When it comes to 3D printing, it is important you are using the correct equipment and software. There are a number of different options available, and the option you choose will depend on your personal preferences, and what you are looking to print.
A popular software to use is Blender. In this article, we will be discussing everything you need to know about Blender, from how useful it is in regard to 3D printing, and whether it is worth using.
What Is Blender?
Blender is a modeling software program that is used by many people. It is particularly popular when it comes to anime, video, and gaming. The designs that can be created are both impressive and detailed.
It was created initially in 2002, and it has grown in popularity significantly. It features mesh analysis features and a printing toolbox. There are a number of different useful features that have been added over the years to make this software even more successful for 3D printing.
What is great about Blender is that it is completely free to use and download. This makes it a great animation option to consider if you are looking to 3D print or design on a budget.
The beauty of blender is that it is open source. This means that people are constantly looking at ways they can improve the software and make it run more smoothly.
If you are a creative person that is looking for a useful software to create 3D designs, Blender may be the perfect option for you to consider. However, if you are looking to create products, there may be better and simpler software that would benefit you more.
Can You Use Blender For 3D Printing?
Yes, you can certainly use Blender for 3D printing, and if you are looking for a software to use that will create a detailed design, it is a useful option to consider.
The software allows you to create any 3D design you want. This is particularly good because it means that they are not limited or restricted in any way when it comes to the designs you create. You have complete creative control.
As anyone can use Blender, it is a great option to begin with, and experiment with. From creating a very detailed model, to a simple square, the software is capable of a lot.
To use Blender, you will need to download it from their site. The downloading process is simple and easy to follow and understand. It is not too large, so it should not take up too much space on your PC. However, you should always ensure that it is compatible and that your PC has all the hardware requirements before downloading.
Once it has been installed and downloaded, you will need to configure Blender so that it links up with your 3D printer. This will speed up the printing process, and it will enable you to configure aspects such as the light source, and camera.
You will also need to ensure you have inputted the correct size of what the 3D printing will be. If this is not set up correctly, it will affect how the design prints when you are ready to carry out this step.
If you need to have a lot of control over the software you are using, Blender is the best option to use. It can even be used for things such as pillows and sofas. It can even be used for solid surfaces, which is particularly great when it comes to using this on a professional and personal level.
What Are The Drawbacks Of Using Blender?
There are not many drawbacks when it comes to using Blender. It is not a glitchy program in any way, and it allows you to customize your designs as much as possible.
However, when it comes to the actual printing of your design, this is when Blender can become a little more complicated in comparison to some of the other options available.
When you are about to send the Blender file to the 3D printer, if you do not make any adjustments or changes to it, this can affect how it prints. This can be slightly frustrating, especially if you are not aware of this.
The 3D printer filament can be quite expensive to purchase, and the last thing you want to happen is for the design to print incorrectly.
While Blender is a fantastic software to use, it does not quite compare to the professional 3D printing tools. Although it is fine to use for creative purposes, when it comes to creating structural parts, or mechanical parts, there is software specifically designed for this purpose.
This is why it is important to think about the types of designs you want to create before choosing a software to use. CAD software is the better option on the whole for professional purposes. These tend to be more accurate which is critical if you are using the 3D printer for something that needs to be an exact size.
Some other 3D printing software that is worth looking into includes SolidWorks, Inventor, and Fusion 360. These are not free to use like Blender, but the exportation and accuracy does tend to be better when using them.
Summary
To summarize, yes, you can certainly use Blender for 3D printing. In fact, it is a fantastic option to consider. If you are 3D printing for personal and creative purposes, it is the perfect software to use.
It allows you to have full control over what you are creating, and it is constantly being updated. In addition to this, it is not too complicated to navigate, and it is free to use too!
The only drawback with Blender is that it is not the most accurate software, and in some instances, files need to be adjusted slightly before they are printed. If you need to use a 3D printer for professional purposes, it may be worth looking into a paid for software if you find Blender is not as accurate as you would like it to be.
Hi, my name is Michael Moore, and I have been 3D printing for a number of years now. I have created many cool gadgets over the years, but my current passion is creating one of a kind jewelry pieces. They can be so intricate and beautiful that many people wouldn't believe they are 3D printed.
Through Love and Robots, I hope to share my knowledge with others, and provide advice about everything 3D printer related.
