3D printing guides
Guides written from the questions customers actually ask at our counters: choosing printers and materials, finding model files, designing your own, 3D scanning, and how prints are priced.
Free 3D models: where to download them and how to print them
Free 3D models come from public repositories such as Printables, MakerWorld, Thingiverse, Cults3D, Thangs, MyMiniFactory and GrabCAD. Files are usually STL or 3MF: open one in a slicer and print it. Always check the licence before any commercial use.
Read the guide →3D design software for 3D printing: which one to choose
Start with Tinkercad — free and browser-based. For precise parts use Fusion, Onshape or FreeCAD. For organic shapes such as figures use Blender or ZBrush. All of them export STL or 3MF for your slicer.
Read the guide →3D scanning: what it is, what it is for, and how to choose a scanner
3D scanning captures the shape of a real object as a 3D file by projecting a known light pattern and calculating distance from what the camera sees. The resulting mesh can be edited, measured or 3D printed.
Read the guide →3D printing cost: what drives the price and how to reduce it
A 3D print is priced on four things: the material actually used, the time the machine runs, the class of printer required, and any finishing work. Adjusting settings and part orientation lowers cost without hurting quality.
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