3D Printing – BlenderZen

How to fix an AI-generated model in Blender

A broken test mesh in Blender Edit Mode with non-manifold edges highlighted around a hole in the forehead, along a strip of flipped faces and on a stray loose edge

Six cleanup steps for AI-generated meshes in Blender, what each fix solves, and a short script to automate the first two.

How to 3D print something you made in Blender

The route from a finished Blender model to a printed part: millimetre units, apply scale, a 3D Print Toolbox check, the right STL export settings, and a size check in the slicer.

Does your 3D model need unit scale 0.001? STL files have no units

Blender 4.5 STL export file browser with the options panel showing ASCII, Batch, Selection Only, Scale 1.000, Scene Unit unticked, Forward Y, Up Z and Apply Modifiers ticked

STL has no units, so size problems start in Blender. Here’s when unit scale 0.001 helps, which STL export options to use, and how to check the size.

How to fix a non-manifold AI 3D model for 3D printing in Blender

AI-made models look fine in the preview and then fail in the slicer. Here’s how I find and fix non-manifold geometry in Blender before export.

Find the thin walls in Blender before your slicer does

Find thin walls in Blender before slicing: set Thickness in the 3D-Print Toolbox to your minimum wall, click Thickness and fix only what it selects.

Ultimate 3D Printing Guide

Discover the world of 3D printing with this comprehensive guide that delves into its history, techniques, and applications. Learn how 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, transforms digital designs into tangible objects. Explore the various 3D printing technologies, including Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA), and understand their distinct approaches. This guide also highlights the practical uses of 3D printing in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and healthcare, and introduces you to 3D modeling software tools like Blender and FreeCAD. Whether you’re a designer, enthusiast, or someone curious about 3D printing, this guide offers valuable insights and resources to kickstart your 3D printing journey.

3D Modelling & Printing with Blender Software and a Prusa 3D Printer

Take the Course In the following post I work through the process of modelling this piggy bank in Blender for printing on a Prusa 3D printer. Watch the video here. I’ll be using a Prusa printer to print the model. With all projects its a good idea to have the unit system set up beforeContinue reading “3D Modelling & Printing with Blender Software and a Prusa 3D Printer”