How to Understand Basic 3D Printing

by melKyl0621a in Workshop > 3D Printing

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How to Understand Basic 3D Printing

As 3D printing becomes more and more available, many more people are going to have to learn how to use these nifty devices. This tutorial is only of the basics, taking files containing the pre-deseigned objects and printing them, not how to design them.

Finding Something to Print

First, you're obviously going to need a file to print. I used the website thingiverse to find something to print. I printed a coaster of a design off of a game I like to play.

Saving Your File

Once you find what you want to print, you're going to want to find this download button. Press it and it will save the files to your computer. Now you can rename them to whatever you want, just be sure not to overwrite the .stl at the end of it, or else your printer may not be able to read the file.

Printing Your Thing

Finally, you're going to want to get on any CAD software on the computer hooked to the 3D printer. There you'll need to upload the .stl file and print it. There are also some stores that have 3d printing services, you just need to provide them with the files to print. Once your thing is printed, you can use it however you want. Have fun and happy 3d printing.