3D Printing Basics for Beginners

With the advancement of technology comes printers able to print 3D models from your computer into physical 3D forms. 3D printing has been around since the 80's but back then they were mostly industrial printers and WAY too expensive  

Nowadays 3D printers are becoming more common and above all else "less expensive" to buy or for companies to rent out their services. This means even the average artist or person can get something 3D printed and not break their wallet  

So how do you go about this process? Well! I'm hear to explain it too you as best as I can  

Printers support many programs now and file formats for 3D models. Whether you use Zbrush, Maya, Max, Blender, etc you can make your models readily printer friendly  

What if you're not a 3D artist? Commission someone! There are many 3D artists around and emerging every day, happy and ready to make whatever you'd like in 3D to be printed. Some, like myself (and many others just look around DA for example), even come with the printing service! What does this mean? That the 3D artist is in partner with a 3D printing company or has a 3D printer themselves. In my case, I'm aligned with two different 3D printing companies 

Artist's like Hazardous, who have had experience making models to be 3D printed are around and some readily available to work with you. at a fair cost.  

 
his 3D model he sculpted for 3D printing

what it looked like printed!! incredible!!

When creating your own 3D models the process isn't so simple. There are limits still to what you can get printed. For example: any super thin geometry will not print properly or end up "breaking" in the printing process depending on the printer. (Some can handle it but they are super expensive and need the model scaled pretty big). Most printers will read your exact model, so if you have broken geometry, or parts hidden inside (so not a clean model) their will be errors with your printing and deformities. Getting your model perfect for 3D printing takes time, and several trial and error procedures. Be prepared to pay for it but the reward is outstanding sometimes!

If you are going to be printing a lot, getting your own 3D printer might be the best cost effective method for you. Keep in mind though! 3D printers are no different from regular printers in the sense that the cheaper you buy, the cheaper your quality and more easily the printer will not last you long When it comes to printers, cheaper is never better. That said, unless you plan on making it a business/selling them/etc the more expensive ones may not be worth it. You have to think about what you are going to be getting printed, and if a cheaper or more expensive/better quality one will work. There are also brands just like any printer, make sure to read the reviews and details from other buyers to know which one is for you!

If I've scared you away from buying one, don't worry! There are companies out there who do this service at a cost. Some services cheaper then others, it's best to shop around! But you'll find quite a few, and with examples of work they printed before  

The bigger your model, the more it'll cost

Some 3D models require a little work to get them looking awesome! Carving out excess plastic, sanding it and a bit of tiding up! Most printers need this, some companies offer to clean it up for free so it ships ready and pretty for you!

But companies are getting better and more accurate every time

Most printers will print your model in a grey, white, off white, etc so "not" in colour. There have been advances in the tech that allow for printing in colour but it's still a new process so it's not quite there yet in terms of colour printing. That said! some people like the no colour models, and that works too!  

     

      

And done! That is the very basic guide to getting your work printed I hope you enjoyed it, and enjoyed seeing some of the fantastic work people have created Take a look, and here's some more below