{"id":19328,"date":"2023-12-22T09:05:25","date_gmt":"2023-12-22T08:05:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.3dnatives.com\/en\/?p=19328"},"modified":"2024-01-22T15:45:49","modified_gmt":"2024-01-22T14:45:49","slug":"blender-3d-printing-020320204","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.3dnatives.com\/en\/blender-3d-printing-020320204\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Blender Be Used for 3D printing?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Created in 1995, Blender is a complete 3D modeling software<\/a>, very popular in the world of animation and video thanks to the many features it offers. The particularity of Blender is that it is 100% free, open source – which is why it is constantly being improved – which allows it benefits from a large community that regularly meets around the world to share best practices and user challenges. Based on polygonal modeling, it is not necessarily the most widely used solution in the additive manufacturing<\/a> sector, but it does allow 3D models to be exported in formats adapted to the technology. Let’s take a closer look the main features of the Blender software!<\/p>\n

The software brings together various functions grouped into a dozen or so families: modeling, animation, simulation, video editing, 3D rendering and more. It is geared more towards animation studios, artists and small teams working in video or film – in fact, several “Open Movies” have been made using Blender.<\/p>\n

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Blender is based on polygonal modeling<\/p><\/div>\n

As you know, 3D software offers different modelling methods: surface, solid and organic. Here, Blender uses polygons to create a three-dimensional shape. The designed model is therefore composed of a multitude of polygons (or facets) that form what is called the mesh. This is the basis of the design.<\/p>

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Each polygon is composed of vertices, edges and faces. By assembling different polygons, a basic shape is obtained: for example, interlocking 6 polygons will form a cube. The next step is to deform basic shapes, and to join them together to design basic objects: nine deformed cubes will become a chair, for example. The user can then play with the edges and move points to progressively add complexity to the model.<\/p>\n

Software Features in Blender for 3D Printing<\/h3>\n

Although Blender has supported 3D printing modeling since 2002, version 2.67 has enhanced the functionality of 3D printing models. Of particular interest is the 3D Printing ToolBox. In particular, it allows you to analyze your mesh to identify certain errors that could cause your printing to fail. For example, this toolbox can check the minimum thickness of your walls or the geometry of overhangs.<\/p>\n

The software also offers export formats for additive manufacturing, such as STL and OBJ files. Even if, at first glance, the software doesn’t appear to be the most attractive solution for 3D printing, it is nonetheless appreciated. Dutch artist Dolf Veenvliet, for example, uses Blender to design his 3D-printed sculptures.<\/p>\n

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The ‘3D printing toolbox’ enables you to check your model before 3D printing<\/p><\/div>\n

Blender is not the most popular 3D software for 3D printing enthusiasts, but it does have the merit of being free, open-source and regularly improved by its community. We recommend more accessible software for beginners, such as TinkerCAD, and Fusion 360 for the more experienced.<\/p>\n

New Version 4.0<\/h3>\n

The latest version of Blender, 4.0, was released on November 14, 2023. Although it introduces some general new features, these are not specifically designed for modeling for 3D printing. One of its new features is the addition of light linking, a long-awaited function that allows lights to be adjusted so that they do not affect all elements.<\/p>\n

On the whole, these new features bring improvements, but their benefits are more pronounced in video and animation than in the creation of models for 3D printing. Blender remains compatible with Mac, Windows and Linux operating systems, and can be downloaded for free HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n