I’ve been learning Blender on my free time, is this recommended if I ever explore 3D printing?
It is useful but I don’t believe that blender will guarantee watertight models so you’ll need to send through netfabb. I use CAD software, solidworks to be specific, but I have access to it thru my work. There are lists of free CAD software in the “guides” area of 3d Printing. I’d attach a link, but I still haven’t figured out how to do that on the android app
Well me personally uses Cinema4D and 3D Studio Max. If you ever get a copy of Cinema4D, i tell you it’s worth every penny, you can do everything you can do in Blender, only faster. Cinema 4D R14 has a great utility for 3D printing which makes the step from design to actual product a breeze.
I use macs, by the way cos I am a graphic designer by trade and our offfice are using macs.
@Jethro_Estimo check out the blender learning programme for doing 3D printing. They are working to make it more compatible with that workflow.
http://www.blender3d.org/e-shop/product_info_n.php?products_id=160
I believe you can use #Blender for making accurate water-tight models, although personally I like using a code-based solution, e.g. openscad. Ultimaker and Shapeways both have guides for using Blender and apparently the latest version of Blender has 3D printing specific tools.
@Chris_Roberts_chrisj yeah they do. They are outlined in that training I linked.
I’ve also been studying Blender a bit. Primarily, I work with CAD, but sculpted shapes are easier with subdivision tools like those available in Blender. So, if you want to design mechanical things, you’ll want CAD (very limited choices on Mac). If you want to print more artsy things, you’ll want subdivision and the like (Blender, etc.).
@Dale_Dunn thanks for the suggestion. I’m planning to make custom toys, so I think blender works for me. No moveable parts, not tot detailed and technical.
I’m only using blender to do my modelling for 3D printing… I do CAD like design in Blender. It is possible!
The only thing to note is that in Blender, if you want to create the likes of a circle, you will need to create it with a high number of vertices to get a smooth edge. Something that you don’t have to do in CAD as you define a circle/cylinder with a width and it’s perfectly round.
But back to your actual question, is it recommended? I personally can’t think in ‘CAD’, but I can think in a Mesh type object. It’s strokes for folks. Recommended? It’s another tool in the arsenal.