What Skills Do I Need for 3D Printing?

Whether you want to start your own business in 3D printing or try your hand at inventing something new; patience and an understanding of how to use hand tools are going to be a vital part of this.

With the advancements in technology within recent years, most of the foundation work has already been prepared for you. Your only job is to learn how to utilize the resources already available.

Why it is Important to Understand Technology

In order to get started in 3D printing, you're going to need to use 3D modeling software. If you are just beginning, don’t worry! Most modeling software provides walk through guides that are friendly for those who are just starting.

Everything that you will be doing will take place on your computer unless of course, you draw a model on paper. Even so, that drawing will need to be scanned into your computer which is why being technologically inclined is a must.

You will be learning a variety of things:

How to use certain software
How exactly a 3D printer works
How to slice
How to create blueprints for your printer

Everything you're going to learn involves technology, which is also why it's imperative for you to be motivated to learn on your own. Tinkercad is a great resource, it provides free lessons in designing 3D models.

What Materials are Needed to Begin 3D Printing?

3D Printer

If you’re just beginning to explore the wonders of this amazing technology, there's good news for you! In recent years, 3D printers have become much more affordable to the general public. Here are a few to get you started:

Easythreed Mini 3D Printer

This printer is portable and fully functional. It comes with its own slicer software, and the filament it uses is non-toxic so it will not harm pets or children when it is melted. If you have children in your life, this is a perfect printer for them to foster their artistic side.

IXAER Creality Ender 3 Pro

With a magnetic printing bed, this saves you from the time-consuming task of removing your models with a palette knife. It also has the capability to print larger projects up to 8.6 x 8.6 x 9.8 inches. This is a great choice for anyone who wants to print quickly, as the bed reaches 230 degrees Fahrenheit in just five minutes.

Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro

This is a convenient choice as it is quick and easy to assemble. It’s very basic and easy to understand which means it’s great for beginners, and like the IXAER, it reaches 230 degrees Fahrenheit within five minutes.

Filaments

Filament, like the printer itself, is one of the main components. Think of it as the paper to a regular printer; you just can’t do anything without it. There are many different kinds to choose from depending on your needs. Here are a few recommended filaments:

Polylactic Acid (PLA)

Great for creations you want to paint
Low melting point
Biodegradable
Great for beginners/general creations

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

The finished product can be as fine as you want
High-temperature tolerance
Best environmental resistance

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)

Softest filament
Great for phone cases

Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PeTG)

Sort of a crossbreed between PLA & ABS
Temperature resistance
Safe to use to print indoors

It’s important to note the width and size of each filament to ensure it’s compatible with the specific printer you choose to purchase.

Slicer

A slicer is what’s going to allow you to take your 3D model and format it in a way that your 3D printer will be able to print it.

The way you do this is through a software program on your computer. You then upload it onto an SD card that you insert into your printer to create the final masterpiece. Here are a few of the best beginner-friendly choices:

3D Models

You will not be able to create anything without having something to create! A great suggestion for someone just beginning would be to download some free models to print.

Thingiverse as well as My Mini Factory are great places to start for some free models that you can tryout. They have paid options too.

This gives you access to hundreds of thousands of projects.

Other Tools to Create Models

There are a variety of other tools that you may need such as:

Water-based hairspray- This helps to stick your prints to the bed.
90% isopropyl alcohol- Cleans up the hairspray or any finger oils on the bed.
Flat bottom fine wire snippers- Cuts your filament.
Palette Knives- Assists in easy removal for prints that may stick.
Silica Gel- Since filament can absorb water it is best to store it in a sealed container with silica gel packets to prevent this from happening.

Precautions with 3D Printing

After deciding that you have the skill set necessary to begin your journey with three-dimensional printing, there are several things you need to know. These are important for your own safety as well as the safety of others:

Copyright Infringement

Make sure that all of the models you decide to download for free are not pirated. You can do this by checking out the site to make sure it’s not a pirating site.

UFP (Ultra fine particles) Exposure

Printing should be done in a well-ventilated area to minimize the risk of inhalation of these particles. You can also wear a mask in addition as an extra safety measure. If proper precautions are not taken inhaling UFPs can lead to serious medical issues including heart disease and stroke.

Sharing/Selling your own blueprints

Please be mindful of the types of 3D model blueprints you do share, as these are accessible by anyone. Models such as guns, knives, or anything that could be used as a weapon, or in a sinister manner should stay in your own personal collection.

Some Items You Can Make With a 3D Printer

You may have heard in the news recently about companies and individuals stepping up to create ventilators to make up for the shortage within the healthcare system. How amazing is that!? There are other companies that make prosthetics as well, using a 3D Printer.

Here are several other neat products you can create: