Things to know and consider:
You’ll need:
- a 3D printer (we recommend Prusa printers)
- some filament for your printer (what kind, size?)
- a model of the 3D object you wish to print (where do I find that?)
- slicing software (where is that?)
Some parental help will be involved in setting up and figuring out the printer.
High temperatures are involved, don’t reach under/touch the nozzle.
PLA/PETG/TPU plastic filaments (1.75mm) is what the printers use. PLA is the easiest to start/learn.
Avoid ABS plastic initially (it’s difficult to print and gives off fumes)
Get a glue stick, a thin layer on the print bed can help both parts stick while printing and release cleanly when cooled.
There are many upgrades you can find to improve the capabilities of the printer. Free downloads, print on printer, install on printer: upgrade!
You will become more familiar with the Metric system (filament in kg, models measured in mm) 😉
STL -> slicer -> GCODE -> Printer
STL is a 3D object model file, you can either download or design your own
slicer is the software used to build printer instructions (see section starting “Free software…” below
GCODE is the instructions the printer will follow to build your object
Websites for downloading objects:
printables.com
thingiverse.com
(there are many more)
Free software you’ll need, these “slice” the 3D object and create instructions that the printer will follow to build your desired object:
either,
https://help.prusa3d.com/article/download-prusaslicer_2220
or
https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura
If you want to try to make 3D shapes of your own, start with TinkerCAD
https://www.tinkercad.com/
Don’t forget to buy a spool or two of filament. PLA or PLA+, 1.75mm, couple starter colors. Typically ~$20-30/kg spool, sometimes $14.99 on sale or in bulk. MicroCenter has a large selection and some of the best prices on filament. Can also be ordered on Amazon, other online sites.