C9: 3D Designing & 3D Printing

Aim:

To observe real-world objects and recreate them as 3D models in Blender using basic modeling tools.

Requirements

  • Computer or laptop with Blender installed

  • Mouse (for accurate control and navigation)

  • Notebook or sketchpad for observations and notes

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Observation

Look around your home, school, or desk and pick 3 small, simple objects — such as:

  • Pen cap

  • Soap case

  • Keychain

  • Cup or glass

  • Eraser box

In your notebook, write:

  • Object name

  • Shape (e.g., cylinder, cube, sphere)

  • Special features (curves, handles, holes, etc.)

This step develops your design observation — the foundation of all 3D modeling.

Step 2: Open Blender

  • Launch Blender on your computer.

  • You’ll see a 3D workspace with a cube in the center.

  • Use the mouse scroll to zoom, middle-click to rotate, and Shift + middle-click to pan your view.

This helps you understand how to navigate the 3D space — imagine moving around your virtual object.

Step 3: Model the Object Using Basic Shapes

  • Use Shift + A → Mesh to add basic shapes like:

    • Cube – for boxes or containers

    • Cylinder – for bottles or caps

    • Sphere – for rounded objects

  • Use the Scale tool (S) to adjust the size.

  • Use the Extrude tool (E) in Edit Mode to stretch parts and add depth.

Example:
To create a pen cap:

  1. Add a cylinder.

  2. Scale it to make it tall and thin.

  3. Extrude the top slightly to give it a cap look.

  4. Add a small flat cube for the clip.

Step 4: Add Color and Materials

  • Go to the Material Properties tab (red circle icon).

  • Click New → Base Color → choose a color that matches your real object.

  • Try metallic, glossy, or matte looks for fun experimentation.

This helps students connect digital design with real-world materials.

Step 5: Render the Scene

  • Adjust camera angle (Numpad 0 to view from camera).

  • Add light if needed (Shift + A → Light → Point).

  • Go to Render → Render Image (F12) to generate the final output.

  • Save the image from Image → Save As.

This gives students their first finished 3D creation — a sense of achievement!

Fill in the form for S’O’A Fablab Orientation 2021.