HOW TO 3D PRINT

Beginner’s Guide To 3D
Printing

The aim of this guide is to teach you the

fundamental concepts of how to 3D print, and
provide you with the tools and resources you need
to get started and make an informed choice about
buying your �rst 3D printer. You will learn the
basic history of 3D printing, the software that
powers it, how the hardware works, and other
crucial information that will help you get started.

This guide will be updated over time with new

content, images, and embedded videos.

e were initially going to package this guide up as an ebook

W
and sell it for a small sum, in order to help fund the
running of 3D Insider. However, after much
deliberation it was decided by the team here that
we would rather give this guide away for free – as in 100%
free.

This beginner’s guide to 3D printing is our way of giving

something useful back to the 3D printing community

Now that the house-keeping is out of the way, let’s get on with
the guide!
 CHAPTERS

1 What is 3D Printing?

2 Uses of 3D Printing

3 Di�erent 3d Printing Processes

4 Getting Started – What You Need To Know

5 Essential Software

6 Essential Hardware

7 How to Choose a 3D Printer

8
 1 Chapter 1 What Is 3D Printing?

3D printing is also known as additive manufacturing, or

desktop fabrication. It is a process in which a real, physical
object is created based on a 3D design blueprint. 3D printing
is an emerging technology that �rst was introduced in the
year 1986; however, it wasn’t until the 1990s that it began to
draw serious attention from all corners of the technology
world.

For many, 3D printing is no less than a technology right out of

Star Trek or some parallel universe. The ability to create
objects from the ground up is really astonishing for a great
number of people.

A Brief History of 3D Printing

It was in 1984 when a process called stereolithography (SLA)
was invented by a person named Charles Hull, who later went
on to cofound the company 3D Systems. This printing process
gave birth to the whole concept of 3D printing, as it enabled
the production of a 3D object from a digital design. This
allowed the creation of a 3d model from a picture or
blueprint, before investments were made in large
manufacturing processes by companies.
The very �rst machine capable of creating 3D objects from
computer design was produced by 3D Systems. The machine
was named the Stereolithographic Apparatus, as it utilized
stereolithography as the process for printing 3D models.
Since the development of this machine, rapid developments
have occurred in the �eld of 3D printing.

The vast potential of this technology was realized in the

middle and latter stages of the 1990s, when fully-functional
organs were produced. The �rst lab-grown organ was
successfully transplanted in young patients who were
undergoing urinary bladder augmentation using a 3d-printed
synthetic sca�old that was coated with cells from their own
body.

This proved that the raw materials for creating objects could
range from plastic, to metals, to human cells. The possibilities
were endless and the future looked extremely bright for 3D
Printing technology. Apart from the SLA process, the onset of
selective laser sintering (SLS) in 2006 paved way for mass and
on-demand production of industrial parts. In the very same
year, a company named Objet introduced a 3D printer that
was capable of printing objects using numerous types of raw
materials.

The year 2008 saw the �rst self-replicating printer which was
capable of ‘producing itself’ by printing its own parts and
components. This enabled users who had access to such a
type of a printer to create more printers for other people,
such as friends and family. Later in the same year, major
breakthroughs were achieved in prosthetics when a person
successfully walked with a 3D printed prosthetic leg consisting
of all parts including the knee, foot and socket created as a
part of the same structure without any assembly.

MakerBot Industries, an open source company, started selling

DIY kits in 2009 that allowed people to create their own
desktop 3D printers. The following years saw a great rise in
the number of applications of 3D printing, as the world’s �rst
3D printed aircraft took to the skies above University of
Southampton in UK.

3D Printing: How It Works

Contrary to traditional subtractive manufacturing processes
that rely on methods of cutting and drilling to carve out
objects, an additive manufacturing process like 3D printing
works by ‘fusing together’ layers of powdered material to
build an object.

This task is performed by a machine called a 3D printer which,

under computer control, can carry out this process with
unmatched precision and superior accuracy.

A typical modern 3D printer that creates objects based on the

SLS process primarily works in the following manner. Here are
some of the components and raw materials to give you an
idea of how 3D printing works:

LASER SOURCE
1
A laser is directed from the laser source to solidify
and fuse together the molecules of a certain raw
material.

ELEVATOR
2
The Elevator is a component of a 3D printer that
raises or lowers the platform to lay the layers of
the particular object that is being manufactured.
Keep in mind that 3D printers create an object
layer-by-layer. Thus, the elevator helps in moving
the object accordingly.
 VAT
3
Think of the Vat as being a reservoir for the raw
material.

MATERIALS
4
Today’s advanced 3D printers are capable of using
one or more types of raw materials for creating
objects. The materials that they can use include
plastic, metals, resin and polymers.

Applications Of 3D Printing
The rapid growth and improvements in 3D printing
technology have enabled many industries to bene�t from it.
Here are some of the industries that use 3D printing for a
variety of purposes:
 AEROSPACE

The technology is being used to manufacture complex yet

lightweight parts for aircraft and space applications.

ARCHITECTURE

This industry utilizes this technology for structure

veri�cation, design review, reverse-structure engineering,
and expedited scaled modeling

AUTOMOTIVE

The automotive industry actively uses 3D printing

technology for design veri�cation as well as for the
development of new engines.

DEFENSE

3D printing technology in the Defense sector is being

utilized for making light-weight parts for surveillance
 This excellent video by Stratasys will help you understand
further the applications of 3D printing:

The Stratasys Fortus 380mc & 450mc FDM 3D Prin…

2 Chapter 2 Uses of 3D Printing?

Similar to the ways in which computing was considered to be

the hotbed of innovation in the early 1970s, 3D printing is also
experiencing an analogous renaissance. 3D printing
technology in its early days was limited to industries that
could a�ord the highly expensive 3D printers. However, as the
costs began to lower as a result of the developments in the
technology, desktop 3D printers have granted access to
hobbyists and anyone willing to try out the new technology.

As previously discussed, 3D printing is being used for a

number of applications across a many �elds, and is also being
used extensively for educational purposes. What is it that
makes this emerging technology important?

Fundamental Change to Manufacturing Processes

When it comes to the current commercial manufacturing
process, assembly lines are utilized to assemble various parts
together until the �nal product takes shape. 3D Printing will
have huge implications for the current manufacturing
processes.

For example, the use of a 3D printer for manufacturing

products at a factory will only require a computer design to be
sent to the printer, thus eliminating the need of assembly
lines, as the printer will be able to churn out complete
products.

As previously mentioned, 3D printing technology falls within

the boundaries of additive manufacturing, which is the
opposite of subtractive manufacturing processes where
objects are ‘carved out’ using numerous tools. The former, on
the other hand, builds the object layer-by-layer without the
use of any particular tools. This enables designers to devise
even the most complex of designs without having to worry
about how they will actually be created; 3D printers can
generally print out complex designs with no problems at all.

3D printing is still in its early stages, and it will take some time
for it to develop into something similar to that of the
‘replicators’ found in the sci-� series Star Trek. Nonetheless, it
has been developing at an exponential rate, and it continues
to o�er compelling bene�ts. 3D printing is capable of
producing objects with complex internal structures, which
would otherwise be almost impossible with traditional
methods of construction. Take the example of an adjustable
wrench; using traditional manufacturing processes, a number
of actions including forging, grinding, milling and the
assembly are required just to create an adjustable wrench. On
the other hand, 3D printing can create this wrench in a single
process.

Fundamental Change to Manufacturing Processes

3D printing has the potential to be greener than traditional
methods of manufacturing. 3D printers can be used is for
�xing old items, such as cars that have become obsolete (and
the manufacturer no longer supplies or creates the spare
parts). Due to the unavailability of spare parts for old cars,
they are usually recycled or left to be dumped into land�lls,
thus harming the environment.

Some people have been using 3D printers to create obsolete

parts in order to keep their cars running. The same idea can
apply on almost any other product out there that can be
revived using parts from a 3D printer. The possibilities are
truly endless. Even something as simple as a battery cover for
a remote control can be created, reducing the need to throw
the old remote away.

Localizing Production of Items

3D printing can also be used to localize production of items,
resulting in a massive change to supply chains and
logistics.Rather than supplying from a single factory outlet, a
company will be able to establish much smaller production
units all over the areas which they serve, thus minimizing
transportation costs. This will be a great advantage to
multinational companies that serve at a global level. Smaller
batches could be created at strategically-placed locations to
e�ectively cover all the countries while reducing the logistical
expenses signi�cantly.

The increased e�ciency o�ered by 3D printing will also pave

way for greater customization for consumers. Also, instead of
outsourcing, the local production of items will bring back
manufacturing to domestic soil. Although such complex
economic discussions are beyond the humble authors of this
book, we think that the potential for a true “renaissance” of
manufacturing in countries such as the United States and
United Kingdom is immense … and all thanks to 3D printing.

Before the 3D printing technology can bring about signi�cant

changes to the manufacturing industry, it �rst has to establish
itself as being ready for mass, mainstream manufacturing;
with the rates at which the technology is improving, the day
may not be far when instead of buying products, people buy
design blueprints and print the products using their desktop
3D printers!

3 Chapter 3 Di�erent 3d Printing Processes

The term 3D printing technically refers to the development of

any object from the ground up. This o�set of additive
manufacturing makes use of di�erent processes to help
accomplish this job. Regardless of the process used, the idea
behind the creation of objects using 3D printing technology
remains the same; starting from the production of a 3D model
using computer-aided design (CAD) software to the setting up
of the machine. However, the actual process used to create
the physical object varies.

There are four di�erent types of 3D printing processes that

you are likely to encounter, and they are as follows:

Stereolithography (SLA)
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Multi-Jet Modeling (MJM)

Stereolithography (SLA)
The 3D printing process called stereolithography is generally
considered to be the pioneer of all other 3D printing
processes. Charles W. Hull, the founder of 3D systems,
introduced and patented this process in 1988. This process
makes use of a vat of liquid photopolymer resin that is cured
by a UV laser. The laser solidi�es that resin layer by layer , in
order to create the whole object.
 Higher-end SLA 3D printer working its magic.

How it Works

An SLA 3D printer starts o� with an excess of liquid plastic.

Some of this plastic is cured (or hardened) to form a 3D
object.

There are four main parts in an SLA printer:

A printer �lled with liquid plastic

A perforated platform
A UV laser
A computer which controls both the laser and the platform

To begin with, a thin layer of the plastic (anywhere between

0.05-0.15mm) is exposed above the platform. The laser
‘draws’ the pattern of the object over the platform as depicted
in the design �les. As soon as the laser touches the material, it
hardens. This process continues until the whole object has
been constructed.

Objects that are created using SLA are generally smooth,

while the quality of the object is dependent on the complexity
of the SLA machine.

Here’s a short video that explains the SLA printing process in

greater detail:

The Stereolithography (SLA) rapid prototyping proc…

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

SLS is one of the most commonly used 3D printing
technologies. During the SLS printing process, tiny particles of
ceramic, glass or plastic are fused together by a high-power
laser. The heat from the laser fuses together these particles to
form 3D objects.

Carl Deckard, an undergraduate student at the University of

Texas, along with his Professor, Joe Beaman, developed and
patented this process in the 1980s.
 The SLS 3D Printing Process

How it Works
Like all other 3D printing processes, the process of creating an
object with an SLS machine begins with designing of a 3D
model using CAD software. These �les are then converted into
.STL format, which is recognizable by 3D printers.

SLS utilizes powder materials, usually plastics like nylon, to

print the 3D objects. The laser is controlled by a computer
which instructs it to print the appropriate object by tracing a
cross-section of the object onto the raw material (powder).

The heat from the laser is equal to, or slightly below, the
boiling point of the particles. As soon as the initial layer of the
object is formed, the platform of the 3D printer drops by no
more than 0.1mm to expose a new layer of the powder. Layer
by layer, the object is created and it has to be allowed to cool
before being removed from the printer.

This video explains SLS 3D printing in greater detail:

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

The Fused Deposition Modeling printing process is an additive
manufacturing technology that is used for the purposes of
modeling, prototyping and production applications. This
method also works by creating an object layer by layer.
However, there are some di�erences in the way the materials
are used by this technology.

Basic guide to FDM 3D printing

How it Works

3D printers that utilize the FDM technology construct an

object layer by layer; they heat a thermoplastic material to a
semi-liquid state. Two materials are used by FDM to complete
the printing; a modeling material and a support material. The
former constitutes the �nal product, while the latter acts as
sca�olding.

The raw materials are supplied from the printer’s bays and
the printer head is designed to move based on X and Y
coordinates, controlled by the computer. It only moves
vertically (Z-axis) when a layer has been completed.

The bene�ts o�ered by FDM make it suitable for use in

o�ces, as it is a clean and easy-to-use method.

Solid Concepts Inc. have put together a great video that

explains the FDM process in an easy-to-follow fashion:

Multi-Jet Modeling (MJM)

The principle of working of a 3D printer utilizing multi-jet
modeling is starkly similar to that of an ink jet printer. This
process is sometimes also referred to as thermojet. It is a type
of a rapid prototyping process that can create wax-like plastic
models.

How it Works

MJM printers have a head that has dozens of linear nozzles

that sprays a colored glue-like substance onto a layer of resin
powder. Due to the fact that this technology does not have
the same kind of limitations as SLA, it is able to produce
exceptionally detailed objects with thickness as �ne as 16-
microns. However, they aren’t as tough as those created using
SLA.
Using this method, the printer is able to create a wax-like 3D
object layer by layer.

Conclusion
All types of 3D printing processes have a few things in
common; they all require a 3D model in .STL format in order
for the printer to be able to understand the blueprints it has
to develop. All types of 3D printers build objects layer by layer;
the major di�erence lies in the technique they use to solidify
the raw materials, as well as the nature of the raw materials
themselves.

For instance, SLA utilizes a UV laser to cure the material

(which is in lique�ed form), whereas, SLS uses a laser to
solidify the raw material which is in powdered form. Each of
the types o�ers their own set of bene�ts for numerous types
of applications. Some are clean (and simple!) enough to be
used in homes and o�ces, while some are currently limited to
industrial applications. Nonetheless, the rapid advancements
in all 3D printing technologies are bringing them within the
reach of technology enthusiasts and home users.

4 Chapter 4 Getting Started – What You Need to Know

Getting started with 3D printing can be ba�ing, to say the

very least. With so many new things to learn, newcomers can
�nd it extremely hard to �gure out where they should begin
(that’s why you bought this eBook, right?!) There are many
questions that need to be answered before you actually take
the plunge and enter the world of 3D printing.

This chapter will focus on answering the common questions

that perplex a novice – such as yourself – when they attempt
to understand the complexities of the 3D printing technology.

Do You Really Need a 3D Printer?

Desktop 3D printers can now be purchased at a�ordable
rateshe �rst and foremost question that needs to be
answered is whether you really need to get a 3D printer of
your own. There are a great number of online resources that
can print models and deliver them to you.

So if you only need to get something printed occasionally,

then it would be best to simply send a blueprint of the object
to one of these services, and avoid all the hassle completely.

If You Do, Which Printer Should You Buy?

Let’s be honest here … you will probably want to buy a 3D
printer of your own – it’s one of the most exciting purchases
you will ever make! You will need to choose between buying a
pre-assembled machine, and getting one that you have to
build yourself. Both routes come with their own set of
advantages and disadvantages. If you’re blessed with do-it-
yourself skills and a fair bit of technical knowledge, you may
�nd the latter option more appealing. Building your own 3D
printer will also cost you less, but it sure isn’t for the faint
hearted.

One thing to bear in mind with constructing your own kit set
3D printer is that anything goes wrong with the 3D printer
down the track, you’ll already have the necessary experience
to disassemble it and put it back together again.

However, because this is a guide aimed at beginners, the best,

and recommended course of action would be to purchase a
desktop 3D printer in the �rst instance. The cost of 3D
printers has reduced signi�cantly over the past few years;
however, you should still expect to spend around $1000-1500
to get a decent desktop 3D printer.

On 3D Insider we have a regularly-updated guide to 3D

printers for sale. This is the best place to start when it comes
to looking for your �rst 3D printer.
You can always contact the 3D Insider team on
[email protected] and we will be more than willing
to help you pick your �rst 3D printer as well.

For your information, we started out with a Solidoodle 3 3D

printer. Here’s a print we did in action:

The great thing with 3D printing is that the prices of printers

are coming down, while at the same time the choice and
quality of these same printers is going up.

Before you purchase your own 3D printing we strongly

encourage you to get in touch with us at 3dprinterplans @
gmail.com (remove the spaces) and we can help you make the
right purchase.

Where Can You Get 3D Model Blueprints?

When it comes to the actual design blueprints of the objects,
you have two options: you can either get them online ready-
to-go, or make your own.

You can �nd all kinds of models on a website called the

Thingiverse. Even though this website is owned by the
renowned manufacturers of the Replicator printer, Makerbot,
it still contains a decent inventory of blueprints by ordinary
users.

If you insist on making your own models (this is the best

part!), then proceed to the next question below.

How Can You Make Your Own Models?

There was a time when Computer Aided Design (CAD)
software was designed by engineers, for engineers. This
software used to be extremely complex (to an extent it still is
complex … but is more manageable now) and no one except
those with the proper training could use CAD software
e�ectively.
CAD software has a steep learning curveTimes have changed,
and the latest in CAD software is aimed at general users. The
best thing about modern CAD software is that it is not as
di�cult to learn and use as it was previously; however, the
learning curve is still pretty steep, and you would need to
dedicate quite a bit of your time and e�ort to fully grasp all
the concepts of 3D printer-ready design using CAD.

In order to learn the basics of CAD designing software, check

out Autodesk’s 123D Design and Inventor Fusion. Both of
these programs are free for limited licences. You can use the
free versions of these software tools to design models for
printing.

One thing to bear in mind, however, is that the free/limited

/student versions of CAD software do not generally allow you
to sell your printed objects, or to sell the �les you create. As
always, you need to do your own due diligence and
investigate the licensing for any software you download.

If you plan on 3d printing as a business, then you really do

need to invest in a commercial software licence.

We will talk more about software later in the guide.

Can You Simply Scan Real Objects And Print Them?

A lot of people wonder whether it is possible to ‘simply scan
and print’ objects. It is possible, and there are a few
companies that create dedicated 3D scanning equipment,
such as Go!SCAN 3D. However, the scanned models generally
require a lot of tweaking before they can be used to print
objects.

This idea is undoubtedly ingenious, but it will take a little time

to mature; at present you are still better to create the �les “by
hand” and then print them from there.

How Should You Go About Printing Downloaded

Models?
If you have downloaded model blueprints from websites like
Thingiverse, chances are that they will already be in STL
format. This format is halfway to becoming a printable �le …
so stay tuned for how to turn that STL �le into something
seriously awesome.

For the printer to be able to manage the design �les, they

have to be sliced – which means that it has to be transformed
into the exact layer-by-layer description of the object,
including the temperature, the speed and wall thickness
controls. The resulting �le is called a G-Code �le that can be
interpreted by the printer.

You can choose from a number of slicing applications in the

market, including free ones such as ReplicatorG, Cura and
KISSlicer. We will talk more about slicing software shortly.

How Should You Go About Printing Models That

You Created?
Slicing software is an important tool required to create a �nal,
printable �leIf you used computer-aided design software to
create your model, then the software will be able to export it
as an STL �le. All you would have to do would be to use a
slicing software program to transform it into a G Code �le.

On the other hand, if you used a 3D program such as

Photoshop, Sketchup or any other 3D design program that
isn’t speci�cally designed for CAD, then the process of getting
the G code �le requires several steps.

Once of the �rst things that need to be done is to see whether

the 3D model is genuinely printable or not. In most cases,
minor changes will be required, such as patching up of holes
and repairing of vertices.

Secondly, the �le will need to be converted into an STL before

it can be sliced for the printer.

You can use a free, open-source application called Meshlab to

perform both the tasks of patching up the model and
generating the STL �le. You may also want to look into a
commercial program called NetFabb that can generate the G
Code �les as well.

Where Can You Buy the Material?

The printing material (or �lament) that is required for the 3D
printer comes in two types: PLA and ABS.

PLA is Polylactic Acid, a form of polyester that is made from a

variety of natural sources including sugar, corn starch or
sugar cane. It is biodegradable and melts at temperatures
lower than ABS.

ABS, or Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a type of polymer

that is oil-based. It is extremely strong and resilient and is
commonly used to create children’s toys.

You can purchase them in loose forms or as a reel from a

wide range of sources. A kilogram of 3.0mm ABS �lament reel
costs around $30 on Amazon, which is where we recommend
you buy your �lament from. Search around to �nd the best
deal and the lowest shipping cost for your location.

Conclusion
As you can see, it is possible to acquire a 3D printer and the
material needed to print within a budget of less than $2000,
provided that you use free CAD software and tools.
Nonetheless, cost isn’t everything! Before you purchase
anything, it is important that you carry out a self-check to see
whether you have the willpower and the ability to actually
learn 3D printing techniques, because the learning curve is
steep.

Take your time to learn the hardware (and software) and have
fun along the way!
 5 Chapter 5 Essential Software

Without the right software, 3D printing would remain a distant

dream. While it is true that you need a specialized printer that
can create 3D objects, you also need a variety of essential
software that can be used to design the actual model and get
it into a format that the printer can recognize.

This chapter will discuss the types of computer software you

need, as you begin your journey to becoming a 3D printing
expert.

Introduction To 3D Printing Software

Unless you’re planning to download ready-made blueprints of
models from the Internet and use them to print objects, you
will need to understand what kind of 3D printing software you
need. We had discussed this topic brie�y in the previous
chapter; we will now discuss 3D printing software in more
detail.

The 3D Printing Process

Before we head deeper into discussing 3D printing software, it
is a wise idea to brie�y discuss the actual 3D printing process
from scratch so that you have a clear picture of what exactly
you’re dealing with.

Step 1: The Idea

First and foremost: you have to decide what you want to

make. It can be anything, from a simple decoration item to a
complex toy. It is best if you start with simpler projects until
you get comfortable with designing more compound objects.
When the team at 3D Insider �rst got a 3D printer, we
experimented with very simple objects (such as cubes) until
our abilities improved. Come up with a number of ideas, and
be prepared to reject a number of them from a technical
feasibility perspective. It’s also important to take action at this
stage – it can be very tempting to come up with a number of
ideas for the next great 3D printed invention, but never get
around to designing and making anything. If you’re prone to
procrastinating your work, then you might want to read this
handy guide that covers the best ways to quit procrastinating
– you’ll �nd that you get a lot more 3D printing learning and
making done after reading it.

Step 2: Design the Model

Here comes the �rst main step; designing the actual model.
After you have decided what you want to make, you should
use CAD software (or non-CAD software) that can help you
craft the model. Learning to use any particular design
software is no easy task; and you should be well prepared for
it as well as being willing to learn.

On the 3D Insider YouTube channel you’ll �nd some great

introductory videos, showing you the ropes of common CAD
software – in particular Autodesk Inventor.

Step 3: Convert it into STL

It is absolutely necessary that you convert your model into

STL format after it has been completed. Most of the CAD
software you’ll ever encounter comes with built-in features
that allow you to export the model as STL. Nonetheless, if
you’re planning to use a non-CAD design software, such as
Google SkectchUp, you will need to install a plugin (Cadspan,
in this case) in order to be able to tweak and convert the �nal
design.

After you’ve converted your model into a STL format, you’re

only half-way across to getting a 3D printable �le.

Step 4: Slicing it

The fourth step requires you to ‘slice up’ the model into layers
so the 3D printer can understand how to go about creating
the object. This is the last step involving the use of computer
software, after which you will get the �nal G-code �le that the
printer can recognize.

To sum it all up: You need software to design the model,

convert it into STL and to slice up the model to get it ready for
the 3D printer.

Computer-Aided Design Software

Computer-aided design (CAD) software has been around for
decades. It was initially designed for engineering applications
and was so complex that only engineers with the right training
could use them.

Since the inception of 3D printing technology, CAD software

has been commonly used to create 3D models of objects. One
of the main reasons of using CAD software as compared to
non-CAD alternatives such as Photoshop is that it enables the
designers to export the model as an STL �le.

Just so you remember: An STL �le is a format that contains

information that is required to produce a 3D model on
stereolithography printers.

Due to its complex features, CAD software is rather expensive

for commercial use, ranging from $10,000 up to $100,000 for
the best applications out there. This would be, of course,
impractical and una�ordable for a home user who is just
entering the world of 3D printing.

Fortunately, a lot of free CAD software has been made

available, and is almost as good as some of the paid versions
out there. Many commercial CAD programs also have
free/limited licence versions which allow you to dip your toes
in the world of CAD design and 3D printing without spending
thousands of dollars.

Regardless of whether it is free or paid, keep in mind that

there is a steep learning curve to grasp the basics of CAD
software. You will need to put in a lot of e�ort and time and
will also have to exhibit patience before you can master the
art of designing using CAD software.

When it comes to 3D printing, you aren’t going to get far

before the name “AutoDesk Inventor” is bandied about:

AutoDesk Inventor

Autodesk is a big name in

the CAD application
industry, and provide
professional-level paid
software. Autodesk Inventor is a powerful CAD application
that comes with a wide range of tools for digital prototyping.

This high-end 3D design application can help to build better

products faster and thus reduce the development costs. Due
to the fact that it is full-�edged, professional CAD software,
you will need to spend a considerable amount of time to learn
how it works before you can begin to design your models.
There is ample documentation available which will help you
through this process.

The latest model by Autodesk is Inventor 2015. A trial version

can be downloaded before you actually purchase it. You will
need a powerful computer with at least 3GHz clock speed for
single-core processors or 2GHz for dual core ones. A
minimum of 8GB RAM is required; however, for optimal
performance, Autodesk recommends 12GB RAM.

These system requirements are intended for heavy designing

applications. As a beginner to the world of 3D modeling, you
will not be involved in very complex designs and you may be
able to run the software on a computer with slightly lower
speci�cations. Download a trial version to see how it works
for you. As of April 2014, the DVD and full licence of Autodesk
Inventor 2015 is priced at around $5000.
If you’re looking to get started with AutoDesk Inventor then
check out our “how to” videos.

Autodesk 123D

UPDATE: Autodesk 123D

is no longer available.

Not all products by

Autodesk are paid.
Autodesk 123D products include free, yet powerful set of
tools for designing 3D models and for getting them in the
right format for 3D printing. This suite of hobbyist CAD and 3D
modeling tools is based on Autodesk’s premium Inventor CAD
software and comes built-in with STL support.

While not all applications may be useful for you, the suite
contains the following concoction of programs:

123D Catch: This application can create 3D models from a

collection of pictures that have been taken at various
angles using the concept of photogrammetry.
123D Sculpt: Allows you to manipulate virtual clay into a
particular model. This is designed to be used on an iPad
123D Make: Enables creation of LOM-Style solid models.
123D Design: This is the program that you should be most
interested in – a simpler version of a CAD design
application that can create 3D models.

Google SketchUp Make

Google SketchUp Make is a

completely free and easy-
to-learn alternate to the
complex CAD software out
there. It comes with a few simple tools that allow users to
create 3D models of houses, decks, home additions and a lot
of other things. This is a great tool for those who are new to
the world of 3D modeling as it will o�er them a user-friendly
way of getting to know the complexities of 3D modeling

It is generally used to design objects for Google Maps and

Google Earth; however, a lot of people use it to create models
for printing. Google SketchUp isn’t a full-�edged CAD software
and it does not allow exporting an object as an STL �le by
default; however, there are plugins available such as Cadspan,
that can help you add the �nal �nishing touches to your
Google SketchUp model before it is exported as an STL �le.

If you’re serious about using Google SketchUp then you are

better o� with SketchUp Pro. This software isn’t too badly
priced at under $600 – and you can get a free trial here.

Slicing and Printer-Control Software

The model that you design go through two further processes
on their way to becoming a �nished product, and these two
processes are called slicing and sending.

Slicing divides the model into several printable layers and

plots the toolpaths for them. The control software then sends
these ‘instructions’ to the printer which then creates an object
layer by layer.

3D printers are generally controlled through an onboard

control screen, or by a computer through a USB connection.
This user interface enables the control software (which can be
the slicer software itself) to send the computer code
(instructions) to the printer and controls the major
parameters such as the speed, �ow and the temperature
required for each layer.
The Netfabb engine, for example, combines the functionality
of both a slicer and control software. That been said, there are
pure slicers, pure control software or a combination of both.

Slic3r
Slic3r is an extremely
popular tool that has
powerful features to
convert a digital 3D model
into printing instructions
for a 3D printer. It is capable of slicing the model into layers
and generating the necessary toolpaths as well as calculating
the material that needs to be extruded.

The project was launched in 2011 from scratch and has grown
to become an application that is supported by almost all of
the major 3D printing companies in the whole world.

Due to the fact that Slic3r is just a slicer application, it requires

additional software to act as a control application. It comes
bundled with the following applications:

Pronterface
Repetier-Host
ReplicatorG

A comprehensive manual can be found at

http://manual.slic3r.org/ for those who are new to the world
of 3D printing.

At 3D Insider we have had plenty of experience with Slic3r and

its bundled applications – you can always contact us on
3dprinterplans @ gmail.com with any questions you might
have.

Skeinforge

Skeinforge is another slicer

program that is designed
to be used with RapMan
and numerous other Fab
lab engines. Users can set a number of parameters using this
program; this increased functionality makes the learning
curve a bit steep and as a new user, you may be better o�
with simpler tools.

KISSlicer

KiSSlicer is a fast and easy

to use application that can
generate the G Code for a
printer from a STL �le. The
free version of KISSlicer
contains all the features that may be required by a hobbyist
using a single-head 3D printer. If you require multi-head and
multi-model printing, then you may need to opt for the PRO
version.

Conclusion
Whichever design application you settle for, remember that
you will have to learn quite a few things and the learning
curve is pretty steep even for the simplest of programs. You
will need a lot of determination and hard work, especially if
you’re new to 3D designing altogether. Most of the
applications generally come bundled with comprehensive
documentation that you should read to grasp the basic
functions and layout of the controls.

It is best to start o� with free software and only invest in paid

ones after you feel that you can handle 3D designing and
printing.

6 Chapter 6 Essential Hardware

A thorough knowledge of the hardware of a 3D printer is

essential if you want to make the most of this exciting new
technology. Both the hardware and the software work you
deploy work in conjunction … so having insu�cient
knowledge of the hardware means you’re missing half the
equation!

It can be quite di�cult to fully understand the hardware of 3D

printers; however, the purpose of the main components is not
as di�cult to comprehend as it may seem initially. This
chapter will brie�y discuss how a 3D printer works, and will go
on to reveal the major components that make up a basic 3D
printer.

How A 3D Printer Works

By now you should know that a 3D printer creates objects by
adding material layer by layer until the object is completed. A
printer consists of a frame and features three axes:

X-axis (left to right movement)

Y-axis (front to back movement)
Z-axis (up and down movement)

A part called an extruder is installed on the X-axis and its

function is to feed the material that is used to create an
object. The lowest part of the extruder itself is called the
extruder head – this is the part where the �lament is melted
and ‘extruded’ from a tiny hole that has a diameter of no
more than a millimeter.

A part called an extruder is installed on the X-axis and its

function is to feed the material that is used to create an
object. The lowest part of the extruder itself is called the
extruder head – this is the part where the �lament is melted
and ‘extruded’ from a tiny hole that has a diameter of no
more than a millimeter.

The Anatomy of a 3D Printer

You don’t necessarily have to learn about each and every
individual part of a 3D printer in order to use it. However,
learning about the basic hardware and construction of one
can help you if you ever have to troubleshoot a problem (and
trust us … you will have to �x your 3D printer, sooner rather
than later!) This knowledge will also be of a great help when
you go out to actually buy a printer.

There are various types and methods employed by 3D

printers to create objects and we have already discussed
them in the previous chapters of this book. In this chapter,
our emphasis will be on Fused Deposition Modeling technique
that is the most common among desktop 3D printers used at
home. This method can be considered to be the same as the
‘glue-gun’ method. The glue-gun method consists of heating
up a �lament to a point where it melts – this melting �lament
is then placed in thin layers and the object is created layer-by-
layer.

Print Bed
The print bed is the area where the objects are created layer
by layer by the printer. Based on the type of �lament you are
using, the print bed itself may be heated. You can cover a
non-heated bed in painter’s tape.

As for heated print beds, it is important to keep the print bed

warm during the whole layering process in order to prevent
warping. Temperatures between 40 degrees to 110 degrees
Celsius are maintained during the entire printing process.

There are some printers that can reach extremely hot

temperatures, and extra care should be taken if there are
children around. You’ll quickly learn not to touch a warmed-
up print bed!

Extruder
The extruder is often considered to be the component from
where the plastic �lament extrudes. However, this isn’t
entirely true; the extruder is a part that is responsible for
pulling and feeding the �lament to a part called the hot end.
A depiction of the various parts of a hot endTypically,
extruders are integrated within hot ends. In other cases, they
may be located away from the hot end from where they push
the �lament to the hot end through a tube called the Bowden
Cable. A printer with a dual extruder can print using two
di�erent colors and materials at the same time. This does
come at an extra cost because an extra extruder and a hot
end is required.

Hot End
The Hot End in a 3D printer comprises of a heater, a
temperature sensor and an extrusion tip through which the
�lament is fed. Just as their name implies, they can get
extremely hot and should never be handled directly (we mean
this … don’t �ddle around with the hot end if you value your
�ngers!) There are holes in the nozzle that range in size:
between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm.

The smaller the nozzle of the hot end, the �ner the print will
be; however, the time taken to print the object will also be
greater.

Plastic Filament
While the plastic �lament is not a component of the printer
itself, it is a consumable that is vital for its operation. Just as
you couldn’t print on an inkjet without cartridges, you’ll be
stu�ed without your 3D printer �lament. There a quite a few
types of �laments available for use by 3D printers. The choice
is generally limited to two major types when it comes to home
3D printers: ABS and PLA. We will talk about the two types in
detail later on in the chapter.

Di�erent Types of Beginner-Friendly Printers

In this section, we will discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of each type of 3D printer, along with some
other useful information that will help you decide the kind of
printer you should choose.
If you will recall, the three types of printers are:

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Printers

Stereolithography (SLA) Printers
Laser Sintering (SLS) Printers

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Printers

Fused Deposition Modeling is probably the most common
type of additive manufacturing process, and is used by the
majority of desktop 3D printers that you are likely to
encounter. Filament is fed into the extruder of FDM printers,
where it is heated to a temperature high enough to melt it.
This melted �lament is then extrudes from the nozzles to
create an object each layer at a time.

Advantages of FDM Printers:

Comparatively, these 3D printers are the cheapest and can

be bought between $1000 and $5000.
The �lament used by these printers is also a�ordable.
They can use a large variety of materials.
They can be easily maintained and parts can also be
replaced conveniently.
They can print objects quite fast.

Disadvantages of FDM Printers:

The nozzles can frequently clog

The supports can be problematic to clean up
The individual layers can be visible in the end product
(striping)

The following materials can be used to create objects using an

FDM Printer:

PLA Plastic
ABS Plastic
Wood Filament
Stereolithography (SLA) Printers
Stereolithography is probably the oldest additive
manufacturing process. These 3D printers contain a pool of
liquid resin which is hardened by a beam of ultra-violet (UV)
light. As soon as a layer has been formed, the base moves to
allow for the creation of another layer, and thus the process
continues until the whole object has been created.

This 3D printing method is ideal for those who want great

detail in their �nal products. The cost of these printers can
vary between $3000 and $7000.

Advantages of SLA Printers:

The �nal products can contain great detail down to 25

microns (this is thinner than a sheet of paper).
The surface of the objects created using this method is
smooth.
This technique is great for casting and molding as well as
for creating models.

Disadvantages of SLA Printers:

The nozzles can frequently clog

The use of liquid resin can be quite messy
The materials that can be used are limited.
The materials used are more brittle.
These printers are generally more expensive than FDM
printers.
SLA printers can only use liquid resin.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Printers

The Selective Laser Sintering technique works in remarkably
similar ways to that of SLA; however, a powder is used instead
of a liquid resin. A laser is used to heat up the powder. Once
the object has been created, the rest of the powder can be
removed leaving only the solid object.
These printers are currently extremely expensive, and cost
over $50,000. Clearly, this is not going to be a viable choice
unless you have just won the lottery! Nonetheless, if you wish
to have a model printed using this method, you can use
numerous online printing services.

Advantages of SLS Printers:

They can provide detail down to 16 microns.

No support structures are required for the object being
printed.
Working mechanical parts can be created without a
requirement for any assembly.

Disadvantages of SLS Printers:

It takes a little e�ort to remove the powder after an object

has been printed.
Currently there are no desktop models of SLS printers.

The following materials can be used to create objects using an

SLS Printer:

Aluminum
Nylon Plastic
Sandstone
Silver
Steel

Filament Types – PLA vs. ABS

There are a number of di�erent materials available for use in
3D printers, ranging from numerous metals, wood, plastic to
… wait for it … chocolate! Yet, when it comes to plastic
�laments, the two most common types of plastic �laments are
PLA and ABS.

PLA, or Polylactic Acid, is a type of biodegradable plastic

with many features that make it desirable for 3D printing. For
example, it does not give-o� any fumes, nor does it warp as
much as ABS does. When it comes to the appearance, it is also
quite shiny and products made out of PLA have a sleek
appearance. It is harder than ABS, yet more brittle. This does
not at all mean that it will break easily – on the contrary, PLA
is actually extremely strong, and it is far more likely to snap
rather than bend as a result of any deformation.

ABS, or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, is a plastic made

from petroleum-based sources. It has a melting point much
higher than PLA. It is quite strong and is often used to create
toys such as Lego. Compared to PLA, objects made from this
�lament are more likely to bend than snap.

This section will discuss in detail the similarities between

these two �lament types, as well as the major di�erences
between them. We will also go on to talk about di�erence in
�lament thickness. The advantages and disadvantages of each
�lament will also be described to help you choose the ideal
material for your projects.

The Common Ground

ABS and PLA are both known as thermoplastics. Whenever
they are heated, they become soft and can be molded,
returning to solid when cooled. This process can be carried
out repeatedly, and these properties are precisely what has
made them so popular.

There are a great number of thermoplastics available; only a

very few are used for 3D printing purposes. In order for a
material to be viable for use in 3D printing, it has to pass
three tests:

Initial Extrusion into Plastic Filament

Second Extrusion and Trace-binding during 3D Printing
End Use Application

In order to be able to pass the three tests, a material must be

�rst easily formed into a raw 3D printer feedstock called the
plastic �lament. These �laments come in a reel.

Secondly, the material should be able to form accurate parts

of the products being created using 3D printers.

Last but not least, the properties of the plastic must have
desirable characteristics related to its strength, gloss,
durability as well as numerous other qualities.

ABS and PLA, as well as numerous other thermoplastics can

pass the �rst test in a breeze. It’s just a question of the cost
and the time required to turn the base plastic resin into a high
quality plastic �lament.

Storage
Thermoplastics such as ABS and PLA work best if, before
being used (or when being stored for an extended period of
time), they are sealed to prevent them from absorbing
moisture from the air.

However, this does not imply that the �lament will necessarily
be spoiled if you let the reel of your �lament sit around for a
week or so before you use it. Still, extended exposure to the
atmosphere can have detrimental e�ects on the quality of the
material as well as the end product.

The �lament comes wrapped up in plastic to prevent

absorption of moistureHere is a comparison of the e�ects of
storing ABS and PLA:

ABS – If ABS is exposed to the atmosphere and it absorbs

unacceptable amounts of moisture, then it will tend to bubble
and gush from the nozzle tip when being used to print an
object. This will lead to a reduced visual quality, accuracy,
strength and will be more likely to clog the nozzle. By using a
source of heat such as a food dehydrator, you can easily dry
ABS prior to use.

PLA – PLA reacts in di�erent ways when exposed to moisture.

In addition to forming bubbles and gushing from the nozzle
during printing process, a slight discoloration and numerous
other changes in its properties will also be seen.
At high temperatures, PLA is known to react with water and
this can lead to depolymerization. Depolymerization is a
process in which a material undergoes decomposition into
simpler compounds.

You can also dry PLA using a food dehydrator, but keep in
mind that this can lead to a change in the crystallinity ratio of
the material and will probably alter extrusion characteristics.
Nonetheless, this isn’t a major problem for most of the 3D
printers out there.

Smell
ABS – When ABS is heated, a notable odor of hot plastic is
pretty evident. For some, this is nothing more than a
nuisance, while there are some people who do not even
notice it. Regardless of whether you notice the smell or not, it
is imperative that you ensure proper ventilation of the room
where ABS is being used. Also, make sure that the ABS you
use is free of contaminants. A reliable extruder also plays an
important role as heating the material to the proper
temperature goes a long way in controlling the smell.

PLA – Due to the fact that PLA is made from sugar, it gives o�
a semi-sweet odor equal to that of cooking oil when heated. It
de�nitely won’t bring back memories of those delicious home-
cooked meals; however, some consider its odour to be better
than that given o� by ABS.

Part Accuracy
ABS and PLA both have characteristics that allow them to
create dimensionally-accurate parts and products. Still, the
following points are worth mentioning when it comes to
discussing accuracy of parts.
ABS – One of the major challenges involving use of ABS is the
upward curling of the surface that is in direct contact with
your printer’s print bed. By heating up the print bed and by
making sure that the bed is clean, �at and smooth, you can
really help to eliminate this issue. Some people �nd it better
to apply a number of solutions including ABS/Acetone mixture
or simple hair spray onto the print surface prior to printing. At
3D Insider we have experimented with hair spray on the print
bed with some success (just remember that hair spray is
highly �ammable!)

Certain features such as sharp corners usually end up being

round. A small fan can be used to cool the area around the
nozzle to improve such corners; however, excessive cooling
can lead to a reduction in the adhesion between the layers,
and may eventually cause the �nal product to crack.

PLA – PLA warps less than ABS. This is exactly why it can be
used to print objects without the need of a heated bed. If
cooled actively, PLA can be used to create sharper details
including sharp corners without the material cracking or
warping. The increased air�ow can also assist by
strengthening the object by binding the layers strongly
together.

General Material Properties

Regardless of how accurate a certain part is made, it must be
able to perform its intended functions.

ABS – ABS can take numerous forms and can also be

engineered to have various properties. In essence, it is a
strong plastic with moderate �exibility. Before colors are
added to ABS, it milky-beige. The mild �exibility of the
material makes it easy for it to be sanded and machined. Also,
it is much easier to recycle as compared to PLA.

Engineers usually prefer ABS due to its high strength,

�exibility and machinability.
PLA – The origin of PLA includes sugar-beets, corn and
potatoes. This is why PLA is thought of as being more
environmental friendly than ABS. It is commonly used to
package food and to make containers foodstu�. In its original
form, it is transparent but can be colored to varying degrees
of opacity and translucency.

It is much stronger than ABS as well as rigid. Objects printed

using PLA carry a glossy look and are smooth to the touch.
Nonetheless, it is slightly more complicated to work with due
to its complex interlocking assembly and pin-joints.
Thickness of the Filament

ABS and PLA �laments come in two di�erent diameters: 1.75

mm and 3 mm

Each printer (each extruder, to be more precise), is designed

to work with a certain thickness of �lament. You will have to
see the speci�cations of your printer to see which �lament
you can use with your particular model of 3D printer.

Some printers are designed to use proprietary diameters that

may be slightly di�erent from the standard thickness. If you
haven’t bought a printer yet, then you can choose a printer
that supports the standard diameters so that you will have
more options when it comes to choosing a plastic �lament
supplier (more options in terms of color, material, etc).

The diameters of the �laments may vary slightly from one

manufacturer to another. However, if a �lament is labeled as
3 mm, then it must not exceed that value; it can, however, be
slightly less than 3 mm (say, 2.88 mm).

Some �lament can also have lumps and neck downs in them
that run for a few centimeters. Lumps are those sections
where the diameter exceeds the rating. On the other hand,
neck-downs are those regions where the diameter is less than
what it’s supposed to be. Jamming and stripping can result
from this; nonetheless, such instances are rare, especially if
the �lament being used has been manufactured by a reliable
company. It’s generally advisable to avoid “dirt cheap”
�lament for this reason.

Conclusion
You should carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages
of each of the materials before you settle for one. Think about
what kind of objects you need to print, and what kind of
applications they are required to ful�l.

Some say PLA is the best material for beginners to start with,
and you may want to try it out to see whether that’s true.
However, we started with ABS and did not �nd it overly
di�cult! You can always switch materials down the lane.

7 Chapter 7 How to Choose A 3D Printer

Gone are the days when 3D printing was limited to

prototyping only. Today, 3D printing technology has grown to
become quite popular, and continues to do so as the
technology improves at consistent rates. It is now capable
enough to o�er advantages from the initial concept design to
the production of the �nal end product.

If we look just a few years back, the luxury of in-house

printing was only limited to a few professional design
engineers, while the technology was itself in its emerging
stage and limited to a very few design models and prototypes.

The day has come where a great number of hobbyists and

creative minds have gotten access to their very own personal
3D printers, empowering them to unleash their creativity to
the world. Now people can design their own models and print
them at home!

Choosing The Right 3D Printer

When it comes to choosing the right 3D printer for your use,
the task can be daunting, to say the very least. The process
becomes more complex and intimidating for newcomers to
the world of 3D printing.

Regardless of whether you’re purchasing a 3D printer for your

personal use, for your business or any other reason, this
chapter will guide you through various properties and factors
that you should look into when searching for a 3D printer.

First, we will begin by answering some of the most common

questions asked by people who are new to 3D technology.

What can a personal 3D printer be used for?

Simply put, by having your own 3D printer at home, you can

use it as a ‘mini-factory’ to create almost any 3D object for
personal and professional use.

A desktop 3D printer can create objects each layer at a time

by heating the �lament until it melts. Before the advent of
desktop 3D printers, you would have had to acquire the
services of 3D printing companies who could print your
design models and prototypes. The rapid decrease in the cost
of 3D printers have now made them available and in reach of
hobbyists and home users alike.

Imagine printing a vase exactly as you want it, or imagine

creating your own set of tools – the options are simply
unlimited. People also use their 3D printers to print parts to
�x their stu� – no need to replace the whole thing if you
inadvertently break the handle, just print a part and you’ll be
good to go!

What Type Of 3D Printing Technology User Are

You?
You need to identify your skill level as well as your needs so
that you can pinpoint the exact things that you expect from
your 3D printer. This is the �rst step on the way to purchase a
3D printer.

Building from Scratch – A lot of tech-savvy technology

enthusiasts attempt to make their own 3D printer from
scratch. This requires some exceptional mechanical and
programming skills to begin with, so if you have the nous and
patience, then by all means, take this route to the 3D printing
arena.

3D Printer Kits – Another option to get yourself a working

(hopefully!) 3D printer is by getting a 3D printer kit. These kits
come with all the necessary parts required to set up a printer.
They do, however, require a fair bit of mechanical and
programming knowledge from your part. This is a great way
to get to know your machine from inside out so if you ever
have to troubleshoot problems, you will have the exact idea of
where to look.

Assembled Machine – The easiest and fastest method of

getting your hands on a 3D printer is to get an assembled
one. Most 3D printing companies now o�er ready-made
desktop 3D printers. When you purchase a printer, many of
them are delivered to you ready to use (even the calibration
has been done). This method does cost a little more than the
above two routes, but you save yourself a lot of headache and
avoid a lot of hassle too.

This chapter will mainly focus on helping you to choose an

assembled 3D printer, rather than acting as a guide to build a
3D printer.

Determining Your Application

Concept models help cut down manufacturing costs and save
a lot of time tooThe printers in use today are made up of a
number of materials and o�er varying degrees of surface
�nish, environmental resistance, accuracy, precision, and
visual appearance.

During the selection process, it is important to �rst clearly

de�ne the applications where you intend to use your 3D
printer. We will be considering all possible applications,
including those that are part of a business’s manufacturing
process.

Concept Models
By creating a concept model, businesses – large or small – can
save a lot as the whole process of developing and
manufacturing the product is shortened. A right design path is
necessary whether you’re designing a power tool, an o�ce
stationery item, a toy, a shoe or any other product, as a 3D-
printed model will allow you to evaluate the design and
consider possible alterations to it, if required.

Stakeholders can, with the help of 3D printers, visualize the

end product like it would be, before mass production
commences.
For such type of concept modeling applications, it is best to
desire for the following performance attributes: print speed,
part cost and quality of print.

Veri�cation Models
Designers of a product also need to ensure that their �nal
product will function as they want it to. This is where a 3D
printer can help by creating a replica of the product.
Veri�cation of models is not only done by large enterprises,
but also new start-ups who may be willing to make certain
that their product is up to the speci�cations before they are
sent for mass production.

The accuracy of the model, material characteristics and

feature detail resolution are the things to look for in a 3D
printer if you plan to print veri�cation models.

3D Printing as a Hobby
If you don’t have any plans to use 3D printing technology for
business purposes, then you may be considering taking it up
as a hobby to try out the new technology. For a person with a
creative mind and even the slightest desire for experimenting
with things, having a 3D printer at home can be bliss.

So how can you put a 3D printer to good use around the

house? Here’s how:

Fix Things Around The House – You could create parts for
your appliances and devices if they break. Creating the
required part using a 3D printer would certainly be cheaper
than buying a replacement, not to mention a lot of fun!

Make Toys For The Kids – Interested in testing out your new
3D design skills? You can use your desktop 3D printer to
create toys using the same material used by the creators of
Lego. There are already a great number of model blueprints
online for you to download and print. Kids also enjoy using 3D
pens which are a good introduction to 3D printing.

Create Models (of anything!) – You can use 3D printers to

create your own collection of models and collectables.

The possibilities are truly endless. Using a desktop 3D printer,

you can create almost anything as long as it is made of plastic.
For hobby-level 3D printing, you don’t need a top-of-the-line
printer, and even the cheapest of the printers out there can
be great for:

Cheap Prototyping – You can test your skills and prints as

much as you want. At around 3 cents per gram, you really
cannot get a cheaper solution.

Faster Printing – Don’t think that a cheaper 3D printer won’t

be able to print fast. All you need to do is set your layer height
at a higher setting, and you will get fast prints.

Experiments – Who wouldn’t want to experiment with their

new 3D printer? After all, you learn by doing stu�.
You don’t have to worry about damaging your printer by using
it excessively. You can try out a lot of new things as you learn
more. The Internet is a great place to learn more about 3D
printing and a large number of 3D printing enthusiasts have
created discussion forums where they share their experiences
and guide each other. 3D printing has given birth to a
community of technology enthusiasts.

3D Printers: What To Look For When Comparing

Printers
A comparison of 3D printers must be carried out before
choosing one that suits your needs

Here are some of the factors that you need to look for when
comparing 3D printers:

Price
Build Platform Size
Filament Type
Reviews
Customer Service

Price
Price is a major factor that needs to be considered. How much
are you willing to spend on your hobby? There are numerous
types of 3D printers available, and their cost also varies
according to their capabilities.

For instance, FDM printers are comparatively the cheapest

desktop printers that you can get. Decent ones start from as
low as $1000. The �lament that they use is also quite cheap.
Keep in mind that you are new to 3D printing, and you will
mess up a few projects (this means wastage of �lament!)
before you get the basic idea. Be prepared to spend the �rst
10-20 hours with your printer in a state of constant
frustration, as you battle to get decent quality prints. Prepare
for plenty of �lament wastage too.

This is why you should consider getting a printer that is not

only cheap, but also supports a wide variety of a�ordable
�laments.
Before you even begin searching for a printer, set a budget
that you can a�ord to spend on only the printer. Also factor in
that you are going to lose a lot of �lament at the start, without
much to show for it.

Build Platform Size

The build platform is the area also known as the print surface.
It is simply a ‘breadboard’ that has tiny holes which allow the
ABS material to grab onto something while it is being printed.
The industry standard has shifted towards heated print
platforms.
The greater the size of the print area, the larger the size of
objects and models that you will be able to print!

Filament Type
The desktop printers currently available can generally only
print using two �laments: ABS and PLA. We discussed the
di�erent properties of these two materials in great detail in
the previous chapter. If you’re unsure, it would be wise to go
through that chapter once again. Most of the printers will
come with interchangeable �lament spools, allowing you to
use any compatible reel of �laments. This is with the
exception of 3D Systems’ Cubify Cube. This particular printer
requires Cubify-only cartridges.

Unless you plan to by a Cubify printer, you won’t have any

problems with the �lament type, and you will generally be
able to use the material interchangeably. A kilogram of ABS or
PLA plastic �lament typically costs between $30 and $50
depending on its quality.

Keep in mind that the main cost incurred during 3D printing

does not lie with the expenses of materials; it is actually the
time the printer takes to create a model. Electricity, and your
own time, all add up!

Reviews
It is important to read the reviews of the 3D printers that
interest you before you actually buy one. A detailed review
can help reveal the intricacies of the printer, including any
good and bad points that you need to be aware of.

You can always refer to popular review websites such as

TopTenReviews.com to carry out a comparative study of the
machines.

Consider asking on forums like Reddit or Yahoo Answers to

get peoples’ honest input into di�erent printer models.

Customer Support
Mainly because you are new to the world of 3D printing, you
are likely to experience some problems along the way.
Teething problems and 3D printing go hand-in-hand, and are
basically inseparable. It is vital that the company you
purchase your printer from provides superb customer
support. You can learn about them by reading reviews and
from their previous customers in discussion forums.

The majority of companies that create and sell 3D printers

o�er exceptional customer support because they want to
encourage the expansion and use of 3D printing technology
among the masses.

Performance Attributes of a 3D Printer

After you have looked into the factors discussed in the
previous section, you need to divert your attention to some
more “technical” matters.

Here are some of the most important features of 3D printers;

compare them according to your needs and wants.

Print Speed
The term print speed may mean di�erent things, for instance:

It may refer to the time required for printing a �nite

distance in Z-direction on a single print job; or
It may refer to the time required to print a certain part or a
 certain part volume.

Regardless of what it is referring to you, a fast 3D printer will

help to cut down the running costs in the long run.

Having a 3D printer with a faster speed is also ideal in the

sense that you get to see your �nished objects sooner!

Part Cost
Part cost is generally expressed in cost/volume, for example,
the cost per cubic inch or per cubic centimeter. Printer
manufacturers often specify the part cost, and you can also
calculate your own estimate based on your STL �les; however,
this factor should not concern you much unless you’re getting
a printer for business purposes.

The idea behind the part cost is based on the amount of

material that is used by a 3D printer to create a given set of
parts. The lowest costs are associated with powder-based
technologies, but those printers are quite expensive to
acquire in the �rst place. We don’t recommend that you worry
too much about part cost, unless you are intending to use
your printer for commercial purposes.

Accuracy
The additive processes of 3D printers create objects one layer
at a time using materials that are changed from one form to
another. The change of state of the material may lead to the
shrinkage of material and this must be compensated for to
ensure that the �nal product has been made with the
maximum possible accuracy.

TL:DR? If your 3D printer isn’t accurate, then you’ll get fed up

pretty damn quickly!

3D printers that are powder-based have the least shrink

distortion thanks to the binders which they use. This is why
the objects created using powder-based 3D printers are highly
accurate.
On the other hand, 3D printers that utilize plastic as the raw
material use heat, ultra-violet light or a combination of both
to correctly process the material. This adds a number of
variables which can, and does, a�ect accuracy of the end
product to varying degrees.

The part size and the geometry are among other things that
a�ect the overall accuracy of the products. You will see that
some 3D printers o�er �ne-tuning tools that help improve
accuracy for certain geometries. The accuracy claims made by
manufacturers are based on the testing of certain parts; the
actual results will inevitably vary depending on the part
geometry, thus if you feel that your application requires a
high level of accuracy, you should consult the manufacturer
so that your speci�c application geometry can be put under
consideration.

Material Properties
Each 3D printing technology comes with its unique set of
strengths and weaknesses, and each of them should be
analyzed when buying a 3D printer. The manufacturer’s claims
about the available materials must be analyzed in detail as
they don’t always guarantee optimal performance.

Keep in mind that each type of 3D printing technology is

limited to certain materials. This shouldn’t concern you as a
beginner to the world of 3D printing. Desktop 3D printers are
currently only limited to plastics such as ABS and PLA.

Color
When it comes to color 3D printers, they can be divided into
three basic categories:

Printers that can print one color at a time

Printers that can print a few colors at a time; and,
Printers that o�er full-spectrum prints

3D Systems’ ProJet x60 is a full color printer. It cannot be

regarded as being a ‘desktop’ printer due to its large size. It is
also expensive at around $16,580. Realistically, you will be
using a single color printer when you �rst start out.

Which 3D Printer Should You Buy?

On the 3D Printer Plans website, we have developed a unique,
interactive guide to the best 3D printers for sale. You can
access this interactive table here.

You’ll be able to sort printers by price, brand, reviews, and

speci�cations, in order to �nd the right 3D printer for you!

Here’s a screenshot from our interactive table to whet your

appetite:

8 Chapter 8 Maintaining Your Printer and Filament

Like every piece of machinery, a 3D printer also requires

regular maintenance and care for it to be able to function
�awlessly. There are several maintenance tasks that you
should perform every now and then, in order to keep your 3D
printing machine in the best condition possible.

Similarly, the plastic �lament material which you use as the

raw material is the bloodline of your printer. Without this
�lament, you cannot create anything. Also, if the quality of the
�lament begins to deteriorate, the quality of your �nal
products could be greatly compromised.

This chapter will reveal some of the maintenance practices

required to keep a 3D printer in its best condition, and will
also talk about techniques and methods of storing the printer
�lament correctly.

Maintenance Guidelines
A 3D printer that is well-cared for will give you years of
�awless service while functioning optimally and delivering
better quality prints. The following guidelines will help you
keep your precious printer in the best condition possible.

Oil the Rods

The X, Y and Z axes provide movement paths for the extruder

head. It is essential that the movement is smooth and
unrestricted for the �nished product to be created as
accurately as possible. This is why you should periodically oil
your X, Y and Z rods after cleaning up any residue that you
may �nd on them. In most cases, once a month would su�ce.

Tighten the Nuts and Bolts

The mechanism of a 3D printer is designed to move, and this

movement can cause the nuts and bolts to become loose
overtime. If they get too loose, your printer will start to shake
when being used and this will reduce the accuracy
considerably. Again, tighten all the nuts and bolts on a
monthly basis. Just remember not to over tighten them!

Test and Adjust Belt Tension

There’s no harm in testing the belt tension to ensure it is

correct. Any deviation from the correct tension will lead to a
decrease in print quality. Adjust the tension as required. You
can refer to your printer’s manual for detailed guidance on
tightening belt tension.
Floss the Extruder Gear

With time, some small pieces of plastic may accumulate in the

extruder gear and prevent smooth rotation of the gear. Take a
pointy object (such as a toothpick) to remove such bits and
bobs from the gear’s teeth.

Update Your Firmware

Maintenance isn’t just limited to the hardware portion of your

printer, it also involves the �rmware. Keep checking for any
available updates for your extruder. Firmware of 3D printers
has improved drastically over the past few years, and it will
continue to do so.

Keep Your Software Updated

The software that you use to control the printer must also be
updated whenever one is available. A lot of bugs and errors
may have been removed in the newer versions.

Replace Build Surfaces If Necessary

In order to create perfect, �at builds, you need to make sure

that you replace your build surfaces if they become warped.

Those were just a few of the major points you should be

especially cautious about. For details on the maintenance
schedule of your particular 3D printer model, always refer to
the manufacturer’s manual.

If all that doesn’t work, perhaps you can just “hope for the
best” and try to manifest a miracle with your 3D printing!

Things You Must Never Do With Your 3D Printer

Don’t Rush
You will de�nitely be really excited when you have your 3D
printer delivered. DON’T RUSH to start using it as quickly as
possible. You may mess up something while doing so. The
best way is to start o� slowly, read the enclosed
documentation and proceed one step at a time.
Don’t Forget The Hot Nozzle
The nozzle of the extruder has to be hot in order to melt the
plastic �lament. The temperatures can exceed 150 degrees
Celsius. If during printing, you have to re-adjust the bed
height, don’t forget that the nozzle would be hot – you don’t
want a small indentation in the printer bed!

Don’t Presume That It’s Calibrated Correctly

While it is true that printers now come pre-calibrated, things
can shift during transportation. Make sure you check the
following to ensure everything is as it should be:

Clearance of Nozzle from Print Bed

Printer Correctly Con�gured in Software
Print Bed Dimensions Properly Loaded in the Software

Remember: measure twice, cut once.

How To Store Printer Filament Correctly

Whether it is wood, ceramic or any other material, most of
them will absorb water content to some extent. By de�nition,
absorption is a condition in which something takes in another
substance.

When it comes to the most popular plastic �laments used in

3D printing, both ABS and PLA have water-absorbent
properties. If allowed to absorb moisture, their quality is
drastically reduced.

Small water bubbles will be created within the �laments as a

result of the absorption of moisture, and this makes proper
storage absolutely necessary. As soon as the �lament is
heated during the printing process, the bubbles will cause the
material to be spewed out rather than being laid down
precisely.

PLA cartridges and spools are also known to get brittle if they
absorb a lot of water content. A number of people have
experienced this after their �lament simply snapped while
being processed by the extruder.
The only thing you can do to prevent the moisture from being
absorbed by the plastic �lament is to store them in airtight
plastic bags and containers.

You could always opt for custom cases that are especially
designed for storing ABS and PLS �lament reels and spools.
However, there’s a cheaper method to keep your feedstock
free from moisture:

Get a large airtight plastic bin and place the plastic �lament
reels in it. Place a bucket of uncooked rice as a desiccant and
you will have perfectly dry plastic �laments at your disposal!

A dryer can be used to remove the moisture from ABS;

however, you cannot dry out PLA and this is why it should
never be allowed to absorb moisture in the �rst place. Almost
all renowned companies ship the plastic �laments in vacuum-
sealed packs along with desiccants. Desiccants work best
when they are in a closed-system. You should only open the
pack when you actually need to use it. After using it, wrap it
up in a plastic bag and drop in a few desiccants to absorb any
moisture.

Conclusion
Thanks so much for taking the time to read our beginner’s
guide to 3D printing. You should now have a better idea how
3D printing works, and how to get started buying a printer
and you should now know better how to 3D print.

If you enjoyed this blog post then we would love if you could
let others know about it. Whether you do so by sharing on
Facebook, Twitter or Google Plus (using the links below) or by
linking to this page from your own blog or website is up to
you.

Remember that the friendly team at 3D Insider are always

willing to help you. If you get stuck and want advice on any of
the following:
 Printer selection
Filament choice
Basic troubleshooting
Software solutions

Finally, we appreciate any feedback you have about this guide;

whether positive or constructive criticism. Just send us an
email – 3dprinterplans @ gmail.com (remove the spaces) –
and we will get back in touch with you. This guide was written
by Joseph Flynt. Please link to the guide so more people can
read it.

Remember we will be updating this guide on a regular basis,

so check back every so often and see what extra content we
have added!

Contents [show]

 8 COMMENTS

Mala Guinness
1 year ago

Many thanks for your comprehensive Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing. I

do have a better idea now on how 3D printing works.

Brendan
1 year ago

As above thank you for the guide. Do you have a list on any speci�c
printer/s that will be suitable for chocolate printing?

Jonathan Sandoval
12 months ago
This a really great starting point in 3D Printing. I appreciate all the insight.
You have done a truly great job. Thank you very much.

Mr.coolnesses
10 months ago

Can you print food? 😉

Joseph Flynt  AUTHOR

10 months ago

Yes, but you need a special printer. People are printing chocolate:

https://3dinsider.com/3d-printing-chocolate/

Joe Delgadillo
8 months ago

Great introduction. Thanks for putting this together! I want to make a

short plastic knife for a food packaging solution. Is there any available
free software I can use to accomplish this? Any guidance you can give me
to follow up would be greatly appreciated.
Joe

Hekmat
2 months ago

thank you,
that was great. i got a complete idea of 3d printing. it was helpful…

Jasmine hhfbchrnc
5 days ago

I need to know like how that I know that the printer is on and that how to
turn it on if anyone knows please tell me thank you so much!