Designing for 3D Printing using Blender

Ages: 18+
Term: Spring
Length: 10 weeks

Overview

This exciting course introduces you to Blender, a powerful and widely used 3D modelling application popular with independent designers, artists and makers. You’ll be guided through the process of transforming your ideas from simple concepts into fully realised, 3D print-ready designs.

To book your place today, simply click Book Now to be taken to AUB's secure online store, where you can complete your booking. You can also sign up to our newsletter for short course updates.

About this course

Throughout the course, you’ll gain a solid understanding of Blender’s core tools and workflows specifically for 3D modelling intended for print. You’ll learn how to confidently navigate the interface, understand modelling best practices, and apply essential techniques such as sketching and blocking out forms, extrusion, sculpting, Boolean operations and surface modelling.

Alongside developing your modelling skills, you’ll be introduced to the key principles of 3D printing. This includes preparing models correctly for print, understanding file formats and exporting, and an introduction to slicing software such as Cura. You’ll also gain an overview of different types of 3D printers and materials, helping you understand how digital designs are translated into physical objects.

Your final designs will be professionally prepared and printed by AUB’s specialist 3D technician, who will provide you with your completed physical prints. This allows you to focus on developing strong digital modelling skills while gaining the experience of seeing your work realised as a tangible object.

Introduction to Blender for 3D modelling
Exploring the user interface and navigation
Core modelling techniques
Introduction to Boolean operations
Rendering fundamentals
Saving and exporting files correctly for 3D printing
Introduction to 3D printing processes and printer types
Introduction to slicing software and preparing files for print
Understanding different 3D printing materials
Professional printing of your completed designs by an AUB technician

Timetable

Week 1 – Starting with simple objects: the basics of Blender (Part 1).
Week 2 – Putting things together: the basics of Blender (Part 2).
Week 3 – How to use software to make 3D objects.
Week 4 – A tour of 3D printing machinery at AUB's Innovation Studio.
Week 5 – Combining objects: making a coin.
Week 6 – Blender's sculpting mode: let's sculpt a duck!
Week 7 – Adding texture to surfaces and developing final project ideas.
Week 8 – Making a dragon: working with and articulating shapes.
Week 9 – Preparing work for printing and problem-solving.
Week 10 – Using AI to make 3D models and presentation of printed works.

At the end of the course you'll:

Strengthen your creative and technical skills
Have increased confidence in digital making processes
Have a strong foundation to continue developing your 3D design practice beyond the course
Have a comprehensive overview and practical understanding of 3D modelling software and 3D printing processes
Have created original 3D designs suitable for printing
Have experienced the process of taking digital models through to professionally produced physical outcomes
Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course

You can request a certificate to confirm your achievements, providing you've a 100% attendance record. To request a certificate please get in touch with us at academy@aub.ac.uk and confirm your name and the title of course you've completed.

Will I be assessed?

No, there's no formal assessment. As the course progresses your tutor will measure your overall performance and offer essential guidance and feedback so you know how you're getting on.

What you need to know

Spring term 2027

Monday 11 January – 15 March 2027 (10 Monday evenings, 18.00–21.00)

Age

Suitable for adults aged 18+.

Level

Beginners or anyone with some experience who want to refresh or develop their skills further.

Experience or qualifications required

None – this is an introductory course. We have no formal academic entry requirements for our short courses.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: academy@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363222.

£375

Any additional costs

You'll need to provide USB flash drive This will incur an additional cost if you need to purchase one for the course. See the 'What to bring to class' section below for full details.

Access to Blender outside of class is recommended to practise and consolidate learning between sessions

Course materials included in the price

Any additional materials and resources not listed below will be provided by AUB.

USB flash drive
Notebook and pens/pencils to take notes

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Suggested Suppliers

Information about resourcing specialist materials/consumables that you may need to bring these with you

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AUB Academy FAQs – Evening and Weekend and Saturday Art School

If you have any questions about our Evening and Saturday Short Courses, you may find the answers in here.

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AUB Academy booking T&Cs

Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully before booking onto our Evening and Weekend courses.

Book your place today

Book now

3D print gallery

Innovation Studio, photographed by Richard Bryant. Photo of an interior space, with three people sat around a table in the middle. Further up, a person leans on a metal railing. Above them, a clock hangs from the ceiling.

Front elevation of the Innovation Studio. Two students walking up to it.

Beyond the course

This could just be the start of your creative journey! After this course, you could further your 3D design skills with another short course or look to the future and explore our creative qualifications that can prepare you to further your current career, enable you to retrain to an alternative career path or prepare you for future creative arts studies.