How to Hollow Out a 3D Model in Blender

Hollowing out a model is a common operation in 3D modeling, especially when creating objects that require internal space, such as containers, buildings, or other hollow structures. In Blender, there are various methods to hollow out a model. This article will provide a detailed guide on how to use Blender's tools and features to hollow out a 3D model, along with some practical tips.

　　Basic Steps for Hollowing Out a Model

　　The basic steps for hollowing out a model include selecting the object, duplicating the object, scaling the inner object, and performing a Boolean operation. Here are the detailed steps:.

　　Selecting the Object

　　First, open your 3D model in Blender. Select the object you want to hollow out. Ensure that the object is a closed polygon mesh (i.e., it has no open edges or holes).

　　Duplicating the Object

　　Next, duplicate the object to create the inner layer. Press `Shift + D` to duplicate the object and immediately press `Enter` to confirm its position.

　　Scaling the Inner Object

　　Select the duplicated object and press `S` to scale it. Scale it down to fit inside the original object. Be sure to maintain the object's proportions and shape.

　　Performing a Boolean Operation

　　After scaling the inner object, use a Boolean operation to hollow out the model. Select the outer object, go to the Modifier panel, and add a Boolean modifier. In the Boolean modifier, choose the "Difference" operation and set the inner object as the target. Apply the Boolean modifier to achieve the hollowing effect.

　　Points to Note

　　When hollowing out a model, keep the following points in mind:

　　- Ensure the Object is Closed: If the object has open edges or holes, the Boolean operation might fail or produce incorrect results.

　　- Adjust Normal Directions: Sometimes, the Boolean operation might result in incorrect normal directions. You can fix the normals by using `Ctrl + N`.

　　- Maintain Proportions and Shape: When scaling the inner object, try to maintain the original object's proportions and shape to avoid deformation after hollowing.

　　Tips for Improving Hollowing Effect

　　- Use the Solidify Modifier: Before performing the Boolean operation, you can apply a Solidify modifier to the inner object, setting its thickness to a negative value to ensure a consistent distance between the inner and outer objects.

　　- Adjust Boolean Operation Precision: The Boolean modifier has an option to adjust the operation's precision. Experiment with different precision settings to achieve the best results.

　　Practical Example

　　Here is a simple example of hollowing out a model:

　　Suppose we need to hollow out a cube. First, select the cube and duplicate it. Then, scale the duplicated cube down so it fits inside the original cube. Next, select the outer cube, add a Boolean modifier, and choose the Difference operation, setting the inner cube as the target. After applying the Boolean modifier, you will get a hollowed-out cube.

　　Through this guide, you should now understand the basic methods and techniques for hollowing out a 3D model in Blender. Hollowing out models is widely used in real projects, such as creating hollow architectural models, container models, and more. During the process, ensure the object is closed, adjust normal directions, and use appropriate tools and modifiers to ensure the best results. If you need high-quality 3D textures and HDRI or 3D model downloads for your models and virtual scenes, you can download them from Relebook and directly import the textures and 3D models into your project after downloading.