Basic 3D Modeling with Blender

Date: 24 Oct 2025 (Fri)

Time: 15:00 - 16:30

Venue: M401

Target Audience: All students

Medium of Instruction: English

Objective:

This workshop aims to provide participants with the fundamental skills to create their own simple 3D models using Blender, a powerful and free open-source 3D software. Participants will learn the end-to-end process, from navigating the Blender interface to preparing a digital model for 3D printing.

What you will learn:

By the end of this hands-on workshop, you will be able to:

• Navigate Blender’s 3D viewport and understand its basic user interface.
• Create and manipulate basic 3D shapes (meshes) using essential tools such as move, rotate, and scale.
• Explain core 3D modeling concepts, including vertices, edges, and faces.
• Apply fundamental modeling techniques, such as extruding and insetting, to add detail to your models.
• Use modifiers to streamline and enhance the modeling process.
• Identify key considerations for 3D printing, such as wall thickness and ensuring your model is “manifold” (watertight).
• Prepare and export your finished model in a 3D-printable file format.

Agenda:

• Introduction to the World of 3D
  • Welcome and Introduction
  • What is 3D modeling and 3D printing
  • Overview of applications (rapid prototyping, custom parts, art)
• Introduction to Blender as a powerful, free tool
  • Getting Started with Blender
  • Downloading and installing Blender
• First look at the Blender interface: the 3D Viewport, Outliner, and Properties panel
  • Navigating in 3D space: orbiting, panning, and zooming
• Your First 3D Model
  • Working with Objects
  • Object Mode vs. Edit Mode
  • Adding and deleting basic shapes (cubes, spheres, cylinders)
  • Basic transformations: moving, rotating, and scaling objects
• Introduction to Mesh Modeling
  • Understanding vertices, edges, and faces
  • Hands-on exercise: Modifying a cube.
  • Using essential tools: Extrude, Inset, and Loop Cut to add detail
  • Hands-on Project: Start designing a personalized keychain.
• Preparing Your Model for the Real World
  • Finalizing Your Design for 3D Printing
• Introduction to Modifiers (e.g., Solidify, Bevel)
  • What makes a model 3D printable? (Manifold/watertight geometry)
  • Checking for common issues: wall thickness and scale
  • Hands-on Project: Finalize the keychain model, ensuring it's printable
  • From Digital to Physical
• Exporting your model as an .STL file
  • Brief overview of "slicing" software (e.g., Cura) and concepts like "Fill Pattern" and "Supports"
• Wrap-up and Q&A