Rapid Prototyping Solutions

Based and manufactured exclusively in Sweden

The Swedish flag

Delivering globally

We 3D-print your design.

Product development, 3D design and 3D printing.

Create your 3D model with AI here!
Rapid Prototyping Solutions Background

Rapid Prototyping Solutions


Based in and made in Sweden

The Swedish flag

Delivering globally

We 3D-print your design.

Product development, 3D design and 3D printing.

Create your 3D model with AI here!

Can you use Blender for 3D printing? 

Yes, it is absolutely possible to use Blender for 3D printing - but it requires some preparation. Blender is basically an advanced 3D modelling software for animation, game development and visualization, not specifically designed for 3D printing. Therefore, some extra steps need to be taken to ensure that the models are printable. 

What you need to consider 

Waterproof mesh models (manifold) 

A model for 3D printing must be ”manifold” - i.e. completely dense, without holes or non-interconnected surfaces. Blender allows the creation of models that do not meet these requirements, which can lead to errors when printing. Use: 

  • 3D Print Toolbox (built-in extension) to find and correct errors. 
  • Mesh > Clean Up and Solidify modifier to close models correctly. 

Scaling and units 

Blender uses ”Blender Units” which does not directly correspond to millimeters. For 3D printing you should: 

  • Switch to millimeters (Scene Properties > Units). 
  • Check and adjust the scale before export. 

Export to the right format 

The most common format for 3D printing is STL, which Blender supports directly: 

  • Select the item, go to File > Export > STL. 
  • Keep in mind to have the model in the right position (not rotated, centered in the scene). 

When is Blender a good choice? 

Blender is particularly well suited when you: 

  • Want to create organic forms, artistic sculptures or characters. 
  • Need advanced mesh control for detailed modeling. 
  • Has experience in digital sculpting. 

However, for more technical or mechanical models, programs like Fusion 360 or TinkerCAD be easier to work with because they are based on CAD logic that automatically promotes manifold geometry and precise dimensions. 

Tip: use Blender in combination with a slicer program 

Once your model is ready in Blender, import it into a slicer program like PrusaSlicer, Cura or Bambu Studio to prepare it for printing. These tools also check the integrity of the model and help you visualize how it will be printed layer by layer. 

Need help preparing a Blender model for 3D printing? We at RPS can also assist in converting and debugging models, especially if you upload the file via our platform - then you will also get a direct price estimate based on the selected material.