Our 5-step 3D printing guide supports beginners who want to start 3D printing. The additive manufacturing technology is gaining more and more interest in society. This includes families who want to broaden the horizons of their children and artists or inventors who want a new tool in their repertoire.
The rising interest increases due to new 3D printer offers each day, copy shops adapting the technology and 3D printed chocolate on Christmas market and so on. As a result, the attention and interest in 3D printers continue to increase and the demand by beginners for home printers reaches new highs.
Therefore, we write this guide as an introduction to 3D printing for everyone who wants to start. We developed a 5 step process making it is easy to start with 3D printing as you learn along the way step by step.
Step 1: Blog entries, videos and newsletters
If you are completely new, we recommend that you search the 3D printing landscape online. You can already learn a lot and grasp an overview of the possibilities as well as understand the state of the art.
For example, you can subscribe to our Youtube Channelor other Youtubers like Makers Musewho constantly upload reviews and tips.
Furthermore, it is also worth going through blog posts or subscribe to newsletters. You can find our posts in the blog and you can subscribe to our newsletter. Two other newsletters that we can definitely recommend to all beginners and Makers are those of Shapewaysand 3Ders.org.
Step 2: Books on 3D printing
With step 1 you get a first overview and understand the state of the technology. If the urge to 3D printing still persists, then the next point is actually reading into the matter. Of course you can also buy a 3D printer directly, but then you have the device at home and still have to deal with the theory.
Our book pagelists special entry-level reads for 3D printing beginners. These lead you step by step from the theoretical foundations to the practical implementation. Be careful only with the listings of the recommended software solutions within the books and pay attention to the publication dates. Often the models or programs are obsolete or the functions have already changed.
Step 3: 3D Modeling and Slicer Software
This point is one that is also explained in the books with examples of modeling software. Our favorite is 123D Design from Autodesk which you can find a download link and video on our entry-level page. In addition, we have created a comparison list of slicers, but we usually recommend the in-house solutions of the manufacturers - with an exception for professionals who will prefer paid slicer software.
Of course, you do not have to learn to design CAD to use a 3D printer. There are already countless templates on the internet that you can easily search through like yeggi.com. Therefore, all you need to do is understand and learn about the basic functions of slicers, which is surprisingly easy. This enables you to provide supports structures for overhangs and align objects if necessary etc.
Thus, 3D modeling skills are not essential, but whoever wants to experience the entire work of a 3D printing should learn how to use both software programs. You can hardly experience 3D printing to the fullest without CAD knowledge as the greatest benefit is the individualization and customization of objects. Without this, you cannot utilize your 3D printer to the fullest and believe us external designers cost a lot of money.
Step 4: Use 3D printing service providers or institutions for own projects
If you have found a model or even designed it yourself, you should not start immediately and buy a 3D printer. The part comes after you want to print some objects with a service provider on in a fablab - at least that is how we recommend it.
For this you can hire two types of 3D printing services:
On the one hand, there are the classic service providers who have different models and offer printing as a service. This is ideal for anyone who just wants to print one object. If you prefer to experience a device on site and would like to exchange information with an owner, we recommend 3DHubs. There you can just look for a hub near you that is private and not business related. This is usually a private user where you can pick up the object on the spot and get to know each other automatically. Under certain circumstances, even whole projects that are worked out together.
Another option is to look for a 3D printer in your own school, university or city library. These are usually bought to allow free access to the technology for all students.
Step 5: Buy 3D Printer
Usually, this step is the most exhausting and time-consuming part of 3D printing. But if you have done our previous steps before, you will get through it easily and with a perfect fit. You have already learned what you need for from a 3D printer through the 5 step process. Thus, you will likely have a device in mind, know what to look for and find it easily.
In addition, there is still assistance as our 3D printer selection here.
Conclusion: Are all these steps necessary?
Our 5 steps to 3D printing are designed to make it as cost-efficient as well as fast for the newest enthusiast and novices out there. Those who feel very safe in certain things can skip steps. Design students or mechanical engineers usually do not need to deal with 123D Design because they already have more than enough CAD skills.
In summary, anyone can immediately buy a 3D printer and try to come to print something for the sake of doing it. But our steps are based on personal experience and logically structured to keep the fun of 3D printing, save you money in the long term by preventing false purchases and let you get the most out of 3D printing. Those who go through the steps quickly notice what their own requirements are and can specifically buy the right 3D printer.
Feel free to ask questions or write us in the comment section below.