Introduction to 3D Printing

This is an introduction to 3D printing, primarily focused on at home 3D printing.

3D printing is basically using a machine that adds material over and over until you have the desired 3D shape that you want.

This process for creating has been around for some time, with early industrial uses emerging in the 1970s. But being able to do it affordably at home is only recently become possible. For just a couple hundred dollars you can now set up a small manufacturing center in your bedroom (although that might not be the best place).

Below is an introduction to the types of printers, materials, and software used in hobbyist 3D printing.

Common Types of at Home 3D Printers

Filament Printer (FDM)

Probably the most well known type of printer is the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) type, often referred to as a filament printer.

It uses a heated nozzle to melt a plastic filament (the string like stuff, usually on a spool). It then spreads the filament out of the nozzle onto the build plate of the printer in thin layers until the object it was given is created. If you are looking to buy your first printer to learn, you will probably want to get an FDM/filament one.

There are several moving parts required to maneuver the print nozzle in all 3 dimensions. Additionally, the print nozzle and sometimes the print bed are heated. This is not something you want small children or pets around.

Filament style printers are solid all round, beginner friendly and are generally inexpensive.

Resin Printer (SLA/DLP)

Steriolithography/digital light processing (SLA/DLP) or better known as resin printers, cure a liquid resin into layers vs melting filament into layers.

How is the resin “cured?” Light is used (see the light and litho parts of the proper name). Light is shined onto the resin very specifically, down to the width of a pixel on a screen for example. The resin is photo sensitive, usually to UV rays. It hardens, or “cures”, after being exposed.

One of the primary advantages of a Resin printer is it can make smaller models with better detail. They also generally have fewer moving parts as the print just needs to move in one direction as the light shines from all sides on the current layer.

Resin printers are typically limited to smaller sized prints than FDM, but the higher detail makes them ideal for making miniature models for table top enthusiasts. The cure process for the resin can be slower for the heat/cool cycle of the filament making these printers a bit slower. The prints will also need extra processing after they are done on the printer.

Extra care should be taken with resin printers.

The resin is dangerous to handle and the fumes put off by them are typically more toxic than what is put off from an filament printer. Make sure you keep it in a well ventilated space and follow all recommended safety guidelines from the manufacturer.

Common 3D Printing Materials

Filament

Filament is plastic (or other material) that has been molded into a string like shape and typically wound around a spool for easy storage and feeding into a printer.

These are common types of filaments you can find:

PLA – lower print heat required, beginner friendly, not the highest quality, probably least harmful fumes
PETG – more difficult to print correctly than PLA but more durable result, first layer very important
ABS – many commercial goods made with this, much higher print temps required, harmful fumes
ASA – improved ABS with less toxic fumes, possibly more expensive
TPE/TPU/TPC – flexible material, difficult to print with but extra durable due to flexibility

Resin

Resin is a liquid plastic that is “cured” by UV light into a solid material.

These are common types of resin:

Standard – what you should start with
Tough – for parts that will see more stress
Flexible – in the name, for flexible parts
Water-washable – allows for post-processing the resin with water instead of Isopropyl Alcohol
Clear – good for making transparent prints

Starter 3D Printers

There are a large number of manufacturers and models of printers. So if you are just getting started I would recommend getting one of these 2 printers.

Creality Ender 3

The Ender 3 is a FDM/Filament printer.

It is actually the first printer I purchased to learn on. The simple user interface is great for beginners. The Ender also has several advanced features that you can dig into as you learn and become more comfortable with it.

If you are on the fence about what to buy, make the easy decision and get the Ender 3.

Elegoo Mars Pro 2

If you really, really want to start with a resin printer and don’t want to break the bank, take a look a the Elegoo Mars Pro 2.

Don’t let me discourage you from chasing the higher detailed models that resin printers can provide. Just make sure you watch guides about safety and proper model post processing and handling. Then follow the guides.

You will likely need more extras with the resin printer such as a safety equipment and post processing care equipment.

What You Need to Make Your Own Models

Making the Model

Many people get into 3D printing because they want to make custom pieces.

In order to make your own 3D models for printing you will need a computer program that creates files compatible with your printer. The STL format is a very common file type that works with most printers and there are several free programs you can use to get started such as Blender.

There are also plenty of tutorials on making 3D models on Youtube.

Slicing the Model

After making your model, it needs to be sliced.

Slicing turns the model into a set of instructions the printer can use to move the print head around and print your model in the right kind of layers. Most printers either have a software that is included with them or have a recommended software to use for slicing. I use a free slicing program called Ultimaker Cura. In the slicing program you can do a variety of things like scaling the model up or down, rotating it and setting up support structures for overhanging parts.

Once the model has been sliced, it can be sent to the printer to be created.

Online Communities and 3D Model Repositories

There are several online communities where people upload pre made models for others to use.

Probably the most well know is called Thingiverse. The files you get from here are in the STL format since the creator can’t know what kind of printer you will have. You will still need to run the file thru a slicing program in order to print it.

Always be careful when downloading files from the internet and make sure your antivirus software is up to date.

Printing As a Service

Not everyone wants to go crazy printing, and some people just don’t have a good place to put their own printer.

Enter businesses that print files for you and ship to your house.

Xometry.com
Hubs.com
Shapeways.com
Many others, these were just top results at time of writing.

Disclaimer: I have not yet used any of these services as I own my own printer. Just letting you know that services like this exist and there are many, many providers. You can probably find someone off Etsy or a similar site with a printer to make and ship for you.