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Jayson Wall

Do you want to start 3D printing your own ideas?

This step-by-step beginner course teaches you how to use Blender's FREE 3D software to turn ideas into 3D printable objects.

You'll learn by doing. I'll lead you through a couple of 3D Printing projects that will help you understand the techniques that you can use to start becoming a 3D print designer.

You learn 3D Design Workflow & Theory with these projects :

- Suzanne The Monkey (with Effects)

- A Simple Door Wedge

Read more

Do you want to start 3D printing your own ideas?

This step-by-step beginner course teaches you how to use Blender's FREE 3D software to turn ideas into 3D printable objects.

You'll learn by doing. I'll lead you through a couple of 3D Printing projects that will help you understand the techniques that you can use to start becoming a 3D print designer.

You learn 3D Design Workflow & Theory with these projects :

- Suzanne The Monkey (with Effects)

- A Simple Door Wedge

By the end of this course, you will be able to easily 3D design, fix common design issues, and export for 3D printing. You will have new ideas flying through your mind then start turning them into reality.

Print That Thing is where we share, inspire, and challenge people to get into 3D printing design.

In this course your will learn the Blender basics so you can start boosting your creativity now. You'll learn how to do easy, yet helpful effects that will keep your design workflow flexible. We will also show you a few different slicers so you can see how to 3D print your designs using different software.

Can't wait to see what you 3D print design with your new super power.

keep creating,

Jwall

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Design fundamentals for 3d printing
  • Basics of 3d modeling for 3d printer
  • Beginner prototyping for 3d printed products
  • Theory of 3d designing for a 3d print
  • Blender overview
  • 3d printing tool box - blender add on
  • Bool tool - blender add on
  • How to design for no rafts & no supports
  • How to build "flexible" design projects
  • Blender introduction & 3d printing workflow
  • Basics to box modeling
  • Basics to adaptive & flexible design
  • Basics to practical designing
  • Show more
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Syllabus

BLENDER 100 - Overview & Instructor
01 - Beginner 100 - 3D Print Design Workflow
02 - Blender for 3D Printing
03 - Setup Blender for YOUR 3D printer DO NOT SKIP
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We learn the basics of box modeling & subtraction booleans.

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Career center

Learners who complete Blender for 3D Printing - Beginner Basics & Effects (101) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Three Dimensional Print Designer
A three dimensional print designer specializes in creating digital models optimized for additive manufacturing, turning conceptual ideas into physical realities. This course, "Blender for 3D Printing," directly aligns with the core competencies of this role, teaching how to utilize free 3D software to create "3D printable objects." Learners gain hands-on experience by working through projects like "Suzanne The Monkey" and "A Simple Door Wedge," developing expertise in "Design Fundamentals for 3D Printing." The course provides specific knowledge on the "3D Printing Workflow," including how to "design, fix common design issues, and export for 3D printing." Furthermore, it delves into practical strategies like "How to Design for No Rafts & No Supports" and "How to build 'Flexible' Design Projects," which are crucial for a successful three dimensional print designer. Understanding various slicers such as Cura and Prusa Slicer further refines the skills needed to produce high-quality prints.
Computer Aided Design Designer
A computer aided design designer creates precise two-dimensional drawings and three-dimensional models using computer-aided design software for various industries. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to a powerful 3D modeling environment, making it highly relevant for a computer aided design designer. Learners gain expertise in "Blender's FREE 3D software" to "turn ideas into 3D printable objects," which inherently requires meticulous measurement and geometric accuracy. The course covers crucial Blender tools and techniques such as "Bool Tool," "Measure It," "Edit Mode" for vertices, edges, and faces, and "Snapping," all of which are essential for creating accurate and manufacturable digital designs. The "3D Printing Workflow" section, including "STLs" and "GCODE," also offers valuable insight into digital file preparation common in computer aided design.
Toy Designer
A toy designer conceptualizes, develops, and refines new toys and play experiences, moving from initial sketches to functional prototypes. This course, "Blender for 3D Printing," is highly relevant for a toy designer as it directly addresses the need to rapidly prototype and visualize new products. Learners develop the ability to "turn ideas into 3D printable objects" using Blender, making it possible to create physical models of figures, accessories, or game pieces. The course emphasizes "Beginner Prototyping for 3D Printed Products" and teaches practical skills like "Basics to Box Modeling" and "Adaptive & Flexible Design," which are crucial for iterative design and testing in the toy industry. This hands-on experience helps designers bring their imaginative concepts to life.
Product Designer
A product designer is crucial in shaping the form and function of new goods, guiding them from initial concept to tangible item. This course helps build a foundation for a product designer by focusing on "Beginner Prototyping for 3D Printed Products," a vital step in the product development cycle. Learners discover how to "turn ideas into 3D printable objects" using Blender, allowing for rapid iteration and physical evaluation of designs. The course covers "3D Design Workflow & Theory," including "Basics to Box Modeling" and "Adaptive & Flexible Design," which are essential for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing prototypes. This practical experience in 3D design and understanding of printing limitations is relevant for accelerating the visualization and testing phases inherent in product design.
Prop Designer
A prop designer creates physical objects and set pieces for film, television, theater, and video games, often necessitating custom fabrication for unique items. This course provides foundational skills for a prop designer by teaching how to use Blender to "turn ideas into 3D printable objects." The curriculum's focus on "3D Design Workflow & Theory," "Basics of 3D Modeling for 3D Printer," and practical tools like "Bool Tool" and various modifiers enables the creation of detailed and production-ready prototypes or final props. Learning to "export for 3D printing" and understanding "Slicing" with various software also helps streamline the fabrication process, providing a prop designer with efficient methods for realizing complex designs.
Jewelry Designer
A jewelry designer creates unique pieces of adornment, often using sophisticated designs that benefit from digital modeling and rapid prototyping. This course in "Blender for 3D Printing" provides foundational skills invaluable for a jewelry designer. Learners gain proficiency in "3D design" using Blender, specifically learning how to "turn ideas into 3D printable objects," which is essential for creating intricate wax models for casting or direct 3D printed pieces. The course's emphasis on "Design Fundamentals for 3D Printing," including details like "Manifold" geometry and "Modifier Effects" such as Bevel and Solidify, enables the precise creation of complex forms. This expertise in digital modeling and preparation for fabrication is highly relevant in contemporary jewelry design.
Industrial Designer
An industrial designer combines artistry with engineering to create products, focusing on aesthetics, ergonomics, and overall user experience. This course helps build a foundation for an industrial designer by emphasizing the critical skill of translating abstract concepts into physical forms through "Beginner Prototyping for 3D Printed Products." Learners master Blender to "turn ideas into 3D printable objects," a fundamental ability for creating design mock-ups and testing models. The curriculum's focus on "Design Fundamentals for 3D Printing," "3D Design Workflow & Theory," and practical modeling techniques like "Basics to Box Modeling" equips designers with the means to efficiently visualize and iterate on product concepts. This proficiency in digital fabrication is useful in the early stages of industrial design development.
Visual Effects Artist
A visual effects artist creates computer-generated imagery and digital enhancements for film, television, and other media, bringing imaginative worlds to life. While this course focuses on physical output, the comprehensive "Blender basics" are highly relevant for a visual effects artist. Learners gain a deep understanding of the "Blender User Interface Overview," master various "Blender Tools" for object manipulation, and become proficient in "Edit Mode" for detailed polygon modeling. Modifier effects such as "Subdivision Surface Smooth" and "Wireframe" are crucial for creating high-quality, render-ready assets. The course also includes workflows for "Render High Definition Photos" and "360 Product Video," which are directly applicable to presenting digital assets within a visual effects pipeline.
Game Asset Modeler
A game asset modeler creates the three-dimensional art assets, such as characters, environments, and props, that populate video game worlds. While the course highlights 3D printing, the fundamental "Blender basics" taught are highly transferable and helpful for a game asset modeler. Learners gain extensive experience with the "Blender UI Overview," mastering essential "Blender Tools" like Grab, Rotate, and Scale, and working in "Edit Mode" with vertices, edges, and faces to construct detailed models. Furthermore, modifier effects such as "Decimate Low Poly" are directly relevant for optimizing assets for game engines, and even the "Render High Definition Photos Workflow" is useful for presenting work, making this course a practical asset for foundational 3D modeling skills.
Custom Furniture Designer
A custom furniture designer crafts unique furniture pieces tailored to specific client needs or design visions, often involving bespoke shapes and innovative materials. This course, "Blender for 3D Printing," helps build a foundation for a custom furniture designer by empowering them to translate their creative concepts into tangible forms. Learners acquire the skill to "turn ideas into 3D printable objects" using Blender, allowing for the rapid prototyping of furniture components, joint designs, or scale models. The course's focus on "Practical Designing," "Basics to Box Modeling," and "Adaptive & Flexible Design" provides valuable techniques for visualizing and testing complex forms and structures before committing to full-scale production, enhancing the iterative creative process.
Exhibit Designer
An exhibit designer creates engaging and immersive environments for museums, trade shows, and events, often requiring custom-fabricated elements. This course may be useful for an exhibit designer by helping them build a foundation in digitally crafting bespoke components. The ability to use Blender to "turn ideas into 3D printable objects" allows designers to quickly prototype unique display elements or architectural models for exhibitions. The course's focus on "Design Fundamentals for 3D Printing," "Practical Designing," and "Basics to Box Modeling" provides relevant skills for visualizing and producing custom shapes and structures crucial for dynamic exhibit spaces. This practical approach to digital fabrication can enhance creative problem-solving in exhibit development.
Medical Device Designer
A medical device designer conceptualizes and develops instruments and equipment for healthcare, a role that typically requires an an advanced degree. This course helps build a foundation for a medical device designer by focusing on "Beginner Prototyping for 3D Printed Products." The ability to use Blender to "turn ideas into 3D printable objects" is highly relevant for rapidly creating models of devices, custom surgical guides, or patient-specific implants. The course's exploration of "3D Printing Tool Box Blender Add On" and techniques like "How to Design for No Rafts & No Supports" offers practical knowledge for developing functional and precise prototypes. This expertise in digital fabrication provides a tangible way to test and refine innovative medical solutions.
Reverse Engineer
A reverse engineer analyzes existing physical objects to understand their design, function, and manufacturing, often creating digital models for reproduction or modification. This course, "Blender for 3D Printing," may be useful for a reverse engineer by helping them build a foundation in manipulating and refining 3D geometry. While the course does not cover 3D scanning, the comprehensive training in Blender's "Edit Mode" (Vertices, Edges, Faces), "Blender Tools" for precise manipulation, and "Modifier Effects" like Remesh and Solidify are directly applicable to cleaning up, modifying, and preparing scanned data or rebuilding models from scratch. Understanding the "3D Printing Workflow" and manifold geometry is also relevant for ensuring model integrity for future reproduction.
Footwear Designer
A footwear designer is responsible for imagining and developing new shoe styles, balancing aesthetics, comfort, and manufacturing considerations. This course, "Blender for 3D Printing," may be useful for a footwear designer by helping them build a foundation in rapid prototyping techniques. The ability to "turn ideas into 3D printable objects" using Blender can be applied to creating physical models of soles, components, or even full shoe lasts. The course's focus on "Beginner Prototyping for 3D Printed Products" and "Adaptive & Flexible Design" is relevant for testing new concepts and iterating on design elements quickly, providing a practical method for visualizing and refining innovative footwear designs before mass production.
Architectural Visualizer
An architectural visualizer translates two-dimensional blueprints and concepts into realistic three-dimensional renderings and animations of buildings and urban spaces. This course, "Blender for 3D Printing," may be useful for an architectural visualizer by helping them build a foundation in 3D modeling using Blender, a versatile software widely used in visualization. Learners gain proficiency in "Basics to Box Modeling" and manipulating geometry with "Blender Tools" and "Edit Mode," which are fundamental for constructing architectural elements and entire structures. The "3D Design Workflow & Theory" and skills in creating manifold geometry are also applicable, providing a solid entry point into digital environment creation and visual presentation techniques relevant to the field.

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Blender for 3D Printing - Beginner Basics & Effects (101).
Is the official manual for Blender, written by the Blender Foundation. It comprehensive resource that covers everything from the basics to advanced techniques.
Offers a comprehensive overview of the major 3D printing technologies, their benefits, limitations, and applications. It provides practical advice on selecting the right technology and designing for 3D printing, making it an excellent resource for gaining a broad understanding. It is valuable as both an introductory text and a reference tool for various audiences, including designers and engineers.
Explores the use of 3D design in education, discussing its benefits, challenges, and best practices.
This foundational textbook widely used in academia and industry. It provides a comprehensive overview of various AM processes, their principles, advantages, and disadvantages. It is an excellent resource for gaining a broad understanding and serves as a strong reference for those deepening their knowledge.
Focusing on metal additive manufacturing, this book delves into the technical aspects of processes like powder bed fusion, materials, testing, and relevant standards. It is highly relevant for graduate students and professionals specializing in metal AM, offering in-depth knowledge and practical considerations for designing and producing metal components.
Focusing on the crucial aspect of designing parts specifically for additive manufacturing, this book covers design tools and methodologies. It is essential for engineers and designers seeking to leverage the full potential of 3D printing. is highly relevant for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, as well as working professionals.
Specifically addresses the crucial aspect of designing parts for additive manufacturing. It is essential for students and professionals involved in the design process, providing guidelines and examples for optimizing designs to leverage the unique capabilities of AM technologies. It directly relates to courses on Design for Additive Manufacturing.
Considered a foundational text in the field, this book provides a detailed overview of additive manufacturing technologies, including their fundamentals and emerging applications. It covers supporting technologies and includes technical questions for comprehensive understanding, making it suitable for undergraduate and graduate programs. commonly used textbook in academic institutions.
A practical guide dedicated to slicing software, offering insights into settings optimization, troubleshooting, and advanced techniques.
Guide to creating realistic and immersive architectural visualizations, covering techniques, best practices, and industry-specific considerations.
Comprehensive guide to Blender, covering everything from the basics to advanced techniques. It great resource for both beginners and experienced users who want to learn more about Blender.
Offers a detailed guide to the additive manufacturing of metals, covering technology, materials, design, and production. It delves into various aspects of metal AM processes, making it a key resource for those specializing in this area. This book is suitable for graduate students and professionals in metallurgy and manufacturing.
This guide provides practical advice on designing parts to maximize the benefits of additive manufacturing. It focuses on methodologies and tools for effective design in AM. is valuable for designers and engineers at all levels looking to optimize their AM designs.
Discusses the latest trends and advanced applications in additive manufacturing, including topics like 4D printing and topological optimization. It covers materials and showcases applications in diverse fields with case studies. This book is relevant for graduate students and professionals seeking to understand the forefront of AM technology.
Delves into the materials used in AM, the various processes, methods for quantification, and diverse applications. It offers a detailed look at these key aspects of additive manufacturing, making it a valuable reference for researchers and engineers working with different AM materials and processes.
This textbook provides a solid introduction to the basics of additive manufacturing, covering principles, technologies, materials, and applications. It includes solved examples and review questions, making it suitable for undergraduate and graduate students starting in the field. It offers a structured approach to understanding AM.
This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step introduction to Blender, a widely used open-source 3D creation suite. It covers modeling, animation, rendering, and more, making it suitable for beginners to gain a broad understanding of the 3D pipeline within a specific software. It practical, project-based book that can serve as a textbook for introductory courses on Blender.
Is an excellent reference for artists focusing on character and creature modeling. It provides detailed anatomical information specifically tailored for sculpting, with clear illustrations and explanations of muscle and bone structures. It must-have resource for digital sculptors aiming for anatomical accuracy.
Covers fundamental principles, technologies, and applications of AM. It includes recent trends and advancements, making it suitable for graduate students and industry professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of the field and its evolution. It serves as a good reference for various AM techniques and materials.
Explores various applications and recent innovations in additive manufacturing across different industries. It provides case studies and discusses advanced topics, making it relevant for those interested in the practical implementation and future potential of AM. It is suitable for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and professionals.
Explores the fundamentals of 3D printing technologies and their applications in various sectors like energy, biomedicine, and sensors. It addresses current challenges and potential solutions, making it relevant for understanding contemporary uses of 3D printing. This book is useful for advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, and researchers.
Covers the fundamentals, modeling, various technologies, and applications of additive manufacturing. It provides a comprehensive overview of the field, suitable for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as professionals seeking a solid understanding of AM processes and their underlying principles.
Is considered a foundational text in the field of computer graphics, providing a comprehensive overview of the principles behind 3D modeling, rendering, and animation. While it theoretical book, the concepts covered are essential for a deep understanding of how 3D graphics software works. It is often used as a textbook in undergraduate and graduate computer graphics programs. This book is more valuable as a foundational reference than a hands-on software guide.
Project-based guide to the Blender Game Engine, covering a wide range of topics from creating game assets to scripting and gameplay. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to create games in Blender.
A classic introductory guide, this book covers the fundamentals of 3D printing in an accessible manner. It's ideal for absolute beginners looking to understand the basics of the technology, different printer types, and modeling methods. is particularly useful for high school students and those just starting out.
Reviews techniques and applications of additive manufacturing specifically for metals. It is based on numerous resources and provides a detailed look at an increasingly important area of AM. This book is suitable for researchers and professionals in materials science and engineering focusing on metals.
Focuses on Physically Based Rendering (PBR) texturing using Substance Painter, a key tool in modern 3D workflows for creating realistic materials. It covers essential concepts and techniques for creating high-quality textures. This book is valuable for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of texturing, a crucial aspect of creating convincing 3D models.
Is geared towards practitioners transitioning to additive manufacturing. It covers the practical aspects of the AM production process, including materials, machine preparation, and post-processing. It provides real-world examples and is valuable for those seeking to implement AM in an industrial setting.
A widely-used textbook for learning C++, this book introduces the C++ standard library, including the STL, from the outset. It provides a solid foundation in the core language and its standard components, making it excellent for gaining a broad understanding of STL within the context of modern C++. The 5th edition is updated for C++11.
This specialized book focuses on the emerging field of 3D printed electronics. It provides an overview of the principles, technologies, advantages, and applications in this area. It valuable resource for students and researchers interested in the intersection of AM and electronics.
Dives into creating realistic materials and textures within Blender's Cycles render engine. It's a practical guide for artists wanting to enhance the visual quality of their 3D models through advanced texturing and shading techniques. It covers procedural texturing and leveraging look development concepts.
Focused on the design side of 3D printing, this book covers the process from scanning to creating and editing 3D models. It's valuable for those interested in the digital design aspects of additive manufacturing. is relevant for students and professionals in design and engineering.
Introduces the powerful procedural workflow of Houdini, a software heavily used in visual effects and animation. It covers procedural modeling, simulations, and rendering. This book is valuable for those interested in contemporary 3D topics like procedural content generation and complex visual effects. It is suitable for beginner to intermediate users of Houdini.
Covers the fundamentals of additive manufacturing, including slicing software's role in converting 3D models into printable instructions.
This is the German translation of the comprehensive guide to C++ templates. For German-speaking individuals, this book offers an in-depth exploration of templates, which are fundamental to the STL, allowing for a thorough understanding in their native language.
Practical guide to 3D modeling, covering techniques and best practices for creating 3D models using industry-standard software.
A comprehensive guide to rapid prototyping techniques, materials, and applications.
Published by SideFX, the creators of Houdini, this book provides a foundational understanding of Houdini's node-based procedural workflow. It's an excellent starting point for artists new to Houdini and interested in procedural modeling and its applications in games and film. It includes lessons for building simple projects.
Introduces models and techniques for complex construction and manufacturing using multi-material 3D printing. It specialized topic within AM, relevant for those looking to explore advanced printing capabilities. This book is suitable for graduate students and researchers in materials science and advanced manufacturing.
Provides a broad overview of additive manufacturing processes, materials, and applications. It can serve as a solid introduction for students and professionals seeking to understand the diverse landscape of AM technologies. This book is suitable for undergraduate students and those seeking a general technical overview.
Beginner-friendly guide to Unity, a game engine for creating interactive 3D experiences.
Widely recommended guide for understanding and applying lighting and rendering techniques in 3D. It covers essential concepts for creating visually compelling images from 3D scenes. It valuable resource for artists looking to improve the presentation of their 3D models.
Offers a solid theoretical foundation in 3D computer graphics, covering essential mathematical concepts and algorithms. It provides the necessary background knowledge for understanding how 3D models are represented and manipulated digitally. This good resource for students seeking to solidify their understanding of the core principles before diving into specific software applications.
Focuses on the practical aspects of creating 3D models specifically for 3D printing. It covers design considerations, software tools, and techniques relevant to additive manufacturing. It's a valuable resource for makers, hobbyists, and designers interested in physical output of their 3D models.
This workbook focuses specifically on 3D modeling topology, a critical concept for creating clean and efficient 3D models, particularly for animation and visual effects. It provides exercises and examples to help users develop a strong understanding of polygonal modeling principles. It valuable resource for those looking to refine their modeling skills.
Good primer for those new to the topic, as it introduces fundamental principles, concepts, and applications in 3D design.
Beginner-friendly guide to 3ds Max, a popular software for 3D modeling, animation, and rendering.

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