Not only are entry-level printers fairly cheap now, but while there’s a lot to learn, it’s also just plain fun to take a 3D model you can see on a computer screen and turn it into something ...

If you don't own a 3D printer, you can still 3D print any 3D model you found through a database or designed through a software tool. Just use a 3D printing service such as Shapeways, i.Materialise ...

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF): FFF, also known as fused deposition modeling (FDM), is the most common method of consumer 3D printing. FFF machines build in successive layers of plastic filament.

This is the specific layer of the 3D model that it’s printing. Similar to how an FDM printer prints one layer at a time, an SLA printer exposes a single layer to light before passing to the next.

The machine’s 3D printing software “slices” the file into 2D layers, or G-code (.gcode), the language the 3D printer uses to control each axis and tool head.

What 3D printing is used for If you can dream up an object, especially if it's plastic, you are likely able to 3D print it. Think toys, jewelry, models, phone cases, molds, and more. There are ...

If you forget this part and save your model as a .STL file without settling them your printer will try to print your model in midair which will make a lovely 3D model of spaghetti rather than the ...

We continue our DIY-IT discovery series on 3D printing by exploring how to download and print 3D objects from the Internet. If you can download a file, and you have a little patience, you can do this.

Most people buying 3D printers for the first time don't know that specific software is also needed to make a 3D model ready for printing. These programs are called slicers, and they're essential ...

Printing 3D models has become more affordable and accessible, enabling many to start personalized projects. That is why many beginners download ready-made models on free, open-source repositories.