Blender to pepakura
![blender to pepakura blender to pepakura](https://matiasmorant.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img-20171101-wa0002-1623609323.jpeg)
Now we can start smoothing the polygons in the model. On a model of this size, subdividing the model 3 times strikes a good balance between quality and disk space usage (Tools>Add:Subdivide – enter “3” for the Number of Cuts): Once we have the quads, we need to break the model down into more polygons to set up the model for a smoothing operation. They enable us to more precisely control the subdivisions and smoothing of the model: Our first editing operation is to press “Alt-J” to convert the triangles in the above STL file to rectangles or “quads.” Quads are required for a good subdivision surface. The Blender Wiki has a great discussion on three different forms of mesh smoothing. While Blender has many modeling features, this tutorial is focused on modifying the underlying STL file for smooth 3D printing (rather than optimizing for renderings, etc.). Second, open Edit Mode to display the polygons from the STL file: The Answer is Blenderīlender is a powerful, free, and open source program that enables you to effectively “subdivide” (into multiple polygons) and smooth your model to achieve the desired 3D printed surface finish.įirst, the STL file is imported into Blender (refer to this helpful video by Blender guru Shapespeare to properly configure Blender for 3D modeling): To achieve a smoother model (and a smoother 3D printed car), adding more polygons to the existing model in Sketchup can help (and more than double your modeling time), but the surface will still not be smooth.
![blender to pepakura blender to pepakura](https://us.v-cdn.net/5020761/uploads/editor/ly/qq1d3zvz8w7u.jpg)
Here is how the STL of the model appears in Cura (make sure and use Netfabb to clean your model first): In other words, by softening the edges you have not smoothed the underlying CAD model, you have only altered the way the model appears on your screen. In Sketchup, using the Window>Soften Edges feature smooths the edges on the sports car: When drawing free-form objects, this leaves us with visible “polygons” as shown in the automotive application below: In other words, objects are first drawn as surfaces and then must later be connected to form solid objects (for 3D printing). However, Sketchup is primarily a surface modeler. It is easy to learn, easy to use, and is capable of some incredible detail. Sketchup is one of our favorite 3D modeling tools here at Airwolf.