Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Remixing a Design
As you've likely noticed while browsing 3D model websites, there is an abundance of 3D
printable designs available. Even so, you may not always be able to find exactly what you
need. You may have found a design that is very close to what you want for your project,
but is missing a few features. This is where open source hardware really shines—in the use
of derivatives.
A derivative design is a design that builds onto or from an existing design. Open hard-
ware licenses permit you to create derivatives of the existing design file, allowing you to
edit it to add new features, remove features, or even copy parts of the existing design into
your own design. Derivative licenses also allow non-associated people to collaboratively
work on a project. While one person or group works on adding one feature, another per-
son or group can work on another feature of the project. This allows for rapid develop-
ment in a group that is not necessarily strictly organized or directly related.
To remix a design, you have to step into the software world. CAD and 3D modeling
software can have a steep learning curve for anyone not accustomed to using graphic soft-
ware. Do not worry, though: There are many great software packages out there with a
seemingly endless number of tutorials and guides.
Blender
One of the more widely used free and open source 3D modeling software packages,
Blender (
Figure 8.3
), is a 3D graphics powerhouse. Blender is used for animation, digital
sculpting, video game modeling, particle simulation, and a number of other purposes. It
turns out that it also works great as a modeling and mesh editing software for creating and
editing designs for 3D printing.
8
number of features to check the quality of your 3D model. One great feature will highlight the areas
in the model that could be hard to print. For more information, search
3D printing
in the Blender
user preferences Add-on tab.
