Making your first print with a 3D printer
2 h€ 500 Active
From setting up your printer to your first successful print: choose a model, slice it, and keep a close eye on that first layer.
3D printing at home feels like magic the moment your first object comes off the plate. Choose a printer that suits you; an FDM printer is often the best choice for beginners thanks to its ease of use and price. Then either design your own model in software like TinkerCAD or Fusion 360, or download a ready-made design from a platform like Thingiverse. Make sure the file is an STL or OBJ that your printer can handle.
Prepare the printer: level the print bed, as that determines the majority of your result, and load the right filament such as PLA or ABS. Use slicing software like Cura or PrusaSlicer to set the layer height and supports, then save the G-code. Start the print and pay close attention to that first layer especially, because everything depends on it. Let the print cool down, check for errors, and finish it up with sanding or painting if needed.
Choose a printer that suits you, for beginners usually a user-friendly FDM printer.
Design your own model in TinkerCAD or Fusion 360, or download an STL or OBJ from a platform like Thingiverse.
Level the print bed and load the right filament, such as PLA or ABS for your project.
Suggestion: Leveling the bed determines a large part of your result.Slice the model in Cura or PrusaSlicer, set the layer height and supports, and start the print.
Suggestion: Keep a close eye on the first layer, because everything depends on it.Let the print cool down, check for errors, and finish it up with sanding or painting if needed.
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