Blender can import, modify and export STL files. These will all prevent your model for printing properly, however Blender includes features that help you check and fix your design before exporting it into and STL file. This type of modelling can also result in some issues, as some users have experienced, such as non-watertight meshes, non-manifold geometry (geometry that cannot exist in the real world) or models that don’t have a proper thickness. Some beginners love this software, but it does have a bit of a learning curve.įortunately, as it is such a popular program, there are many resources that can help you get the hang of the basic workflow and delve deeper into 3D printing and its particularities.īlender has a flexible and intuitive modelling process that can help you create organic and complex shapes, although it might not be the best choice when it comes to more rigid models, such as mechanical parts for engineering products. I’d recommend following a tutorial to get good at using Blender for 3D printing. Is Blender Good for 3D Printing?īlender is good for 3D printing since you can create highly detailed models and sculptures for free, as long as you have some experience. Once you have your STL file, you can import it into a slicing software (such as Ultimaker Cura or PrusaSlicer), input the printer settings and 3D print your model.

Both conditions can be fulfilled using Blender. The key to creating printable models is making sure they contain no errors which could impede the printing process and being able to export them as STL (*.stl) files.

More specifically, it can be used to design models meant to be 3D printed, as you can’t 3D print directly from Blender. Yes, Blender can be used for 3D printing. Can You Use Blender to Make 3D Prints & STL Files?

Using blender to make 3d prints