3D printing used to be relegated to the enthusiast market, requiring frequent maintenance and specific skills to keep them running.
Today, 3D printers are easy to get into. They have a low entry cost, easy setup, and need less tinkering than ever. Best of all, there’s more resources to find useful objects online.
These machines can still be a deep hobby if that’s what you’re looking for. The good news is that on the entry level, you don’t need specialist skills to get some good use out of a 3D printer.
Why 3D printers are more accessible than ever
As the technology matures, the whole 3D printing experience has been getting simpler.
Today’s printers are much improved over those from a few years ago. They offer better reliability and features that would have only been found on premium models in the past.
Model sharing communities host a wide variety of useful designs that have been pre-tested, so there’s no need to do all the 3D modeling yourself.
The advancements in the technology means inexpensive 3D printers provide automatic calibration like bed levelling and vibration tuning, ensuring reliable results with no manual adjustment required.
All this means you can buy a printer, unbox it, and get it up and running in less time than ever.
What you can actually print
Novelty prints like statues and figurines are cute, but they’re not a great reason to invest in a 3D printer.
The things that make these machines worth the price are specific pieces that can be tricky to find elsewhere.
Replacement parts
If you’ve ever broken a plastic clip or bracket, you know how annoying it can be to track down a replacement. It’s a pain when the piece is in stock, let alone if it’s an older item that’s no longer in production.
3D printers make it easy to find and replace clips, attachments, brackets and knobs for all kinds of items. Websites like Printables and Thingiverse are great for finding replacement parts you can download and print.
Everyday organisation
Drawer organisers, cable clips, headphone mounts, and catchall trays are readily available to print in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit your needs.
Rather than settling for an organiser that’s just good enough, you can print one that fits your exact furniture and the items that you intend to use it for.
That level of bespoke part creation can take your home decor and organisation to the next level.
Assistive technology
Volunteer networks like e-NABLE use volunteers’ 3D printers to create prosthetic hands and arms for people in need, with open source designs and a comprehensive guide on how to print them.
People in need can use this network to connect with 3D printer owners to request prosthetics that suit them, undercutting the cost of other custom solutions.
What type of 3D printer is best for beginners?
3D printers are broadly split between FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) which melts filament and prints layer by layer, and resin (sometimes referred to as SLA, DLP, or LCD), which uses a liquid photopolymer that hardens with light exposure.
Resin is better for fine details and delivers a smoother surface finish, but it’s much more difficult to deal with since finished prints must be washed in alcohol and cured under UV before you can handle them.
FDM printers are more affordable, easier to manage, and provide access to a wider variety of materials. The materials available with FDM printers are impact resistant and easy to work with right off the table – finishing rarely requires more than a touch up with a nail file or some sandpaper.
What materials are available?
PLA is the most common material for FDM printers. It’s inexpensive, easy to print with, and it’s great for beginners to try printing.
PETG is another reasonable option. It’s a bit tougher, and more heat resistant. It can be a little trickier to get a good result with, but it’s great for functional parts.
ASA is a UV resistant plastic that’s’ great for outdoor items. It’s less prone to fading and doesn’t become brittle over time. It requires a special type of printer that has a heated chamber.
TPU is a specialised filament that’s flexible and elastic, making it great for parts that need to bend, squish, or absorb shock. It can be a little trickier to print with, but opens up new items to print.
PLA and PETG are often considered food safe because they’re chemically similar to food packaging, but beware that their layers make them difficult to fully sanitise.
Getting started with 3D printing
While it’s easier than ever to get into 3D printing, it’s not completely set-and-forget just yet. You’ll still run into an occasional failed print or maintenance issue with your printer.
However, the barrier to getting useful items off the print table is lower than ever, and entry-level machines are affordable and deliver great quality.
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