeling. Blender creates a three-dimensional shape here by using polygons. As a result, the intended model comprises a slew of polygons (or facets) that make up the mesh. Vertices, edges, and faces make up each polygon. Different interlocking polygons form a fundamental shape: for example, a cube is formed by interlocking six polygons. The following stage is to modify primary forms and combine them to create basic objects: 9 deformed cubes will produce a chair. The user can experiment with the edges and change points to gradually increase the model’s complexity.
Because the user may manipulate edges and points in space to deform the model until it reaches the desired shape, this modeling approach is quite intuitive. It also allows for more intricacy than is possible with surface processes. However, because the 3D model results from repeated subdivisions, it does not provide the best dimensional accuracy. This is a huge roadblock when it comes to obtaining a stable geometry for additive manufacturing.
We won’t go over all of Blender’s features (animation, video, 3D rendering, and so on) because we’re only interested in 3D printing in Blender. You should be aware that the software supports STL and OBJ file export formats for additive manufacturing. On the other hand, polygonal modeling is not the most intuitive technology to create printable parts. Blender still has a function named “3D Printing ToolBox” that may be added to its program. This toolkit, for example, can scan the minimum thickness of your walls and the geometry of overhangs. This will allow you to examine your mesh and discover any mistakes that may result in your printing failing.
Is 3D Printing in Blender as fantastic as it appears? Conclusion
Blender isn’t the most popular 3D software among 3D printing enthusiasts. Still, it does have the advantage of being free, open-source, and constantly enhanced by the community. Blender is available for download HERE and is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux. We propose TinkerCAD, which is more accessible to all novices, and Fusion 360 for the most experienced.
Are you a Blender user?
Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page to let us know your ideas, and we would appreciate seeing pictures of your works of art!
