How to start 3d printing

Introduction

You’ve heard the term “3D printing” a lot lately, and you’re probably wondering if it’s something you want to get into. Maybe you’re curious about what it takes to make your own models from scratch, or maybe you just want some tips on how to start with modeling software like 123D Catch or Sculpteo. We’ll walk through the process of making your first 3D print with free software that works for beginners and experts alike.

Download and learn modeling software?

When you start 3D printing, it’s important to learn how to use modeling software. You’ll need the right tools in order to upload your designs and make them printable.

There are several different modeling software options available: Autodesk 123D Design and Sculptris (MacOS), SketchUp Pro (Windows), Blender (Linux) and MakerBot Desktop 3D Printer Software. If you’re using one of these programs, then you’ll have access to thousands of free models from other users who’ve uploaded them online—just search for “3d model” or something similar on Google Images!

Once you’ve downloaded your first model into one of these programs, there are many ways that could help further improve its quality:

  • Exporting files as STL files so they can be printed directly onto an extruder; this also allows users who don’t want a high resolution print quality but still want something complex enough at scale size – like hobbyist printers – which would otherwise require expensive materials such as carbon fiber composites or titanium alloys but instead uses plastic polymers instead due its low cost relative performance ratio compared against other materials such as aluminum alloys used when creating aerospace parts like wings & fuselage sections etcetera…
  • Importing external datafile formats such as OBJ files into other applications like Maya LT so artists can easily animate their creations without having any knowledge about programming languages whatsoever!

Decide what you want to print.

Now that you have a 3D printer, it’s time to decide what you want to print. There are many different types of 3D printing:

  • FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) machines use a heated extruder to lay down melted plastic filament and then cool it with an air cooling system. This process can take from 30 minutes to several days depending on the material used and your printer’s settings.
  • SLS machines use high-pressure liquid jets at extremely high temperatures in order for the machine itself to create objects out of resin through injection molding technology like what is found in car manufacturing plants today! These machines tend not only be faster but also cheaper because they require less labor intensive work than FDM printers do (although they still need some). If interested in learning more about this technology check out our post on How Does 3D Printing Work?

Learn how to slice your model?

You can start by learning how to import your 3D model into the slicing software. This is a complex task, and there are many different settings that you may need to adjust in order for your print to come out correctly. For example, if you’re using PLA or ABS plastic, then it’s important that you have at least 5% infill (the percentage of solid material used in the object) and 0% shell (the outside of the object). You’ll also want to use a layer height of 0.2mm or higher; however, if this seems too high for what’s specified as “good” quality on most websites or tutorials on how-tos about printing with 3D printers then lower these values down until they look good enough for everyday use before moving onto something more advanced like using more complex models with more details such as textured surfaces etc…

Finishing?

If you’re looking for a 3D printer to make parts for your next project, there are two things you need to know. First, 3D printing is not for everyone. It’s a difficult technology to master and requires patience and dedication if you want it to work out well in the long run. Second, while they may not be cheap (and they aren’t), 3D printers can be fun and rewarding if used correctly!

It’s important that people understand how different these two processes are before deciding whether or not they want one or another—or both! While 2D printers simply print layer-by-layer objects on an already prepared surface (like paper), 3D printers create custom shapes from scratch by adding new material at specific locations during each layer’s creation process with what is called “filling”. So while many people think of them as being similar because both use inkjet technology (the same type used by most home printers), this isn’t really true; instead it’s more like comparing apples vs oranges…

Making models takes time and tooling but can be fun!

For those of you who are just getting into 3D printing, here’s how to make your first model.

  • Create a 3D CAD model: There are many free tools available online that will allow you to create a basic shape of whatever object you want. You can use these programs as a foundation for more complex models later on! OpenSCAD is an open-source physics engine and syntax language used in creating solid models out of code blocks called “primitives”. It’s easy to learn but requires some patience while learning the basics before moving on; however, once mastered it opens up many possibilities for creativity and innovation within design fields such as architecture (which uses OpenSCAD extensively).
  • Print out said model: This part may take some practice if this is something new for you! If not then there are plenty of places where someone else has already done all the work for us so just follow their instructions from start to finish which should include making sure everything fits together correctly before uploading it onto their site whereupon they will then send back whatever parts were needed so that everything fits together perfectly without any gaps left unfilled between joints etcetera…

Conclusion

If you’re thinking of getting into 3D printing, it can be daunting. There are so many options and learning curve that you might not know where to start. But don’t worry, we have some advice for you! The first thing is to download and learn modeling software like 123D Catch or Sculpteo. This will help with your design process by allowing you to create a digital model of what you want before printing out any physical objects from this file

Second: Decide what exactly makes up your final product; deciding on a material type will help narrow down the choices available for further research.”

Third: Learn how to slice your model? This means taking apart the file into different parts which then become separate objects when sliced into smaller pieces that can be printed individually,”””

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