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3D Printing Blueprints

Blueprints
Joe Larson

Using the free open-source Blender software, anyone can design models for 3D printing. Fantastic fun and a great experience whether or not you have a 3D printer, this book is a crash course in the new technology.
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Book Details

ISBN 139781849697088
Paperback310 pages

About This Book

  • Design 3D models that will print successfully using Blender, a free 3D modelling program
  • Customize, edit, repair, and then share your creations on Makerbot’s Thingiverse website
  • Easy-to-follow guide on 3D printing; learn to create a new model at the end of each chapter

Who This Book Is For

"3D Printing Blueprints" is for anyone with an interest in the 3D printing revolution and the slightest bit of computer skills. Whether you own a 3D printer or not you can design for them. All it takes is Blender, a free 3D modeling tool. Couple this book with a little creativity and someday you’ll be able to hold something you designed on the computer in your hands.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Design Tools and Basics
Design basics
Choosing a modeling tool
Installing Blender
Getting acquainted with Blender
The blueprints
Summary
Chapter 2: Mini Mug
Getting started
Creating the first shape
Creating a save point
Adjusting the view
Adding a handle
Shaping the handle
Smoothing the rough edges
Shaping the body of the mug
Joining the shapes
Flattening the bottom
Exporting for print
Extra credit
Summary
Chapter 3: Face Illusion Vase
Getting a profile
Tracing the silhouette
Creating a vase from the lines
Using Solidify to make walls
Making a solid base
Printing the vase
Extra credit
Summary
Chapter 4: SD Card Holder Ring
Taking measurements
Modeling the finger
Putting the ring on the floor
Making a test ring
Resizing the test ring
Adding an SD card holder
Adding the SD holder to the ring
Extra credit
Summary
Chapter 5: Modular Robot Toy
Making the connector
Constructing a robot
Assembling the parts to print
Printing and assembly
Extra credit
Summary
Chapter 6: D6 Spinner
Extracting the spring
Starting the project
Modeling the spring
Defining the boundaries
Building the spinner
Building a rack
Modeling the case – lid
Modeling the case – bottom
Preparing for print
Printing and assembly
Extra credit
Summary
Chapter 7: Teddy Bear Figurine
Making a stick figure
Putting the skin on the bones
Adjusting for the third dimension
Making an armature
Drawing the details
Simplifying the model
Fixing the armature weights
Posing the bear
Inspecting before print
Extra credit
Summary
Chapter 8: Repairing Bad Models
Downloading a 3D scanned file
Trimming the fat
Orienting the scan
Trimming more fat
Making a flat base
Detail work on the back
Cleaning up bad geometry
Making it a book end
Summary
Chapter 9: Stretchy Bracelet
Modeling the bracelet
Printing the bracelet
Summary
Chapter 10: Measuring – Tips and Tricks
Using a caliper
Grid paper method
Summary

What You Will Learn

  • Use the rules of Y, H, and T to guide your designs
  • Build 3D objects from simple shapes
  • Edit shapes using modifiers and directly modify their geometry
  • Build objects to real-life specifications
  • Make interconnecting parts
  • Build machines that will perform simple tasks
  • Learn about sculpting tools that will allow for the creation of organic shapes
  • Reproduce the shape of real-life objects in the virtual space accurately
  • Repair downloaded 3D models that may not be ready to print
  • Edit the settings on your 3D printer to make cool print effects

In Detail

A new industrial age is here. Machines designed to build useful and interesting objects have moved from the factory to the home. Whether you have a 3D printer or not, learning how to design your first 3D models is the best way to become part of the 3D printing movement.

3D Printing Blueprints will teach you, step by step, the tools and techniques of using Blender, a free 3D modelling program, to build 3D models for printing with simple and fun hands-on projects.

3D Printing Blueprints uses engaging and fun projects that teach Blender modeling for 3D printing through hands-on lessons. First you’ll learn basic modeling and make a small simple object. Then each new project brings with it new tools and techniques as well as teaching the rules of 3D printing design. Eventually you’ll be building objects designed to repair or replace everyday objects. Finally you’ll be able to even tackle other people’s models and fix them to be 3D printable.

Through the course of doing the blueprints you will custom build one-of-a-kind objects that you can call your own. Starting from a custom vase formed from a picture, lessons will progress to a multi-part modular robot toy. Then simple machines will be designed with custom gears and functions. Eventually you’ll learn how to download models from the Internet and make custom objects. Finally you’ll be able to build models with near real life specifications and make a print that can be used for small object repair.

3D Printing Blueprints will teach you everything you need to know about building custom 3D models to print successfully on modern home 3D printers.

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