Recently functional 3d printing helped us to avert a wardrobe disaster. One of the brackets holding a hanging rail broke sending all dresses down in a messy pile. We figured that it would be possible to 3D design and 3D print the bracket. It took us 30 min to design […]
A very rich and interesting part of 3D printing is the ability to print scanned objects. It opens an enormous potential for saving the historic heritage of the world. A significant collection of such objects already exists as MyMiniFactory supported the Scan the World initiative. They share the files for […]
There is a range of interesting toy models that are tagged as Flexi or Articulated on STL sharing websites. Making the most of desktop 3D printing at home, makers and designers are turning basic, lifeless models into wiggly, wobbly, jiggly entertaining toys. At first glance, we thought that no-one would […]
There is an interesting themed collection of 3D printed hexagons on Thingiverse. María Loureiro aka @tecnoloxia started a project named @100Hex where she shares her designs. Many hexagons represent different patterns, but some are based on pieces of art, recognisable images or events. On her Thingiverse project page, María encourages […]
Functional 3D printing does not get the same publicity as printing for fun. The share of useful 3D prints in domestic 3D printing is growing but such models are not appreciated enough. And there is a wave of criticism regarding that. In our opinion, both types of modelling are needed […]
Recycling in 3D printing stays an open and sensitive subject. Many FDM desktop 3D printer users face the problem with plastic filament waste. With time they accumulate a great number of failed prints, leftover material as well as empty filament spools. There are a few initiatives from 3D printing material […]
Some models are successfully 3D printed by their creators and files are shared for others to print. However, 3D printers, materials and slicer settings are different in every case and therefore the end results may vary. It is quite frustrating when a print fails several hours into 3D printing. Eye-catching […]
There is something magical about 3D sculpting and even a little bit addictive once you start it. A lot of amazing 3D models made in ZBrush are shared on social media, and it became part of a New Year’s resolution to try this 3D designing software out. Luckily, makers of […]
A wide range of so-called “business card” models is available on STL sharing websites. These models are flat, and therefore they are 3D printed in no time. They also consume a very small amount of 3D printing material. Card models can be a fun extra when sent with Christmas cards […]
Please use CTRL+F for Search Q1: If you had to pick just 1 which would you say was the best 3D printer you’ve used? Q2: Is there 3D printer you would never want even if it was free? Q3: What filament do you want next? Q4: What extras would you […]
6 commentsThe ultimate goal of every designer is to have their unique work recognized. 3D printing competitions offer a great chance not only to showcase your design but also to improve skills. Winners get various awards including 3D Printers. In addition to prizes, the selected design is labeled as a winner […]
2 commentsPLA – Polylactic Acid PLA is one of the most commonly used 3D printing materials. A spool of it often comes together with a new printer. PLA is normally the first filament used by beginners in 3D printing. It is expected to have relatively predictable results. However, the quality of […]
Desktop FDM 3D printers have limited capabilities in terms of printing in color. The majority of such printers have a single extruder and for these, the idea of multicolor 3D printing has been a challenge for a long time. What makes it possible, however, is an option to pause, change […]
6 commentsWood Filament 3D printing wood filament exists since 2012, but it could still be called experimental. It often consists of 60-70% polymers and 40-30% of recycled wood fibres of different kinds. Its qualities in reference to strength, for example, can be similar to PLA. There are no formal specifications for […]
2 comments3D printing nurtures creativity and curiosity. Some more advanced makers start to find standard printing boring. They look for a challenge and push the boundaries of this technology. They “torture test” their 3D printers to see the maximum capability. New ideas are born. Designing hairy 3D prints is one of […]
I discovered 3D printing in my freshman year of high school when we were designing a robot and had the option to 3D print the parts. In the months that followed, I tinkered with many different programs trying to find one that was the right fit for my needs. I […]
There are different types of 3D printing software: CAD, Slicer, File Repair, 3D Sculpting, Scanning Software, VR Design, etc. The table below is updated regularly. Please feel free to Contact Us if you think that a particular software or application should be added. 3D Printing Software and Applications Having to […]
3D printing services is a fast-growing area. It includes 3D design, 3D scanning services, 3D printing on demand, tutorials and training. Various 3D printing platforms share files; others allow outsourcing 3D printing. Lending in-house printing equipment is another service that gains popularity. Please feel free to Contact Us if you […]
Spray painting 3D printed models has a big potential. It is sad to see objects not being used just because of some minor flaws or dull colours. We know that there are more sophisticated methods of post processing available, like airbrush or vapour smoothing for ABS, but spray painting is […]
Fillamentum produces a full lineup of materials whatever your 3D printing needs may be, with offerings of PLA, ABS, ASA, Timberfill, Flexfill, Nylon, PLA Crystal Clear, PLA Extrafill, HIPS and Co-Polyester. Fillamentum is a fairly new and fast rising company from Hulin in the Czech Republic. The company is headed […]
1 commentChoose a desktop 3D printer that is right for you. Build volume, FDM or SLA, well-known brand or a start-up – all to consider. The table below helps to compare and make a comprehensive decision. It is regularly updated and maintained. Please feel free to Contact Us if you think […]
Scroll through brands and 3D printer filament available to find the right materials for 3D printing at home. PLA, ABS, Wood, PETG, Nylon, Support, FLEX, etc. This table is updated regularly. Please feel free to Contact Us if you think that a particular brand or material should be added. 3D […]
If you are following 3D printing community on social media, you cannot miss occasionally heated activities. This includes a lot of talks about meetups followed by live streams, live chats, interviews, group pictures, etc. Usually, all this happens when some maker or 3D printing-related event happens. We’ve put together a […]
Recently, 3D printing community legionnaire Tessa, aka SparkyFace5, mentioned that it was so easy to take pictures on delta printers as their printing beds did not move. It reminded us that we had so many interesting time-lapse videos piled up. We feel that we have to say special thanks to […]
Disguised as a wall mounted spool holder 3D Printing Guardian watches over the whole 3D printing process. He immediately made our lives easier as now we can replace a spool in seconds. It is especially handy when changing filament for multicolor 3D printing. The idea was to design something functional […]
We missed the fidget spinner hype while being busy with other projects. But on the bright side, we can reflect on the past and have a picture of what really happened (and still happening). Fidget spinners are especially dear to any maker as it is a rare possibility to use […]
Disclaimer: I would like to say that I have no affiliation with Kodama in any business sense and although they sent me the Kodama Trinus free of charge for the purpose of this review I will be completely honest with how I feel about this 3D printer. Michael was kind […]
They say that 3D Printing Guardian is the last of the ancient people that lived on earth. After receiving three magic artifacts he obtained special powers. For endless years the Guardian was in hiding waiting until people were ready to discover 3D printing. Was it a curse or was it […]
2 commentsSince we’ve posted our ABS filament review we observed that this material was losing its popularity among 3D printing community. Despite not being the most used filament for desktop 3D printers anymore, one quality is making it special. ABS acetone smoothing allows enhancing 3D printed objects by adding the shine […]
When we bought our first printer we didn’t realize that there is a number of essential 3D printing tools to come with it. There are tools for the printing process and also for safety. Day by day we kept filling our toolbox with more essentials and now we have a […]
Since we’ve started learning how to design 3D models we see the world around us differently. Every time we look at a particular object, we cannot help thinking if it’s possible to make it 3d printable. Thames Embankment in central London is rich in historic artifacts. The lamp posts are […]
We were asked to make a Tipeye 3D pen review. It was a very good timing for us as we have been planning to write a blog or two about 3D pens anyway. This device has a use in 3D printing and we added it to our tools list. In […]
Customization is the main value in 3D printing. Designers and makers can apply their skills and use their imagination to create something original. One of the best models for customization is a 3D printed puzzle box. The puzzle can be unique for each model or there may be a secret […]
4 commentsDuring the festive season, there are a lot of shiny sparkly decorations around. Having a 3D printer, it is very tempting to try and make something special. As we are not much of the artists, spray painting 3D prints seemed like an easy solution. And what a variety of paints […]
Before buying Original Prusa i3 MK2 we didn’t know that it would become the best 3D Printer of the year according to “Make” magazine and to “3D Hubs” community. We first saw Prusa in action in autumn 2016 at the DIGICAL Show in London organized by iMakr. Even though a […]
3D printed Minecraft mobs are very popular among dedicated players. Any Minecraft fan would be happy to have one in their collection. On the other hand, their square-shaped look makes it easy to design and print. File sharing websites are full of free samples to download and try out. To […]
The announcement of Guardians of the Galaxy part 2 created a wave of interest towards Groot in 3D printing community. A glimpse of Baby Groot in the movie trailer gave ideas to the designers. Makers all over the world are having fun recreating the famous character. For Groot 3D printing […]
The idea to 3D scan an object is very old. We have seen it in sci-fi movies and read about it in books. Recently, thanks to developed software like Autodesk ReMake we can implement this idea into life. This type of software is based on photogrammetry – the science of […]
Joining Pokemon Go hype, we could not resist 3D printing some of the characters. We had some trouble with printing Pikachu in yellow PLA. One of his ears was burned and melted. There is always that risk when printing tall sharp or narrow object. Extruder is working on the same […]
2 commentsAfter a new 3D printer is bought, it is recommended to test it by printing something simple. Thanks to STL sharing websites there are a lot of beginner-friendly printable files available for free. Once you gain the confidence in using the printer and the slicer, it may be time to […]
Flexible filament is not as frequently used in 3D printing as PLA or ABS for example. The reason may be that it is still an experimental material. Printing with it requires certain skills and good knowledge of your machine. Also slicer settings, like in Cura or Simplify3D, have to be […]
We were lucky to attend the first ever DIGICAL Show in London on Friday 30 September. The event was packed with interesting innovations. The speakers presented their projects and views of the future of 3D printing. We had an opportunity to speak to the vendors and designers, to see and […]
Slither.io is an online arcade game that you can play with multiple players. In the video the process of creating slither.io is shown. It is made in pieces: heads, body parts and tails. These segments are designed in Tinkercad. Tinkercad is an online software program that allows you to create […]
10 commentsOnce your new 3D printer arrives it is good to understand its capabilities. There are many 3D printing test files to choose from on Thingeverse. The reason to use a proper test file is because it contains all hard-to-print bits. After printing such object it becomes clear what settings you need to complete tricky and detailed projects. Also these files are designed in a way that you don't use a lot of filament and printing time. Our 3D printing test is made on Delta Wasp 2040.
An object with overhangs over 45 degrees normally requires adding support in 3D printing. In a slicing software Cura there are options for 2 different types of support structures: Touching Buildplate and Everywhere. Everywhere may be a bit too much and requires extensive cleaning and polishing to perfect the result. […]