What Is 3D Printing?
If you can drag a file into an app and hit print, you can 3D print. That's really what it comes down to.
The most common type for hobbyists and makerspaces is FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling). It melts plastic filament and deposits it in thin layers to build up a solid object. You pick a model, run it through a slicer, and the printer does the rest.
Do You Need Your Own Printer?
Not necessarily. Makerspaces like Maker Pub give you access to high-quality printers without the upfront investment:
- Try before you buy: figure out if 3D printing is for you
- Access better equipment: our Bambu Lab printers cost more than most starter setups
- Get help when you're stuck: staff and fellow makers can troubleshoot with you
We recommend printing at least 5-10 projects at a makerspace before buying your own printer. You'll have a much better sense of what features matter to you.
Understanding Filaments
The two most common filament types for beginners:
- PLA (Polylactic Acid): The easiest to print with. Low warping, no heated enclosure needed, considered biodegradable under the right conditions and made from plant-based materials. Great for decorative items, prototypes, and learning.
- PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): Stronger and more heat-resistant than PLA. Slightly harder to print but better for functional parts.
Start with PLA. Once you're comfortable, experiment with PETG for parts that need to be durable. ABS and other high-temp filaments require an enclosure and proper ventilation since the fumes aren't safe to breathe indoors without filtration.
The Slicer: From Model to Print
A slicer is software that converts a 3D model (usually an STL or 3MF file) into instructions your printer can follow (called G-code). Popular slicers include:
- Bambu Studio: Best for Bambu Lab printers, which is what we use at Maker Pub
- PrusaSlicer: Excellent open-source option with great defaults
- Cura: Another popular free option with a huge community
The slicer is where you control print quality, speed, and material usage. Spend time here. Knowing your slicer is the difference between a clean print and a pile of spaghetti.
Your First Print
For your first print, choose something simple and satisfying:
- A phone stand
- A cable organizer
- A small figurine or decoration
- A name tag or keychain
Download a pre-made model from Printables, MakerWorld or Thingiverse, load it into your slicer, and hit print. When you pull that first piece off the build plate, and it actually looks like the thing on screen, you'll get it.
Common Beginner Mistakes
We see the same ones at the shop over and over:
- Skipping bed leveling: Your first layer won't stick if the bed isn't level. Most failed prints we troubleshoot at open lab start here.
- Printing too fast: Slow down for your first few prints. Speed comes once you know what good layers look like.
- Ignoring supports: Overhanging features need support structures, or they'll droop and fail. If your model has anything sticking out at more than 45°, add supports in the slicer.
- Not cleaning the build plate: Fingerprints and dust are enough to ruin adhesion. Wipe it with IPA before every print.
Next Steps
Once you've got a few successful prints under your belt, try:
- Designing your own models in TinkerCAD or Fusion 360
- Experimenting with different materials
- Taking our 3D Printing Crash Course for hands-on guidance
That's it. Go print something! If you're in Antioch or the surrounding areas, come to our open labs or bring a model to any of our events and we'll print it.