Why We Design Everything in Blender
Most 3D print studios use CAD tools. We use Blender. Here's why that choice shapes every piece we make.
Blender isn't the obvious choice for product design. Most makers use Fusion 360 or SolidWorks for precision parts. But Layera's designs aren't purely mechanical — they need to feel good, look considered, and have a character that pure CAD tools struggle to capture.
Blender lets us sculpt. We can push and pull geometry, add organic curves, and iterate on feel rather than just dimensions. The Ghost Pen Holder's rounded ears, the Succulent Planter's tapered base — those shapes came from sculpting, not sketching.
That said, Blender requires more care when preparing models for printing. We use a strict workflow: check manifold geometry, fix normals, verify wall thickness, and export to STL before importing into the slicer. It adds steps, but the results are worth it.
We're currently learning parametric modelling as well, for parts where exact tolerances matter. Some future designs will combine Blender's organic shaping with CAD precision for functional parts. Best of both worlds.