3D printing is a relatively new and innovative technology that has changed the way objects are made and produced, for anyone from home enthusiasts to small businesses. This is a beginner’s guide to 3D printing which gives you a step by step guide on how to set up your printer and finish your first print.
Choose Your Printer
Choose a 3D printer that is affordable and meets your requirements depending on aspects such as the quality of the prints, the size of the build plate and the usability of the printer. Some of the most recommended printers for the beginners include Ender 3, Prusa i3 MK3S+, and Anycubic Photon.
Prepare Your Workspace
Place your printer on a clean, flat surface preferably in a well-ventilated environment. Make sure that you possess a computer or another device to manage the printer and suitable software to produce your models.
Familiarize Yourself with Slicing Software
Slicing applications such as Cura or PrusaSlicer should be used to prepare the 3D model for the actual printing. These programs translate your digital design into instructions that the printer uses.
Calibrate and Level Your Printer
Level and align your printer’s bed for the purpose of getting good prints that are not skewed. It is important to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations for this step.
Load Filament and Start Printing
Take the filament of your choice and load it into the printer, then choose your design and begin the process of printing. This has to be carefully done as the first few layers of the coating are critical for good adhesion and hence any corrections should be made at this stage.
Over a period of time, you would be able to design your own objects that can be 3D printed with ease. Happy printing!