3D Printing from Zero to Hero in Blender – FDM & MSLA by Thomas McDonald

On April 20, 2026

Author:Thomas McDonald

Duration:10 hours on-demand video

Release date:2026, February

Publisher:Udemy

Skill level:Beginner

Language:English

Exercise files:Yes

Software:Blender, FreeCAD, Chitubox

Course URL:https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-3d-printing

Master 3D modeling, slicing, and printing with FDM and MSLA technologies using the free Blender software.

Ready to turn your digital ideas into physical reality? This course is your ultimate guide to mastering 3D modeling and 3D printing using the powerful, free software Blender. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, you’ll learn everything from designing your first model to slicing and printing with both FDM and MSLA technologies. Get ready to bring your creations to life!

🎯 What you’ll learn

Design and 3D print successfully from scratch with confidence.
Discover free resources for high-quality 3D printing assets.
Prepare models for printing by exporting STL files.
Control print details by slicing and generating G-Code.
Create impressive 3D models quickly and efficiently.
Turn photos into printable 3D models using photo scanning techniques.
Operate FDM and MSLA printers with ease.
Utilize Shapeways for cost-effective model printing.
Troubleshoot and perfect your prints, all within Blender.

✅ Requirements

A computer capable of running Blender (free and open-source).
A three-button mouse (recommended for smoother navigation).
No prior Blender experience required – we start from the basics!

📝 Description

Welcome to the ultimate 3D printing course using Blender! This comprehensive program is designed to take you from absolute beginner to a confident creator, covering everything you need to know about 3D modeling and printing with both FDM and MSLA technologies. You’ll learn practical techniques for designing, modeling, and slicing your own unique models, ensuring successful prints every time. We dive deep into troubleshooting common issues and leverage free and open-source tools like Blender and FreeCAD, making this an accessible and powerful learning experience.

This course is project-based, focusing on real-world application. You’ll work through detailed video tutorials, learning to avoid common pitfalls and perfect your prints. We cover essential topics like wall thickness, STL file export, slicing, G-code generation, and even using services like Shapeways. You’ll also explore advanced techniques such as photo scanning for 3D reconstruction and preparing imported models for printing.

We’ll explore a variety of powerful tools and modifiers within Blender, including the 3D Print Toolbox add-on, MeasureIt, Bolt factory, Screw modifier, Wireframe modifier, Boolean modifier, and more. You’ll also get hands-on experience with other software like Meshroom for 3D reconstruction and FreeCAD for alternative modeling approaches. The course includes numerous projects, from simple door grips and vases to complex phone cases and retopologized models, all designed to build your skills and confidence.

🧑‍🎓 Who this course is for:

Beginners eager to design and print their own unique models.
Students seeking a fast, no-nonsense path from zero to expert.
Designers who want to iterate quickly and bring ideas to life.
Architects needing physical models for clients.
3D Printer Owners craving a clear, actionable guide.
Blender Users ready to print their digital creations.
Hobbyists without a printer – learn to design and use print services!
Professionals looking for a free, powerful design tool.
Students who want to learn a free design package for their own professional use.
Anyone passionate about mastering Blender and 3D printing.

🧑‍🏫 About the Author

Thomas McDonald is a 3D designer, Python automation specialist, and dedicated Udemy instructor based in Ireland. He’s passionate about technology and empowering creativity. With expertise in 3D CAD, Blender, and Python scripting, he develops automation tools and uses Blender Python to streamline complex design workflows. Through his engaging Udemy courses, Thomas teaches 3D software and techniques, guiding students to transform their creative ideas into stunning realities. With 12 years of experience in design and technology, he’s committed to sharing innovative tools and insights to inspire learners worldwide.

🏁 Final Result

You will be able to confidently design, model, slice, and 3D print your own unique objects using Blender, creating a portfolio of diverse projects like phone stands, vases, coins, and even 3D reconstructions.

Curriculum

📋 Course content

Introduction
- Introduction3:40
- 3D Printing Common Terms1:32
- Get the Free and Open Source Software Blender & the Installation Process4:45
- Saving Incrementally, Increasing Undo Steps & Navigation Settings9:36
- Enabling Add-ons6:38
- Introduction Quiz 1
- How to Recover Blend Files after Crashes & Auto Saving Files3:40
- Get Your Free Blender Shortcut Key Guide1:51
- How to Navigate the Blender Interface4:47
- Introduction Question 4
- The Tool Shelf, Sidebar, Modes, & Changing Editor Types5:22
- Selection Types, Quick Favourites Menu & Transform Orientations10:54
- Pivots, Snapping, Zoom Range and Object Visibility8:07
- Activating Selection Types & the 3D Cursor Tool5:34
- The Annotate Tool, Dimensioning Add-on and the Interactive Cube Tool3:53
- Extrude, Bevel & Edge Loop Tool4:26
- The Knife, Bisect & Poly Build Tool3:34
- Using the Spin Tool to Form Profiles4:08
- How to Create, Split & Join Editor to Form Custom Workspaces4:06
- How to use Collections3:55
- The Versatile Multi-Purpose 3D Cursor Tool7:01
- Snapping using Relative or Absolute and During Rotation9:18
- Face Normals and the Face Orientation Overlay5:34
- The Coordinates System and Vertices, Edges & Faces3:57
- How to Start Building your Asset Browser and Linking Blend Files10:05
- End of Section
Module 2
- Common Issues9:30
- Switching Modes4:21
- Mesh Elements5:16
- Edge Loops and Extrusion2:23
- Shading Modes2:25
- Pivot points & Mirroring2:52
- Snapping & Zoom Level3:16
- Non Uniform Transforms2:06
- Inset & Extrude3:03
- Assigning Material3:45
- Environment Lighting2:57
- Bevel Modifier3:06
- Setting up Drivers4:21
- The Array Modifiers3:36
- Setting key Frames & Switching Cameras4:58
- Rendering Images & Compiling Video4:17
Module 3
- What is FDM 3D Printing & Printer Parts5:41
- 3D Printing Common Terms5:59
- Precautions when FDM printing0:54
- What is Unit Scale in Blender and Working with Metric or Imperial6:13
- Sizing Reference Images using Primitive Meshes4:02
- Subdivision Surface Modifier to Increase Smoothing5:28
- Mesh Circle and Mean Crease to Control Subdivision Surface Modifier2:41
- Solid or Wall Thickness3:50
- Measurement Tool and Changing an Objects Origin5:57
- Face Normals and Overlapping Vertices3:34
- 3D print Add-on Non Manifold Checks6:19
- Exporting STL File3:17
- Uploading STL File to Shapeways2:32
- Slicing to Create G-Code for 3D Printing4:06
- Modelling from Reference Image using Dimensions7:10
- Zeroing out an Objects Origin & the Spin Tool3:09
- The Bolt factory add-on3:46
- Fixing Common Errors including Thin Face using the 3D print add-on2:55
- Exporting the STL File for Slicing1:21
Module 4
- Importing file formats Part 1 – Collada – DAE –USD – Universal Scene Description5:14
- Importing File Types Part 2 – SVG – OBJ – Convert Images to Grease Pencil7:12
- Importing file formats Part 3- PLY – FBX – GLTF – MAX – DXF8:07
- Using Screw Modifier to form a Vase Model8:02
- Vase Mode in the Slicer Software2:23
- 3D Printing the Vase at Shapeways4:06
- The Wireframe Modifier6:00
- Generating G-Code and 3D Printing the Vase on 3D Printer10:50
Module 5
- Import a Reference FBX Phone Model4:23
- Absolute Grid Snap6:53
- Connect Vertex Path & Shrink/Flatten2:55
- Align Rotation to Target when Snapping3:57
- Using a Boolean Modifier to Create Recess3:44
- Applying Transforms and Fixing Model Errors7:35
- The Order of Selection4:48
- Slicing to Create G-Code & 3D Printing2:45
- Bevelling Edges & Edge Sliding6:44
- The Knife Tool3:45
- Separating & Joining Meshes7:16
- Parenting/Child relationships2:57
Module 6
- Support Structure when Slicing2:49
- Support Material & Design Flaws3:48
- Meshroom and the 3D Reconstruction process4:09
- Reducing Poly count using the Decimate Modifier6:33
- Symmetrise Tool & Bevel Modifier3:21
- Mirroring Text using Modifiers5:08
- Symmetrise Command6:07
- Curve Object4:35
- Running through 3D Print Checks & Fixing Errors7:16
- 3D Printing the Coin2:54
Module 7
- Digital Asset Collection Online2:21
- Importing & Correcting Scaling the Model4:06
- Retopologizing the Model Part 118:01
- Retopologizing the Model Part 217:03
- Retopologizing the Model Part 319:31
- Retopologizing the Model Part 418:34
- Retopologizing the Model Part 50:45
Module 8
- Convert PDF File to SVG2:16
- Importing & Scaling SVG4:43
- Aligning SVG Sections to Different Views4:04
- Separating, Dissolving & Creating the Profile4:40
- Forming the Curved Case5:50
- Converting the Curve to Mesh2:48
- Dissolving Vertices1:53
- Boolean Modifier5:43
- Applying Modifiers & Fixing Errors5:43
- 3D Printing the Phone Case1:15
Module 9
- Precautions when MSLA resin printing1:09
- Using the Spin Tool to Form the Base3:09
- Boolean Subtraction to form the Head6:31
- Combing Both Sections into One4:02
- Merging Both Sections Into One3:57
- Increasing Resolution & 3D Printing Checks5:17
- Exporting STL File3:25
- Slicing The Model in Chitubox4:17
- Rotating The Model, Slicing & Resin Printing2:49
Module 10
- Exporting for FSM Slicing and Printing1:23
- Screw Modifier to Sweep the Profile4:00
- Bridge & Circle Commands4:33
- 3D Model Export Checks1:27
- Hollowing, Cutting Holes & Printing3:38
Module 11
- Modelling & Printing in Blender9:16
- Modelling & Printing in FreeCAD13:16
Bonus
- Bonus Lecture: Extra Courses1:11