3D Printing for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know Before You Start
3D printing has been around since the 80s, but it’s only recently that this technology has become more accessible to everyday consumers, both personally and professionally. 3D printers have been used to print everything from prosthetic hands to water filtration systems, but at their core, they are still essentially machines that print objects layer by layer based on instructions programmed into them by the user. If you’re considering buying a 3D printer for yourself or your business, here are some tips to help you get started with using this exciting new technology.
The Benefits of 3D Printing
- 3D printing is a more affordable way to produce parts and prototypes. This is good news if you want to bring a product idea into the world but don’t have the financial resources required to pay for expensive tooling like injection molding or die casting. When used in conjunction with CAD software, it’s possible to create beautiful, functional prototypes that look as close as possible to your final production model at a fraction of the cost. In fact, many people who own 3D printers are already doing this!
- If you’re one of those people with ideas running around in your head all day and not enough time in the day to bring them into reality, 3D printing may be able to help out there too.
The Drawbacks of 3D Printing
While 3D printing is amazing, it’s not perfect. The costs of 3-d printers can be prohibitive, and it takes a lot of time to create even a simple item like a Christmas ornament. Plus, most materials used for printing are plastics or resins which don’t lend themselves well to intricate details and complex shapes. For this reason, 3-d printed goods are often limited in what they can do.
Read Also: 6 Best Photo Printing Services for Perfect Prints Every Time
Where To Buy A Printer
All printers need a computer with the necessary software installed. In order to print anything, you must first download the design file. Popular sites where you can find 3D designs include Thingiverse and MyMiniFactory. Once you have selected an object, download it and create a 3d model on your own. After that is done, all that is left is to plug in your printer and print away!
Basic Things To Consider When Buying A Printer
Before you buy a 3D printer, there are some basic things you should consider about the printer’s intended use.
-How much space do I have available? Does the printer come in pieces? Does it need to be assembled or self-assembled? Where will the printed parts be stored while they’re not being used? Will I need to supply my own external software or hardware? If so, how will this affect my total cost of ownership over time?
-How skilled am I with technical machinery and tools like power drills and hand tools such as wrenches and screwdrivers? Do I know what they look like and how they work, or am I expecting an onsite technician when one is needed?
-What materials can the printer process?
5 Filament Types Explained
In order to create a 3D print, the object being printed needs something called the filament. 3D printers require filament in order to create an object with layers. The most common type of filament is PLA, but there are many more types that we’ll go into detail about in this post. Each type of filament has different qualities and purposes, so knowing the differences can help you figure out which one is best for your printer and project needs.
Great Printers For Newbies
- Prusa I3 MK2 – The Prusa I3 MK2 has a few more bells and whistles than the original. It can handle ABS, PLA, and other common materials used in 3D printing, says Scott Knickelbine, who has been involved with 3D printing since 1989. It is easy to calibrate and use.
- Sells MendelMax 1.5 – The MendelMax 1’s filament extruder is enclosed to improve print quality (plus, it’s cute!). On top of that, the printer offers interchangeable heads so you can mix materials. This is great for testing different mixes or if you are making your own colored filament at home!
Where To Find Models To Print
You can find models to print on the internet at sites like Thingiverse and Pinshape. With 3D printers, you don’t need to be an expert in CAD or design software – anyone can download and print a model from these websites with just a few clicks. All you have to do is select your printer type and find the model of interest on the site. Don’t know what it’s going to look like when you’re done? Simply hit show preview so you’ll get an idea of what it will look like when it’s printed!
Read Also: 6 Best Photo Printing Services for Perfect Prints Every Time
Don’t Get Scammed By Overpriced Filaments
Doing research on where to buy 3D printing supplies is often intimidating, but there are some tips you can follow before making your purchase. Ask around and see what other people in the community are using with their printers. Check out reviews on different websites as well. Keep in mind that it’s possible to print from home with quality filament – which means you don’t have to take the high price markup that most local stores will give you. If you want a selection of colors, then ask about color-changing filaments too, which can be found on many websites like Colorfabb. As long as you research and find a quality filament supplier, chances are you won’t get scammed by overpriced filaments!
