FIGURE F3: An extruder is depositing melted plastic one layer at a time to build a bottle (infographic HoneyPoint3D™)
Luckily for us, between 2009 and 2017, 3D printing received a tremendous amount of media attention, and
the general public made huge leaps in awareness of the technology. 3D printing was a paradigm shift from
the traditional understanding of 2D printing based on paper-and-ink printers to the 3D printers that now
affect everyday life. We will go into more details about 3D printers and 3D models later in this book.
MANAGING EXPECTATIONS AS YOU START YOUR JOURNEY
Managing a 3D printer is more difficult than it should be. The technology is still relatively young, and the
machines are not as plug-and-play as most home appliances, like a microwave oven. Creating a 3D file in
order to 3D print something requires practice and skill. Expect to go through a learning curve where good
old trial-and-error will give you lots of valuable experience and, eventually, success! You will learn the tricks
of the trade as you go. Here are some common experiences you should expect:
• 3D PRINTS FAIL
A lot. Especially when you are first learning to use your 3D printer. Did you set the wrong temperature? Did
the 3D file have errors in it? Was the print bed not level? You’ll be asking yourself these questions and more
as you experiment.
• 3D PRINTS TAKE A LONG TIME
Want to print a phone case? No problem! But the print will likely take 6+ hours.
• 3D PRINTERS NEED ONGOING MAINTENANCE
Motor belts pop off. The hot end gets jammed. Stuff happens and, in most cases, it will be you fixing it.
• SOMETIMES 3D PRINTS NEED PRE/POSTPROCESSING
Some 3D model files you find on the Internet can’t be printed as-is and will need to be fixed. You will learn
more about how to fix them in future chapters. 3D printed objects will need work to get the smooth surface
you may desire. You will find that sandpaper does wonders with those rough edges on a newly hatched 3D
print. (Hint: Grit 100 to 600, Medium, fine, and extra-fine)
DON’T WORRY! THIS IS WHY WE UPDATED THIS BOOK!
We know 3D printing isn’t just a technology; it’s an ecosystem of software, hardware, education, commu-
nities, and materials. Implementing 3D printing into your life takes a three-pronged approach: education,
CAD file generation, and the physical aspect of 3D printing. The rewards of learning how to 3D print are
well worth the learning curve, and you’ll be glad you made the effort. Reading this book will save you time,
money, headaches, and heartaches and will lessen the number of “valuable lessons” you have to go through
on your own. We made plenty of mistakes so you won’t have to!
Introduction to 3D Printing 2nd Edition xix
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WHAT’S IN THIS BOOK?
Getting Started with 3D Printing 2nd Edition offers you a clear, updated roadmap of best practices to help
you successfully bring 3D printing into your home, classroom, and business. We hope you will find it a fun,
practical guide that will help you navigate your way from initial curiosity to active, hands-on 3D printing. The
book is intended for those who have no or little prior experience in 3D printing. If you do have experience
with 3D printing, this book will help you troubleshoot your failed prints, expand your industry knowledge,
and offer you tips on making 3D models.
THIS BOOK WILL INFORM YOU ABOUT:
• How 3D printers work
• How people are using 3D printing in the classroom, home, and business
• The different 3D printing Technologies
• What to look for when buying a 3D printer and supplies
• Setting up and maintaining your own 3D printer
• Outsourcing 3D modeling and printing services
• The workflow from idea to 3D print
• Creating and fixing your own 3D models
• Designing a personal 3D printing makerspace
• How to make money with 3D printing
• The future of 3D printing
Fasten your seatbelt and prepare yourself for this fast approaching “manufacturing revolution.”
It may just change your life!
Introduction to 3D Printing 2nd Edition xxi
xx
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“3D Printing is revolutionizing how
we make and use everyday objects.
You need to get on board now, and this
book is a great place to start!”
—NORA TOURE
Founder; Women in 3D Printing
Introduction to 3D Printing 2nd Edition xxi
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Getting Started with 3D Printing 2
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