3D Print Toolbox : A Blender Add-on
Difficulty: Intermediate
Objective: Learn about an excellent add-on to check your models in Blender for 3D printing. The most important check is to make sure your model does not have non-manifold geometry.
The 3D Printing Ninja
3DNinjaneer@gmail.com
Objective: Learn about an excellent add-on to check your models in Blender for 3D printing. The most important check is to make sure your model does not have non-manifold geometry.
3D Printing Toolbox
- Install the add-on in Blender called "Mesh: 3D Print Toolbox" by checking the box and then Save user settings.
- Be in edit mode of the object.
- On the left hand side window, [T], expand Print3D section.
- Input the settings of your printer's capabilities in the Checks section and then push check all.
For 3D Printing the most important checks are:
- Non-Manifold Edge (Holes)
- Intersecting Faces
- Thickness
These should all say 0 next to them. The other checks such as zero faces, zero edges, thin faces, sharp edges, etc. are not really that important.
Another Method of checking your model:
- Go in Edit Mode
- Open up your Properties Window [N]
- Check Mesh Analysis and choose the check
The faces that are colored are the faces that fail the check. The closer the color is to Red, the more of a problem it is. And the more the color is to blue, the less of a problem it is.
Once again the important checks for 3D printing are:
- Intersect(ing Faces)
- Thickness
Please leave your comments.
and as always thanks for visiting,The 3D Printing Ninja
3DNinjaneer@gmail.com
Category: 3D Print Toolbox, Blender, Blender Add-ons, Design, Intermediate, Mesh Analysis, Non-manifolds, Supports, Tricks & Tips, Trouble Shooting
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