Complete Beginner's Guide to 3D Printing

[@JeffBass-z4u]

Nils, I just got my FlashForge Guider IIs yesterday and don’t even have it out of the box yet (my room isn’t ready yet!) I have watched a bunch of your videos already and feel like I already have a ton of experience! Thanks for the videos. You do a great job!

[@The3DPrintingZone]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm sure you'll have a blast printing :) All the best!

[@candigirrl003]

I wanted to 3d print my avatars that I made so I was excited to see this machine. He's being way more honest and detailed than others with their tutorials, a class like this would probably be like 2 grand. Lol. Ouch. But for the price it's worth it. So happy to see this 😊 thanks you tube.

[@exuviumisopods]

Your videos are so explanatory. A great channel! Will begin soon w/ 3D printing and as a beginner choice I think I will go for the Creality Ender 3 V2.

[@The3DPrintingZone]

Thanks so much and I think you're going to love the Ender 3 V2. I have one and it's a super solid printer.

[@AquaStevae]

I am in the researching and learning phase still, BEFORE I purchase my first printer. What I am feeling thus far, is that build space is one of the most important things for me. And I here very little about a larger build space, or MOST printers provide a much smaller build space than I am willomg to accept. At the moment I seem to prefer a 300x300x400mm build space. Considering the price of these printers, I do NOT want to purchase a smaller one, and then outgrow it in two months, and be on the look out for a larger one. I prefer to take my time, and find a larger one for a great price from the get go. I just do not want to be limited by build space. Seems like something most people go through early on. Most of the more modern printers all seem to have most of the other preferred features. So while I'm also ticking those off while I search, build space seems to be the key feature that separates most of these printers. Good vids. Subbed.

[@Johnny444]

Great video. Wish you made this a year ago when I was getting started in this hobby. Looking forward to learning more from you.

[@jonmccombs1711]

Fantastic job! I am just starting to really look at 3d printing but just did not have the time but I see the products have really matured.

[@The3DPrintingZone]

They really have. The last couple of years have seen some big improvements and there's a ton more on the horizon. If you get a chance, check out the Prusa XL that is taking preorders. It's costly and a little ways out but it will be the new gold standard for other manufacturers.

[@diazo5679]

What a difference a year makes “Purse the gold standard” has now become Bambulabs.

[@janamoraal7762]

I like the 3d technology. Has it a stop. Beautiful !!

[@kingofthewickerpeople3774]

Maybe a dumb question but are there any starter 3D printers that would work with an iPad?

[@fishmut]

I wouldn’t mind finding out the answer for that also , not everyone has computers ie laptops etc.

[@brianmi40]

@@fishmut NO. no slicing software and no micro SD slot for downloading if you sliced on web site. chromebook would be minimum if slicing online. any laptop/desktop to run local slicing software.

[@MrButuz]

It does look like quite a good printer. I'm looking for my second printer nmow - now loads of options, Flashforge, Qidi, one of the many Enders.

[@doctorpc4x4]

Haven't purchased a printer yet so learning lots from your videos. Cheers for your time

[@GingerHippieFishing]

Do these apply to an adventurer 3? I just got it yesterday and I'm trying to figure out how to get 3d print files and how to get them, then how to get them to the 3d printer!? I've never used one before so I very new to this but it's so interesting haha. Ive just printed the box it originally comes with!

[@thefish5861]

I'm looking for a winter hobby. I have been an early adopter of tech ever since I bought an Apple II in 1978. But this stuff looks incredibly complicated. I don’t know if I have the fortitude to master a bunch of complex software just to print little doodads. What am I missing here?

[@chrisciraldo4935]

Why so many printers do they not last long wanting to get one and was looking at ender pro this was a amazing video and took a lot of the fear out of getting started

[@isauromanuel]

What graphicd card is good enough for 3d modeling and sculpting models for 3d printing in 2022? Not rendering just be able to work with out lag problems.

[@tonyrousos9201]

Great video, thank you. I've been interested in getting into 3D printing for a while now, but can't seem to figure out what would be the best printer to start out with. Do you have a recommendation on a great printer to get for my first printer?

[@shalens3561]

Ender 3 v2

[@muse_themagic]

How do you connect the creator pro 2 to Wi-Fi?

[@kenburnette1121]

Very helpful info, thanks!

[@doronbenbenisty1430]

Thank you so much

[@NoNameNeeeded]

What would be the best $1,200CAD for mechanical prototyping? Something I'm not going to fight with when I assemble my prints?

[@new_comment]

HELL YEAH........ REP LINUX!!!!

[@jay2202jay]

What would be a good 3D printer for around 200-300pounds looking to get one from amazon been looking at these but not sure as it is first time buying ender 3 S1 pro or plus or the Max Neo

[@norastorvik7093]

Thank you Nilz

[@H2ON_MEA]

Thanks

[@sylvielegault1548]

Bonjour je cherche pour donner encadeau à une personne qui a toujours besoin d'une pièce en métal qui est soit brisé ou soit n'existe pas , alors il pourrait fabriquer lui même ses pièces (en général ce sont des pièces comme un adapteur spécifique de tuyau ou une pièce de quincaillerie introuvable dans les magasins. ) alors je me demandais si avec une imprimante 3d metal si il pouvait faire ces objets, ou si c'est mieux un laser 3d metal ??? Moi je ne connais rien rien dans ce domaine !! Et aussi ce qu'il doit avoir comme autre machinerie pour finaliser ses petits projets ? En faite c'est comme les objets que vous montrez dans le vidéo mais en Métal pas en plastique Merci beaucoup !

[@bungsbodulus]

Just got a 240$ ender 3 pro. So excited to start printing!!!

[@quickdraw1921]

How has it been so far?

[@ashleycastrourinate7403]

Thank you for your videos I'm stuck between this 3d printer and the ender 3 v2 . I'm new to 3d printing ill be making helmets, parts, figures, and other stuff which one do you think is best

[@The3DPrintingZone]

Good question. They're both very solid printers but they're quite different. Nearly every spec on the Flashforge is better than the Ender - it's a more solid build, has dual extruders, has a better interface, is enclosed... the list goes on. The Ender 3 V2 will actually allow you to print larger items and is more easily upgradeable if you want to tweak the printer down the road. So those are the main tradeoffs. One other one worth mentioning is that the software for the Flashforge printers is custom built for the printers themselves, which means it's going to work well and be perfectly tuned, but it also means you can't use any software you want for them. The opposite is true for the Ender.

[@ashleycastrourinate7403]

@@The3DPrintingZone thank you that is actually very helpful. I use to be an animation student so I've made models in Maya and Cinema 4d. I would love to be able to print out so of that stuff along with new stuff.

[@jeanettaquila]

I downloaded the flashprint. And I got to the part where I upload the file. But when choosing "print" I can only choose to connect to printer. It found the printer and connected to it, but that was all I could do. Now it doen`t find the printer anymore. Noe clue what to do.

[@LTDrone]

How do you like this 3d printer compared to your others and can you hook up the OctoPi with it as well?

[@The3DPrintingZone]

It's a very solid printer - worked great right out of the box and has been super consistent, which is ideal. It does depart from a few of the norms I've come to expect from Flashforge because it's a less expensive printer. Namely, it doesn't have a built in camera or built in WiFi. Neither of these are a big deal to me, but they would be nice to have. As for OctoPi compatibility, I haven't actually tried it yet. I'll have to do that. Here's an article on the original Creator being used with OctoPi so I'm guessing it could work but I'll post back here as soon as I try it. www.instructables.com/FlashForge-Creator-Pro-Raspberry-Pi-2-Octoprint/

[@michaeldemouy8147]

Flashforge has no information about the Creator Max 2. They say it’s a modified version of their printer for the US market. What are the differences between it and say the Creator Pro series?

[@camerondurant6001]

Question, what you do you think about the Dermal Digi 3d45? As a 3D printer in general an also for a beginner?

[@simonbionary11010]

How about adding a raft to it?

[@KelliAmandaHoward]

I am trying to switch out the mainboard and screen on my cr10 for an skr mini e3 v2 and tft35 e3 v3 and just CANNOT get it to work nomatter what I do :(

[@guitremblay8419]

Thank you very much for your reply IT's good help.

[@colincampbell3679]

Hi Again, Yep it is me Colin. Still fighting with the Aquila I am sorry to say! I now got a problem where I can't do a PID on the Aquila. I got the Pronterface software and got it ale to talk to the Aquila y the US C cable. Now with the new heater cartridge and thermistor I had to install because of a Thermal Runaway Event the hot end had before I had the new heater cartridge and thermistor fitted. ( along with a new main board too from flashforge ) I now need to tune this new hot end as it will wildly change in heat levels after been set to do the hot end to 210 c for PLA, The temperature went up and down big time as high as 11 c and as low as 196 c So I was told the new hot end needs to be tuned? I got it talking to the pronterface Okay as I said and watched someone show how to type the right code command ( M503 ) to get the new hot end to 1st show what it's own starting PID numbers were? I then wrote those down as a back up! Then you do the PID testing you type in the start test codes in my case was > M303 E0 C10 S210 so the M303 tells the start testing of the heating of the hot end. E0 is telling it that the Hot End Thermistor is being tested? C10 tells pronterface to do 10 full cycles of testing the hot end heating. the S210 is at the heat of 210 c on the hot end. So the thermistor there will be 100% of the time sending back what the heater cartridge is outputting up and down! for 10 turns so the pronterface knows what the thermal heating is like on this new heater? The I get after about 4 minutes the new PID numbers. Those it seems are what you input as the working does for the system to use so the new hot end keeps the heat on or nearby the setting you do? But no matter what I do set the temperatures for the hot end to e tested at, every time it does 1 go and a error states "Temperature too High Test Fail". So what the heck is wrong now with this damn thing? Every time I sort out one problem another one stops me using the Aquila. Anyone know what I should do now? 😒

[@The3DPrintingZone]

Hey Colin! Good to hear from you. I'm afraid I don't have much experience in what you're dealing with so I'm going to have to rely on others to see if they can help you with this one. If you haven't already, I would suggest asking this on some of the 3D Printing groups on Facebook or Discord. Sounds like a real pain so I wish you all the best in getting it resolved!

[@roykositzky2252]

i know i mite get crap for this but im a dad of two trying to get in to this hobbie on the cheap, my oldest wants to 3d print. i do alot of keyboard and MCU projects that would benefit from 3d printing. im trying to make one from dvd drives do you have any tips to help out i know i need a hot end,the brains, xyz, diver board, hardware, drivers etc. or would it just be better to try to find a cheap used one for cheap. thanks have a great day.

[@The3DPrintingZone]

Nothing wrong with what you're trying to do, Roy. It's absolutely possible and could possibly be cheaper than buying but I would keep an eye out for used deals. With as many people getting into 3D Printing, a lot of people are selling their first printers when they get a new one. I haven't tried building one from scratch like you're doing so I can't speak much to it but maybe others here can chime in.

[@roykositzky2252]

@@The3DPrintingZone so i came to the point i want to buy a printer. would a ender 3 used off ebay (from a good seller) be a good buy. or is there a better one for that 150 price range. thanks again.

[@Tux2mc]

Great video! I'm sending this to my friend who just got their 3D printer. Just a small correction: whenever you said raft I think you meant brim.

[@gmarie808]

A raft is not a brim. A brim is not a raft. Correct your correction, please.

[@Tux2mc]

@@gmarie808 at 27:28 it looks like, and peels like a brim, not a raft, even though he says raft. I do see now that he was using the term correctly at the start of the video though. That was the error I was referring to.

[@YK-mw4tt]

Is there a mire option on those slicers programs?

[@The3DPrintingZone]

I'm not sure what you mean by "mire option" - can you rephrase that maybe?

[@YK-mw4tt]

Example: you have a left hand model and you want to print a right hand by mirring the same object?

[@The3DPrintingZone]

@@YK-mw4tt Ah, mirror - yes. Cura, for example, has a mirror tool. Here's more info: support.ultimaker.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011927800-How-to-mirror-models-in-Ultimaker-Cura

[@gmarie808]

@@YK-mw4tt Creality Slicer (cura based) has a mirroring option (as an icon after the stl has been sliced and you click on the object 3 icons appear on the lower left of the screen and the one on the right that looks like an open book with one white page is the mirroring icon). Hope that helps!

[@JodianGaming]

Came to your videos because I was having bed adhesion issues, however discovered it was a leveling problem. That said, I noticed a lot of your prints seem to have "spiderwebs" happening in them. I'm fairly new to 3D printing but I haven't really experienced this yet. Is there a reason it's happening, or is it just something that happens in more detailed builds?

[@The3DPrintingZone]

Those are from the retraction settings. When you don’t have your retraction speed and distance set properly this will happen. I usually don’t care much but it is easy to fix.

[@williamsobers5057]

I’m thinking about getting my first 3d printer with my tax return. Ideally, it would be $300 or less. However, after seeing a different video of yours about the Longer LK5 I am thinking about getting the pro upgraded for $370 on Amazon. Pros and cons vs an Ender 3 pro or do you recommend something different? Thanks

[@The3DPrintingZone]

If I were you I'd skip the Ender 3 Pro and go for the Ender 3 V2 or the Longer LK5 Pro. You can check out some of my comments on the Longer LK5 Pro video but generally, the Longer has more features and a much larger build volume but won't have the same level of popularity/group support as any of the Enders. The Enders have huge forums and lots of upgrade options. The Longer has a lot of those upgrades built in already, so it's more a matter of what's most important to you.

[@williamsobers5057]

@@The3DPrintingZone Thanks for the quick response. Any upgrades other than cooling you recommend? Im going to build or print an enclosure for it. The 3 filaments that interest me the most are PLA, ASA, and HIPS. Thanks again.

[@FlannelGuy_1978]

Is this the same dude that taught me how to build a soffit? If so, Thank You :)

[@LRN2DIY]

Haha - that'd be me, yes - same guy. And you're very welcome. :)

[@FlannelGuy_1978]

@@LRN2DIY Awesome! You have great content -- and a new subscriber :)

[@garykeess2382]

I have been trying to find out information on print quality and have been watching videos for months now. Seeing as I do not have printer I am watching NOOB videos, maybe not what I should be watching? I may be having unrealistic expectations for a home printer and if that is the case so be it. My girlfriend makes crystal jewelry and we were hoping to print small figures (say fairies or the like) to incorporate into her pieces via electroplating. Using the Yoda figure as an example. I noticed in the slicer software that Yoda had texture on the collar of his cloak. It is all but gone in the print. Does that have to do with the scaling? Printer quality? Settings? Material? Quite honestly her figures would be smaller (think tabletop gaming size) and while we would love to print, either purchased or found STL files as there seem to be a large number of files that are in line with her vision. If we can not get the quality, we may as well go to the gaming store and buy figures there. We have ordered a few figures from 3D printer people online but suffice to say, they are not detailed enough. Am I out to lunch? :)

[@The3DPrintingZone]

Great question. The level of detail you’re after is the factor here but, generally speaking, these types of traditional printers, called FDM printers, can only reach a certain level of detail and smoothness. Most peak out at either 0.1 or 0.08 mm layer height. They also typically come with a 0.4mm nozzle but you can usually swap that for a 0.2mm nozzle if you’d like. With a 0.2mm nozzle and printing at 0.1mm layer height you’ll have a really smooth, really intricate piece. That said, you’ll want to look at what are called SLA printers to step it up a notch. They probably will get you the highest level of smoothness and detail but there tends to be a bit more involved in printing with them. In summary, I think you can get what you’re looking for using most any printer and the right nozzle and settings or by using a decent SLA printer. Most of the prints you see are a little less detailed or smooth because the higher quality means longer print times and most of us don’t need that level of detail.

[@garykeess2382]

@@The3DPrintingZone Thank you for the quick reply. I have not really seen that mentioned in any beginner video I have watched. It is great to know. I suspected that the figures we purchased "could" have been more detailed. I understand there is a price/performance aspect when you sell this type of thing online so no problem with what we received. We dont know how many of these she could potentially sell. I doubt it would be over 25 per year but its a fickle industry and I have been wrong about what will sell. Look up "boji balls" or "Moqui marbles" I laughed when she posted those and she can't keep them in stock. Electro forming is a bit of a slow process anyway so taking longer to print is not that big an issue. I can always download the software and pop in a sample STL with the settings you suggested, scale it and get a rough idea as to the length of time. I will check out the SLA printers and see if something there looks interesting.

[@panoscash6530]

How much did u say?

[@hankrooney]

make your own fillament and help the planet 3devo

[@fishmut]

Please explain , like how your going to do that .

[@flipster2321]

Are they unsafe for health?

[@The3DPrintingZone]

They're really quite safe. There are certain filaments, especially the older ones like ABS, that are less safe to breathe in so if you're going to print those, just make sure you're in a ventilated area but generally, 3D Printing is very safe.

[@flipster2321]

@The 3D Printing Zone can I print inside or do I need to put in garage? Also do I need a enclosure or tent cover for it?

[@captainannaHK]

I drew a 3D character and wanted to do 3D printing. But the printing shop said my character feet so thin and would not be able to stand firm (would fall down). Is there any way that I can check whether my character can stand firmly or not? Thank you.

[@mikevollmer2094]

I don't think using a $1k printer in a "beginners" level tutorial is a great choice. I know Jack squat about 3d printing and I'm not about to drop a grand on my first unit.

[@The3DPrintingZone]

I totally get that. Everyone has a price they're willing to pay for a first printer. My buddy just got his first one and dropped $1300 on it but that's pretty pricey for a first one. Nothing wrong with spending $150-300 to get started.

[@chrislebeck]

3rd

[@Kevin-wy8kc]

omfg "a beverage of choice"? what a joke has coke seen this? and was like get him on board!!!

[@Tony_Goat]

First?

[@darkdarius]

Every time he says "printer" change it for "woman". Sit and enjoy. XDDD