Why Use 3D Printing?
1. You
want to create objects that are not otherwise available.
From the serious to the silly, a vast array of objects are available for printing, or you can learn to design your own, using free software. How about a new volume knob for your vintage radio? Or an organizer for your car's center console? Perhaps you need a shelf bracket, or a pen/pencil holder shaped like a scaled-down Tyranosaurus skull, or a simple, drip-watering system for your houseplants while you're not around. Your only limit is your imagination!
2. Low entry cost.
Compared with other manufacturing technology, a basic—yet capable—3D printer is very inexpensive. Some very good printers sell for less than $200 USD. Many filaments for printing are also low in cost. Basic CAD software is free, as is the software needed to prepare a file for printing on your specific printer.
3. High quality materials (filaments).
The basic filament used in most home or hobbyist printing is PLA (polylactic acid). PLA is a plant-based, biodegradable material made from renewable resources. It's inexpensive, yet it combines a low melting point with good strength, low thermal expansion, and good layer adhesion. For those needing resistance to high temperatures or other special properties, there are more advanced materials—such as PETG, nylon, TPU, and others. Some advanced materials can be used with low-cost printers, while others—such as nylon—may require higher temperatures than a basic printer is designed for.
4. You may not need to purchase a printer!
Some public libraries and other institutions offer 3D printing services. All you need to do is find or create the digital file(s) for the object you wish to print. There are online repositories of these files available for browsing and downloading.
5. Resources and help are available online.
Thingiverse and
Printables are just two examples of repositories of files for 3D printing. Both sites offer a wide variety of objects, from the fun to the utilitarian. Assistance with 3D printing is also readily available. A simple Google search will often provide links to multiple articles and videos showing how to do something or providing solutions to a problem.
If you want to print something
—and the files don't exist
—you can hire a custom designer, or do it yourself! A number of 3d printing enthusiasts offer design work for a fee. Perhaps you need an existing object modified, or a completely new one created. They can do that. Alternatively, you can download a free CAD (Computer-Aided Design) application and learn to use it. You might become one of those freelance designers!
A Few Things to Know About 3D Printing
1.
It's a do-it-yourself technology.
Most 3D printers require some assembly before use. If the instructions are not adequate, you may need to look for articles or videos for help. Many users like to perform their own simple upgrades to their printers, including the installation of better nozzles, magnetic print beds, etc. Want an enclosure for your printer? You could buy one, but you can also make your own, purchasing some inexpensive plastic sheets and printing the hinges, corner brackets, etc. on your printer!
2. There is a learning curve—but the basics aren't difficult—and help is available.
Be prepared to learn a few arcane terms, such as bed leveling, Z offset, and hot ends. You will also learn about slicing software. A slicing program is like the menu of a photocopier, where you decide on the number of copies, paper size, etc. With a slicing application, you decide how your object will be printed—its orientation on the print bed, how thick the layers of filament will be, etc. There are online tutorials to help with this process.
3. Additive manufacturing is fun!
It's hard to stop at just one or two projects. There are so many things that can be printed! Shelf brackets, chess sets, gear shift knobs, model airplanes, replacement home appliance knobs, figures for roleplaying games, pencil holders, knife racks, decorative wall art, replacement Lego™ bricks, and much, much more, are waiting to be created!
