Search icon CANCEL
Subscription
0
Cart icon
Your Cart (0 item)
Close icon
You have no products in your basket yet
Save more on your purchases now! discount-offer-chevron-icon
Savings automatically calculated. No voucher code required.
Arrow left icon
Explore Products
Best Sellers
New Releases
Books
Videos
Audiobooks
Learning Hub
Conferences
Free Learning
Arrow right icon
Blender 3D Printing Essentials
Blender 3D Printing Essentials

Blender 3D Printing Essentials: Learn 3D printing using the free open-source Blender software. This book gives you both an overview and practical instructions, enabling you to learn how to scale, build, color, and detail a model for a 3D printer.

eBook
Can$27.98 Can$39.99
Paperback
Can$49.99
Subscription
Free Trial

What do you get with Print?

Product feature icon Instant access to your digital eBook copy whilst your Print order is Shipped
Product feature icon Paperback book shipped to your preferred address
Product feature icon Download this book in EPUB and PDF formats
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
OR
Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Shipping Address

Billing Address

Shipping Methods
Table of content icon View table of contents Preview book icon Preview Book

Blender 3D Printing Essentials

Chapter 2. Measuring and Texturing Techniques for 3D Printing

You have been given a general introduction to 3D printing. Now it's time to dive into preparing a file to be used in 3D printing. We will cover using the Ruler/Protractor to measure objects and texturing the model.

We'll be covering the following topics in this chapter:

  • Precision modeling in Blender

  • Using the Ruler/Protractor tool

  • UV unwrapping

  • Texture painting

  • External textures

Precision modeling in Blender


With 3D printing, every object comes out of Blender into the real world. It must fit on the printing bed of a real 3D printer. It has real walls that must support the weight of the object; it's got real limits on how small or large the detail can be.

Nothing in the real world is perfect.

Note

One note on the instructions in this book. Sometimes several keys need to be pressed at the same time. These will be represented with a plus between them such as Shift + D. Press both keys at the same time.

Pressing several keys in sequence will be represented by the word "press" followed by the keys separated by spaces, such as press S Y 0 Enter. You would press the S key, then the Y key, then the 0 key, and finally the Enter key.

Some commands may use both, such as press Shift + D Enter. Here, you would press the Shift and the D key at the same time. Then you would press the Enter key.

  1. Open Blender or open a new file by navigating to File | New File in the upper-left corner...

Preparing the model for coloring


The first difference to realize between making colors in Blender for 3D printing and the usual way of making colors in Blender is that you have less control. All you can control is the diffuse color. You cannot make the object shinier by adjusting the specularity, you cannot add transparency, or any of the other controls. In this respect, a 3D printer is like a regular printer. All it understands is a colored pixel. If you use transparency, at best it will show you the bare physical material underneath. Shininess, specularity, and so on are all properties of the material that you are printing with.

There are three ways to color your model:

  • Leave the model uncolored and select a colored material when printing

  • Assign colors to the polygons

  • Assign a texture map to the polygons

Leaving the object uncolored

Many 3D printers do not handle color. This includes printers that print metal, extruded plastic, or liquid resins. The final color of the object comes from the material...

Summary


Now you have a good idea of how to use the Ruler/Protractor tool and how to unwrap a UV map, paint a texture map, and apply it to the object. You also learned how to use the F Clone brush to create a texture that is more detailed than you would want to do with the Blender painting system.

In the next chapter you will be introduced to what it takes to properly make a Blender model for 3D printing. You will learn how to measure it precisely and how to make the object so it will come out correctly into the real world.

Left arrow icon Right arrow icon

Key benefits

  • Design beautiful, colourful, and practical objects in Blender to print or export
  • Master Blender's special 3D printing tools to maximize print quality and minimize cost
  • Consider requirements unique to 3D printing such as structural integrity and stability

Description

Like computing, 3D printing has been around for decades but it was expensive and was only used for making complex prototypes. Now, prices have dropped and third-party printing services such as Shapeways have become available, making the technology available to everyone.Blender is an open source modeling and animation program popular in the 3D printing community. 3D printing demands more of a modeler than animation or virtual reality. The model maker must engineer their model to work in the real world. They must keep in mind the particular needs of the materials and printers that they are planning to use to print their model. This practical guide gives Blender users all the information they need to design high-quality 3D printed objects. With a solid exploration of the 3D modeling process, design considerations for 3D printing, plus step-by-step exercises, you will soon be comfortable making 3D objects for real-world enjoyment. Starting with an overview of 3D printing, this guide moves onto to precision measurement, fixing problems in a 3D model, and how to make it light and strong enough for real-world use.You will learn how to scale, build, and detail a model for a 3D printer. You will learn to color and decorate it, as well as making parts precisely in the size you want them, so that multi-part objects fit together smoothly. You will also learn tips on saving money when you have printed your model.With the help of this guide, you will be able to complete your project and learn how to export the file so it is ready for a variety of 3D printers.

Who is this book for?

If you are a Blender user or someone who wants to use Blender to make 3D objects suitable for 3D printing, this book is ideal for you. You should already be comfortable with basic modeling in Blender - including using modifiers - although advanced skills are not required. All of the models that you will need are explored in-depth. This book does not assume that you will use any specific printer and teaches the general principles common to building models for most printers. It also gives you tips on discovering the requirements of the specific printer you will be using.

What you will learn

  • Understand how a 3D printer makes a 3D object
  • Get an introduction to different types of 3D printers
  • Explore the materials that can be used in a 3D printer
  • Get to grips with precision modeling techniques in Blender
  • Use Blender s Ruler/Protractor tool
  • Unwrap a texture to fit a model
  • Make a model watertight and manifold
  • Design an object hollow using the Solidify modifier
  • Export to STL and X3D files for printing
Estimated delivery fee Deliver to Canada

Economy delivery 10 - 13 business days

Can$24.95

Product Details

Country selected
Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : Nov 21, 2013
Length: 114 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781783284597
Vendor :
Blender Foundation
Languages :
Concepts :
Tools :

What do you get with Print?

Product feature icon Instant access to your digital eBook copy whilst your Print order is Shipped
Product feature icon Paperback book shipped to your preferred address
Product feature icon Download this book in EPUB and PDF formats
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
OR
Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Shipping Address

Billing Address

Shipping Methods
Estimated delivery fee Deliver to Canada

Economy delivery 10 - 13 business days

Can$24.95

Product Details

Publication date : Nov 21, 2013
Length: 114 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781783284597
Vendor :
Blender Foundation
Languages :
Concepts :
Tools :

Packt Subscriptions

See our plans and pricing
Modal Close icon
$19.99 billed monthly
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Simple pricing, no contract
$199.99 billed annually
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just Can$6 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts
$279.99 billed in 18 months
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just Can$6 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts

Frequently bought together


Stars icon
Total Can$ 179.97
3D Printing Blueprints
Can$69.99
Blender 3D Printing Essentials
Can$49.99
Blender 3D Basics Beginner's Guide Second Edition
Can$59.99
Total Can$ 179.97 Stars icon

Table of Contents

4 Chapters
Designing Objects for 3D Printing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Measuring and Texturing Techniques for 3D Printing Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Making a Blender Model that's Ready to Print Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Making Strong, Light Objects with the Solidify Modifier Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customer reviews

Top Reviews
Rating distribution
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Empty star icon 3.5
(13 Ratings)
5 star 46.2%
4 star 15.4%
3 star 7.7%
2 star 7.7%
1 star 23.1%
Filter icon Filter
Top Reviews

Filter reviews by




BurtB Aug 07, 2014
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Helpful for fine tuning models for 3d printing.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
couilleaux g. Jul 25, 2019
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
produit de qualité et conforme
Amazon Verified review Amazon
andrzej gracki Dec 14, 2013
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
This book leads step by step through the process of preparing models for 3D printing.Apart from the first chapters which introduce the 3d printing in general, rest of the book concentrate of specific aspectsof preparing models to be correctly 3d printed.Following the simple samples, focusing on tasks will teach you how to use Blender to export models ready to 3d PrintingThe books takes the simple models and show how to check it in terms of preparation for 3D printing.After this should not be a problem to prepare the more complex models.I have find it useful since most of my modelling job concentrating on product visualisation, rendering. I don't even thinkabout terms like watertight or manifolds.Chapter 3 explains these topics and highlights the other possible problems in the modelling.You will also learn how to use other handy tools (Ruler/Protractor)I consider myself an advanced Blender user but I learned some new things from this book.I think that this book might be helpful not only for amateurs who want to have fun with 3D printing but also Blenderprofessionals.Especially now, when I often meet with clients who want to have a prototype models ready for 3D printing
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Othman Dec 29, 2013
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
The best choice for home 3d printing. It starts with a long introduction about 3d printing and types of 3d printers then it starts teaching you how to print without facing common problems.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Ann Dec 22, 2013
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
The book begins by explaining the many different types of 3D printers. Chapter Two discusses using Blender's Ruler/Protractor tool to keep the model within range of the printer's bed. Chapter 3 prepares the dragon for 3D printing. The author invites the reader to inspect the model using the Mesh Analysis tool to find distorted faces and intersecting polygons which can make holes in sculptures. The author discusses how to reduce printing costs as he guides the reader into making the dragon both light and strong and uses the solidify modifier to make sure the inner wall doesn't penetrate the outer wall. He uses the 3D tool box to inspect for manifold edges to produce a better quality sculpture and discusses the differences between different export files STL and X3D. The author guides the reader using the Boolean modifier to make a pencil cup as seen on the book's cover.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Get free access to Packt library with over 7500+ books and video courses for 7 days!
Start Free Trial

FAQs

What is the delivery time and cost of print book? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Shipping Details

USA:

'

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the US within 10-15 business days

Premium: Trackable Delivery to most addresses in the US within 3-8 business days

UK:

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 7-9 business days.
Shipments are not trackable

Premium: Trackable delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 3-4 business days!
Add one extra business day for deliveries to Northern Ireland and Scottish Highlands and islands

EU:

Premium: Trackable delivery to most EU destinations within 4-9 business days.

Australia:

Economy: Can deliver to P. O. Boxes and private residences.
Trackable service with delivery to addresses in Australia only.
Delivery time ranges from 7-9 business days for VIC and 8-10 business days for Interstate metro
Delivery time is up to 15 business days for remote areas of WA, NT & QLD.

Premium: Delivery to addresses in Australia only
Trackable delivery to most P. O. Boxes and private residences in Australia within 4-5 days based on the distance to a destination following dispatch.

India:

Premium: Delivery to most Indian addresses within 5-6 business days

Rest of the World:

Premium: Countries in the American continent: Trackable delivery to most countries within 4-7 business days

Asia:

Premium: Delivery to most Asian addresses within 5-9 business days

Disclaimer:
All orders received before 5 PM U.K time would start printing from the next business day. So the estimated delivery times start from the next day as well. Orders received after 5 PM U.K time (in our internal systems) on a business day or anytime on the weekend will begin printing the second to next business day. For example, an order placed at 11 AM today will begin printing tomorrow, whereas an order placed at 9 PM tonight will begin printing the day after tomorrow.


Unfortunately, due to several restrictions, we are unable to ship to the following countries:

  1. Afghanistan
  2. American Samoa
  3. Belarus
  4. Brunei Darussalam
  5. Central African Republic
  6. The Democratic Republic of Congo
  7. Eritrea
  8. Guinea-bissau
  9. Iran
  10. Lebanon
  11. Libiya Arab Jamahriya
  12. Somalia
  13. Sudan
  14. Russian Federation
  15. Syrian Arab Republic
  16. Ukraine
  17. Venezuela
What is custom duty/charge? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customs duty are charges levied on goods when they cross international borders. It is a tax that is imposed on imported goods. These duties are charged by special authorities and bodies created by local governments and are meant to protect local industries, economies, and businesses.

Do I have to pay customs charges for the print book order? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The orders shipped to the countries that are listed under EU27 will not bear custom charges. They are paid by Packt as part of the order.

List of EU27 countries: www.gov.uk/eu-eea:

A custom duty or localized taxes may be applicable on the shipment and would be charged by the recipient country outside of the EU27 which should be paid by the customer and these duties are not included in the shipping charges been charged on the order.

How do I know my custom duty charges? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The amount of duty payable varies greatly depending on the imported goods, the country of origin and several other factors like the total invoice amount or dimensions like weight, and other such criteria applicable in your country.

For example:

  • If you live in Mexico, and the declared value of your ordered items is over $ 50, for you to receive a package, you will have to pay additional import tax of 19% which will be $ 9.50 to the courier service.
  • Whereas if you live in Turkey, and the declared value of your ordered items is over € 22, for you to receive a package, you will have to pay additional import tax of 18% which will be € 3.96 to the courier service.
How can I cancel my order? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Cancellation Policy for Published Printed Books:

You can cancel any order within 1 hour of placing the order. Simply contact customercare@packt.com with your order details or payment transaction id. If your order has already started the shipment process, we will do our best to stop it. However, if it is already on the way to you then when you receive it, you can contact us at customercare@packt.com using the returns and refund process.

Please understand that Packt Publishing cannot provide refunds or cancel any order except for the cases described in our Return Policy (i.e. Packt Publishing agrees to replace your printed book because it arrives damaged or material defect in book), Packt Publishing will not accept returns.

What is your returns and refunds policy? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Return Policy:

We want you to be happy with your purchase from Packtpub.com. We will not hassle you with returning print books to us. If the print book you receive from us is incorrect, damaged, doesn't work or is unacceptably late, please contact Customer Relations Team on customercare@packt.com with the order number and issue details as explained below:

  1. If you ordered (eBook, Video or Print Book) incorrectly or accidentally, please contact Customer Relations Team on customercare@packt.com within one hour of placing the order and we will replace/refund you the item cost.
  2. Sadly, if your eBook or Video file is faulty or a fault occurs during the eBook or Video being made available to you, i.e. during download then you should contact Customer Relations Team within 14 days of purchase on customercare@packt.com who will be able to resolve this issue for you.
  3. You will have a choice of replacement or refund of the problem items.(damaged, defective or incorrect)
  4. Once Customer Care Team confirms that you will be refunded, you should receive the refund within 10 to 12 working days.
  5. If you are only requesting a refund of one book from a multiple order, then we will refund you the appropriate single item.
  6. Where the items were shipped under a free shipping offer, there will be no shipping costs to refund.

On the off chance your printed book arrives damaged, with book material defect, contact our Customer Relation Team on customercare@packt.com within 14 days of receipt of the book with appropriate evidence of damage and we will work with you to secure a replacement copy, if necessary. Please note that each printed book you order from us is individually made by Packt's professional book-printing partner which is on a print-on-demand basis.

What tax is charged? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Currently, no tax is charged on the purchase of any print book (subject to change based on the laws and regulations). A localized VAT fee is charged only to our European and UK customers on eBooks, Video and subscriptions that they buy. GST is charged to Indian customers for eBooks and video purchases.

What payment methods can I use? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

You can pay with the following card types:

  1. Visa Debit
  2. Visa Credit
  3. MasterCard
  4. PayPal
What is the delivery time and cost of print books? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Shipping Details

USA:

'

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the US within 10-15 business days

Premium: Trackable Delivery to most addresses in the US within 3-8 business days

UK:

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 7-9 business days.
Shipments are not trackable

Premium: Trackable delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 3-4 business days!
Add one extra business day for deliveries to Northern Ireland and Scottish Highlands and islands

EU:

Premium: Trackable delivery to most EU destinations within 4-9 business days.

Australia:

Economy: Can deliver to P. O. Boxes and private residences.
Trackable service with delivery to addresses in Australia only.
Delivery time ranges from 7-9 business days for VIC and 8-10 business days for Interstate metro
Delivery time is up to 15 business days for remote areas of WA, NT & QLD.

Premium: Delivery to addresses in Australia only
Trackable delivery to most P. O. Boxes and private residences in Australia within 4-5 days based on the distance to a destination following dispatch.

India:

Premium: Delivery to most Indian addresses within 5-6 business days

Rest of the World:

Premium: Countries in the American continent: Trackable delivery to most countries within 4-7 business days

Asia:

Premium: Delivery to most Asian addresses within 5-9 business days

Disclaimer:
All orders received before 5 PM U.K time would start printing from the next business day. So the estimated delivery times start from the next day as well. Orders received after 5 PM U.K time (in our internal systems) on a business day or anytime on the weekend will begin printing the second to next business day. For example, an order placed at 11 AM today will begin printing tomorrow, whereas an order placed at 9 PM tonight will begin printing the day after tomorrow.


Unfortunately, due to several restrictions, we are unable to ship to the following countries:

  1. Afghanistan
  2. American Samoa
  3. Belarus
  4. Brunei Darussalam
  5. Central African Republic
  6. The Democratic Republic of Congo
  7. Eritrea
  8. Guinea-bissau
  9. Iran
  10. Lebanon
  11. Libiya Arab Jamahriya
  12. Somalia
  13. Sudan
  14. Russian Federation
  15. Syrian Arab Republic
  16. Ukraine
  17. Venezuela