Python to 3D model - Blender

Making 3D models can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. With some knowledge of Python and basic chemistry, you can create structural 3D models in Blender with ease. In this article, I will guide you through the process of creating a 3D model using Python and Blender.

Step 1: Installing Blender

The first step is to download and install Blender, which is a free and open-source 3D creation software. You can download it from the official Blender website (Blender.org).

Once installed, launch Blender and select "General" from the splash screen.

Step 2: Setting up the Text Editor

After launching Blender, go to the right side of the interface and choose "Editor Type," then select "Text Editor." From there, select "Text" and then "New" to create a new Python script.

Step 3: Writing Python Code

Writing Python code may seem overwhelming if you're new to programming, but we'll break it down for you. The basic idea is to create two shapes, a sphere, and a cylinder, and assign colors to represent different atoms like carbon, hydrogen, etc. The size and color of the cylinder represent different types of bonds, such as single, double, or covalent.

Let's take the example of benzene. We'll start by defining the positions of the carbon and hydrogen atoms and then create the corresponding spheres and cylinders with appropriate colors and sizes.

Defining Positions

Defining the shapes(iterating over the different vector values)

Similar approach for the bonds

Results

Conclusion / Notes

In conclusion, creating 3D models in Blender using Python can seem like a challenging task, but with the right approach and basic knowledge, it can be an effortless process. The key is to have a clear understanding of the structure you want to create and to personalize the logic to your needs.

While we have shown an example of creating a benzene model, you can use Python and Blender to create various 3D models by modifying the code. If you are looking to try different ways of getting the shapes or using the bpy module, the Blender documentation is an excellent resource to get started.

Lastly, it is essential to stay up to date with the latest version of Blender and Python to avoid any compatibility issues. With these considerations in mind, you can create complex 3D models with ease using Python and Blender.