Learn more about 3D printing
What is 3D printing?
Commonly referred to as additive manufacturing, 3D printing is the process of repeatedly adding thin layers of material (plastics / resins) to create a physical object.
3D printers come in an almost endless variety of sizes, types and cost points, making them perfect for hobbyists, tinkerers, professionals and even product manufacturing.
In short, a 3D printer uses filament (widely available plastics on convenient spools) of various types and colors, and extrudes them into 3-dimensional objects.
Of course, it can get a little more complex than this, but 3D printing is available for anyone.
Interested in leaning more about 3D printing?
If you are interested in learning more, we recommend that you browse through this short list of resources.
The LM Show
The LM Show is a LIVE Internet show that airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5PM Pacific on https://thelmshow.com
The LM Show is a wonderful place to come watch, learn and ask questions - it is extremely interactive and we'd love to have you visit. Make sure to say hello, and ask your questions.
YouTube
Educational material and 3D printing resources are EVERYWHERE! Our wonderful community is filled with talented and knowledgable individuals who openly and freely share their experience, with reviews, tutorials and guides.
YouTube is a great place to learn more about 3D printing, where you can get lost for hours, watching, learning and researching your new interest.
Here are a few YouTube channels for some of our communities most AMAZING people! You will find an endless supply of helpful getting started content as well as more advanced topics as you learn and grow with your 3D printer.
The 3D Printing Nerd
https://www.youtube.com/3dprintingnerd
BV3D: Bryan Vines
https://www.youtube.com/BV3DChannel
Uncle Jessy
https://www.youtube.com/UncleJessy
What 3D printer should I get?
Well, this is a difficult question! There are so many variables to consider, that not one single printer will work for everyone. Cost, size, materials are more are all factors when considering a new 3D printer.
We can however recommend a couple of machines at different price points, that may help you decide.
The Prusa MINI+
This is a fantastic printer for both beginners and more experienced users. It is priced around $350 to $400 US and is designed with quality and simplicity at its core. We use many of these printers in our 3D print farm for product manufacturing.
prusa.thelmshow.com (affiliate link)
Creality Ender 3
Creality has a WIDE range of 3D printer options, many for the beginner and tinkerer as well as a selection for the more advanced 3D printer user.
If you are concerned with budget, and don't mind a little steeper learning curve, then an Ender 3 V2 is a great option.
Around $265 US, the Creality Ender 3 V2 is a wonderful printer that can be upgraded over time as budgets allow and provides plenty of opportunity to learn 3D printing in great detail.
https://www.creality3dofficial.com/products/ender-3-v2-3d-printer
Raise3D
If you are serious about 3D printing, and need a more reliable industrial 3D printer that can print more the more exotic filaments, then we recommend Raise3D. We use the Raise3D E2 and Raise3D Pro2 printers in our farm for manufacturing of high quality production parts.
What is filament?
3D printing filaments are stable thermoplastics that are designed to soften / harden at varying temperatures. Filaments come in a wide range of types and colors, and are readily available throughout the world in both retail stores as well as online.
There are hundreds of filament manufacturers, too many to list, but here are a few companies that we recommend.
The most common types of filament are going to be PLA and PETG. These are the easiest to print with common 3D printers, and the most inexpensive of materials. Other more exotic filaments like ABS/ASA, Nylon, PolyCarbonate, etc are more expensive and have additional levels of complexity and safety requirements in order to print successfully.
Please feel free to browse, and learn about the various types and colors, there is a seemingly unlimited number of possibilities.
FilamentOne
https://filamentone.thelmshow.com (affiliate link)
3DXTech
Polymaker
Printed Solid
Protopasta
Need more information?
We invite you to learn more by tuning in to The LM Show on Mondays, Wednesdays and most Fridays at 5PM Pacific on https://thelmshow.com
We have a wonderful community of talented and amazing people, where we enjoy learning, sharing and most of all, 3D printing!