How to start your adventure with 3D printing?
You need to start your adventure with 3D printing by purchasing a printer. Of course, that doesn't solve the problem. In addition to the printer itself, additional materials and elements will be needed to create the first 3D model. It is therefore worth knowing what exactly you will need for 3D printing, what materials are available, and what to pay attention to when purchasing them.
Filaments for 3D printing
As mentioned, the 3D printer itself is not everything. Just as in the case of a classic printer, ink is needed to print, so in the case of a 3D printer, you need the appropriate material. This is professionally referred to as filament.
There are various types of filaments available on the market. They differ in the material from which they are made and in diameter. For most 3D printers for home use, a filament with a diameter of 1.75 mm will fit. However, it may happen that it will be necessary to use a filament with a diameter of 2.85 mm. Therefore, it is important to check exactly what diameter will fit your printer before purchasing this material.
Another important aspect concerns the material from which the filament is made. The most popular and most frequently used filaments are ABS, PLA and PET. They differ in various properties, such as strength and flexibility. When starting your adventure with 3D printing, a good solution will be to choose PLA filament.
Building a 3D printer
When starting your adventure with 3D printing, it is also good to know how the printer is built. For two reasons. First, you will know how this device works exactly. And secondly, in the event of a failure, it will be easier to locate it and replace the part. When discussing the construction of a 3D printer, several basic elements can be mentioned. The first is the nozzle. Most often, printers have a nozzle with a diameter of 0.4 mm. Other important elements in a 3D printer are the extruder tube, thermistor, heater and heating block. Importantly, in the event of a failure, each of these elements can be replaced with a new one.
Preservatives
All equipment must be properly cared for. This is also the case with 3D printers. Every person new to 3D printing should remember this. Therefore, it is important to stock up on appropriate preservatives. A 3D printer is a device that constantly gets dirty during its operation. Therefore, a good solution is to purchase a substance for removing dirt, such as acetone. Every 3D printer also needs regular lubrication. This is mainly about guides and screws. Therefore, you should also purchase appropriate lubricant. Graphite and molybdenum greases are available on the market. Proper care of your 3D printer will ensure smooth operation for many years.
As you can see, the adventure with 3D printing begins with the purchase of a printer, but it does not end there. It is important to know which filaments to choose. This will have a direct impact on the print result. You should also not forget about systematic maintenance of the equipment.
