Blender: definition, functionality and scope

BySercan Kahraman Letzte Überprüfung:

Blender is a true classic among 3D graphics suites and was developed back in 1995. In the meantime, the formerly in-house program is available free of charge as an open source tool. Below we'll show you how to use Blender for 3D printing, how the tool works, and exactly what it offers.

The most important facts in brief:

  • Blender was originally developed as an in-house program by NeoGeo
  • Since 2002 the program is offered as an open source platform and is financed by donations and supporters
  • 3D graphics suite allows users to texture, model and animate bodies so they can be turned into entire video clips
  • Compatible is Blender with all known operating systems from Windows, Linus or macOS
  • The use of Blender is free of charge, the tool with a size between 200 and 600 MB also comparatively slim
The Auodesk Inventor page is clean and offers all necessary information directly (source screenshot: Autodesk Inventor website).

Blender: definition, functionality and scope

Blender is mainly used in the field of graphics creation and animation. The tool enables the construction of three-dimensional models, which can be animated in the further course, for example, for video games or animation videos. A distinction is made between different interaction modes within the program, which allow for rough editing such as scaling, or finer work such as modeling edges.

Using Blender in the 3D Printing Process

In the 3D printing process, Blender is especially interesting for modeling. For this purpose, the program offers a clever extra with the integrated “3D Printing ToolBox”. This can help you analyze your designs and avoid mistakes before printing. Among other things, you can check the minimum thickness of the construction walls.

Blender file formats

  • 3DS
  • DAE
  • DXF
  • FBX
  • OBJ
  • LWO
  • DirectX
  • BVH
  • Stanford PLY
  • SVG
  • STL
  • VRML
  • VRML97
  • X3D

Blender: cost, trial version and operating systems

There is no trial version of Blender. However, this is also not necessary, since the application can be used free of charge. The program is compatible with a wide range of operating systems.

Cost & trial version

Blender is popular with small studios or individuals. These take advantage of the fact that there is no cost for using the program. It is an open source software that is funded by donations and supporters.

Supported operating systems

Blender is compatible with a whole range of operating systems. These include Windows, Linux, MacOS, Solaris, FreeBSD, IRIX or AmigaOS.

Advantages and disadvantages of Blender in 3D printing

We have listed all the advantages and disadvantages of Blender for 3D printing below.

Advantages

  • Free open source use
  • High usability
  • German language user interface
  • Compatible with many operating systems

Disadvantages

  • Polygonal modeling offers only limited dimensional accuracy
  • Only conditionally suitable for beginners

Conclusion

Blender is a tool that offers limited possibilities for 3D printing and is primarily aimed at animation studios. However, this tool already allows you to make some adjustments and is completely free. This is a great advantage over other programs, but it comes with a limited scope for 3D fans.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions & answers about Blender

Blender offers a clear user interface and is also offered completely in German. Nevertheless, there are more efficient and easier to understand tools for beginners in 3D printing.

Blender is used in 3D printing mainly for modeling the 3D artwork. Apart from that, the tool also allows, for example, the animation of models, which can then be used for video clips or video games.

How quickly you can learn to use Blender depends on a variety of factors. As a rule, it should only take a few days for you to get the hang of it as an advanced user. Newcomers to 3D printing may need to invest a few extra days.