3D Printing for Blender Users in 4 Minutes, Beginner Tutorial

Have you ever wanted to try 3D printing but weren’t sure where to start? Well, look no further! In this beginner tutorial, Olav3D Tutorials provides a quick and simple guide to using Blender for 3D printing. From adding thickness to your model to selecting the right settings for printing, this tutorial covers all the basics in just four minutes. But that’s not all! Olav also shares some cool add-ons for Blender, such as the Human Generator, Massive Cars and Vehicles Add-On, and 1100 Textures, to enhance your 3D printing projects. So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of 3D printing, grab your Blender software and get started with this comprehensive tutorial!

In this tutorial, Olav3D Tutorials walks you through the essential steps for 3D printing using Blender. First, you’ll learn how to add thickness to your model by applying a Solidify modifier and ensuring there are no overlapping elements. Then, you’ll enable the 3D Print Toolbox add-on in Blender and perform checks to optimize the model for printing. Olav also shows you how to add a Subdivision Surface modifier to increase polygon density and set the dimensions of your object to the desired real-world measurements. After exporting the model, you’ll move on to the 3D printing software, where you can add support structures, adjust layer height for resolution, and add infill for structural integrity. With a few clicks, you’ll have your model sliced and ready for printing. Olav shares his experience with the Lago Mars 2 Pro printer, achieving impressive results using just a third of the highest resolution. So, if you’re curious about 3D printing, this tutorial is the perfect starting point for Blender users!

Introduction

Overview of 3D printing with Blender

In this beginner’s tutorial, we will guide you through the process of 3D printing using Blender. Blender is a powerful open-source 3D modeling software that allows you to create intricate and detailed models. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, learning how to 3D print with Blender can open up a world of possibilities. In this article, we will cover the essential steps and techniques to ensure a successful 3D print.

Adding Thickness to the Model

Using the Solidify modifier

One of the first steps in preparing a model for 3D printing is to ensure that it has enough thickness. To add thickness to your model in Blender, we can use the Solidify modifier. This modifier creates a copy of the model’s geometry and adds thickness to it.

Adjusting the thickness

Once you have added the Solidify modifier, you can adjust the thickness according to your needs. It’s important to make sure that there is no overlapping geometry after adding thickness to the model.

Applying the modifier

After adjusting the thickness, it is crucial to apply the Solidify modifier to make the changes permanent. This can be done by selecting the model and pressing the “Apply” button in the modifier settings.

Enabling the 3D Print Toolbox Add-on

Accessing preferences

To make the 3D printing process easier, Blender provides a pre-installed add-on called the 3D Print Toolbox. To enable this add-on, you need to access the preferences menu.

Enabling the add-on

Once in the preferences menu, search for “print” under the add-ons tab. Enable the 3D Print Toolbox add-on by ticking the checkbox next to it.

Performing Checks

Using the 3D Print Toolbox add-on

With the 3D Print Toolbox add-on enabled, you can now perform various checks on your model to ensure it is ready for 3D printing. This add-on offers a range of tools to inspect and fix any issues in your model.

Inspecting the model for issues

The 3D Print Toolbox add-on allows you to inspect your model for potential issues such as non-manifold geometry, holes, or intersecting faces. It will highlight these problem areas, making it easier for you to identify and fix them.

Removing edges and vertices

If the 3D Print Toolbox highlights any problem areas, you can use Blender’s editing tools to remove unnecessary edges and vertices. This will help optimize your model for 3D printing.

Adding Subdivision Surface Modifier

Increasing polygon count

To enhance the level of detail in your model, you can add a Subdivision Surface modifier. This modifier increases the polygon count by subdividing the existing geometry, resulting in a smoother appearance.

Optional step for file size

It’s important to note that adding a Subdivision Surface modifier will significantly increase the number of polygons in your model, which can result in larger file sizes. If file size is a concern, this step can be skipped.

Setting Real-World Dimensions

Scaling down the model

To ensure that your 3D print matches the real-world dimensions you desire, it’s essential to scale down your model accordingly. In Blender, you can use the “s” key to scale the model down to the desired size.

Applying scale

After scaling down the model, it is important to apply the scale to make the changes permanent. This can be done by pressing “ctrl + a” and selecting “Apply Scale” from the menu.

Exporting the Model

Selecting a folder

Before exporting your model for 3D printing, you need to select a folder to save the file. Create a new folder or select an existing one that you would like to save your model in.

Exporting the model

After selecting the folder, you can proceed to export your model. Blender supports various file formats for 3D printing, such as .STL and .OBJ. Choose the appropriate file format and save the exported model in the selected folder.

Importing the Model into 3D Printing Software

Choosing the appropriate software

Depending on the type of 3D printer you have, you will need to choose the appropriate slicing software. Each 3D printer typically comes with its own recommended software. Install the software that is compatible with your printer.

Opening the exported model

Once you have installed the appropriate 3D printing software, you can open the model file that you exported from Blender. Import the file into the software to prepare it for the slicing and printing process.

Adding Supports

Enhancing stability with support structures

If your model has overhangs or intricate details that require additional support, you can add support structures using the 3D printing software. These structures will ensure the stability of your print during the printing process.

Conclusion

Summary of the 3D printing process

In conclusion, 3D printing with Blender involves several crucial steps to ensure a successful print. By adding thickness to the model, enabling the 3D Print Toolbox add-on, performing checks, adding a Subdivision Surface modifier, setting real-world dimensions, exporting the model, and importing it into 3D printing software, you can prepare your model for 3D printing.

Final thoughts and recommendations

It’s important to spend time inspecting and optimizing your model before 3D printing to avoid any potential issues. Additionally, considering the limitations and specifications of your 3D printer will help you achieve the best results. With practice and experimentation, you will become more proficient in preparing your Blender models for 3D printing. Happy printing!

Here are some cool add-ons for Blender that you can use for 3D printing:

• Human Generator: This add-on allows you to easily create human models in Blender.

• Massive Cars And Vehicles Add-On: With this add-on, you can add realistic cars and vehicles to your 3D prints.

• 1100 Textures in Blender: This add-on gives you access to a wide variety of textures for enhancing the appearance of your 3D prints.

• Flip Fluids Simulation Addon: With this add-on, you can simulate realistic fluids in your 3D prints, adding a dynamic element to your designs.

• HDRI Maker Addon: This add-on helps you create high-quality HDRI images to use as lighting environments in your 3D prints.

By using these links, you’ll not only enjoy the benefits of these awesome add-ons but also support the creators who provide free tutorials.