If you’ve ever wondered how some objects are sculpted or shaped, it often involves 3D printing. 3D printing is used in many industries in the manufacturing process for all kinds of products. Buying a 3D printer can be great for those looking to take up a new hobby or start a business selling consumer goods.
3D printing is challenging and involves many steps and processes, so there’s a learning curve. However, if you’re set on diving into 3D printing, the first step is setting up your printer before anything else. It can be tricky, especially for those who aren’t tech-savvy. However, with the proper tools and guidance, you’ll be ready to 3D print in no time.
What you should know about 3D printing
What is it, and how does it work?
There are many 3D printing technologies, but fused deposition modeling is the most common. An FDM 3D printer works like a standard inkjet printer, but instead of printing on paper, melted materials are manipulated layer by layer to mold objects. Much like how documents are uploaded to an inkjet printer, a 3D model file must be uploaded to a 3D printer. 3D files can be found online or designed using computer-aided design software.
What can you do with a 3D printer?
3D printing can be used to make many consumer goods and other items. Some of the popular things that can be produced through 3D printing include the following:
- Consumer goods, such as glasses frames, shoes, and jewelry
- In the automotive industry for parts, tools, fixtures, and restoring old cars
- Combined with medical technology to produce prosthetic limbs
- Small houses
- Foods, such as pizza, chocolate, and cake decorations
Things to consider before setting up a 3D printer for the first time
What you’ll need
Now that you’ve got the basics locked down, it’s time to set up your 3D printer, but there are a few things you’ll need. Check off each of the following items before moving on to the next step:
- Assembled 3D printer
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
- A blank piece of paper
- An ample, well-ventilated workspace
Assembly and quality inspection
A damaged printer might not work well and can be hazardous. If your printer isn’t assembled, have a quick look at all the parts before you begin to build it. If everything looks like it’s in working condition, you can proceed to assemble it, which may seem difficult at first. However, most of the time, the included instructions are thorough and descriptive enough to make it manageable for most.
Setting up your assembled 3D printer
Calibration
Once your 3D printer is assembled, you must ensure it’s correctly calibrated. Many printers come pre-calibrated, but things can shift during shipping, so refer to the manual for calibration instructions, which may require additional tools, such as a wrench or screwdriver.
Loading filament
The filament is like ink for an inkjet printer. It’s what a 3D printer needs to print. Most 3D printers come with preset functions for loading and unloading filaments. The nozzle needs to be heated to a specific temperature that varies depending on your filament.
Leveling the printing bed
The printing bed must be square and level because if it isn’t, you won’t get the desired results from your printer. The nozzle should be positioned approximately 0.5 millimeters from the bed. To ensure adequate separation, you can slide a piece of paper underneath it. If you feel mild resistance as you move it around, it’s perfectly positioned.
Printer head movement
Move the printer head along every axis. If it moves smoothly, you’re good to go, but if you feel any irregularity, you may need to lubricate one of the moving parts, such as the metal rods. However, it’s best to consult the manual for further information because troubleshooting and suitable lubrication types vary across models.
Printing
3D files
Once you’ve set up the technical side of things, you’re ready to start printing. However, you’ll need a 3D model file first. Designing a 3D model on CAD software can be challenging, but Tinkercad is an excellent program for beginners. Additionally, you can search the internet for pre-made 3D models.
Slicing
A slicer or g-coding program is necessary for preparing a 3D model file for printing. It essentially separates the model into layers and creates mechanical instructions consisting of data, such as printing speed and temperature, so the 3D printer can mold it layer by layer.
Keeping your 3D printer in optimal working condition
Clean the printing bed
The molded material won’t stick to the printing bed if it’s dirty or greasy. Use isopropyl alcohol to wipe down the printing head, and if necessary, a glue stick can help you get the first layer of your new project to stick if the smooth surface of the bed isn’t cooperating.
Keep the nozzle clean
Nozzle openings widen over time the more you use your printer. If they become clogged, it can significantly reduce the printing accuracy, so it’s best to clean the nozzle’s exterior with a brass brush whenever you can and invest in spare nozzles.
Avoid clogging the printer
Do not let the filament uncoil from the spool, as it can create a knot that would cause it to get stuck in the printer and cause it to jam. Also, you can use a dust sponge to remove dust and grease by placing it on the tip of the filament before entering the extruder.
FAQ
Q. Are 3D printer fumes toxic?
A. Yes, 3D printers emit fumes that can be dangerous to your health. Therefore, it’s crucial to only use it in a well-ventilated area in your home.
Q. Are 3D printer nozzles universal?
A. No. Nozzles are sized according to the volume and pressure of each printer, and they typically range from 3 to 7 inches.
Best 3D printers and accessories
Dremel DigiLab 3D45-01 3D Printer
This award-winning printer has a 5-inch color touchscreen, a removable glass build plate, and a nozzle that heats up to 280 degrees. It has a sturdy plastic design and is calibrated and ready to go straight out of the box.
Sold by Amazon
Anycubic Photon Mono 4K 3D Printer
This high-speed printer boasts 4K monochrome and uses a higher contrast ratio to print highly-detailed objects with more accurate exposure areas. It has a large 6.23-inch screen, adjustable power settings, and universal compatibility with UV and special resins.
Sold by Amazon
Mika 3D Shiny Silk PLA Filament Bundle
This filament is available in metallic colors, including copper, silver, and gold, and is compatible with most FDM 3D printers. It’s odor-free, bubble-free, and eco-friendly, and it has 500 grams of filament on each spool. Plus, it comes with a 3D print removal tool or glue stick.
Sold by Amazon
Phrozen 3D Printer Rapid Aqua-Gray 4K Resin
This resin creates high-resolution prints featuring intricate details and high-color rendering that prevents long-term yellowing and easy breaking or chipping. It works best with other Phrozen 3D printers but is also suitable for other LCD 3D printers.
Sold by Amazon
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