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Beginner vs. Pro Slicer Settings: What Really Changes?
OverviewMoving from basic, default slicer profiles to advanced, pro-level configurations can dramatically impact your 3D print quality and performance. But what exactly changes when you start diving into the advanced settings? Below, we’ll highlight key differences in slicer parameters and how they affect your prints. Default (Beginner) Settings Pro-Level Tweaks Takeaway Beginner settings aim for…
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Open-Source vs. Proprietary: Balancing Freedom with IP Concerns
In the realm of 3D printing, you’ll encounter projects licensed openly—encouraging free use and modification—and proprietary products protected by patents or closed-source models. Understanding the pros, cons, and ethical implications of each approach can guide how you share your designs or adopt others’ work. The Case for Open-Source The Case for Proprietary Models Key Ethical…
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Hackathons & Makerthons: The Power of Rapid Ideation
Hackathons and “makerthons” (maker-focused marathons) bring together tinkerers, coders, and problem-solvers for a concentrated burst of rapid ideation. In the 3D printing space, these events can catalyze breakthroughs—be it a novel part design, a revolutionary firmware tweak, or an entire new device—often in just a weekend. Why Host or Attend a Makerthon? Key Elements for…
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Group Projects: How to Coordinate a Community-Driven Print Initiative
When multiple people come together to create something—be it a custom 3D printer, specialized tooling, or an ambitious research project—the synergy can yield results no single individual could achieve alone. However, coordinating a community-driven print initiative requires clear planning, version control, and communication. Let’s explore a framework to make collaborative 3D printing projects thrive. Step…
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Aligning 3D Printing Projects with STEM Curriculum Standards
3D printing provides a hands-on way for students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math. But how do you ensure your classroom projects align with national or regional STEM standards like the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)? In this article, we’ll map out some best practices. Step 1: Identify the Relevant Standards Step 2: Design…
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How to Turn Your Hobby into a Profitable Side Hustle
Many 3D printing enthusiasts reach a point where they wonder if they can make money off their hobby. The good news is that it’s entirely possible to turn your passion into a small-scale business or side hustle without huge overhead. Below, we’ll cover the essential steps—covering pricing, marketing, and initial setup—to go from casual printing…
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Top 5 Free Slicer Settings for Flawless Prints
Getting crisp, well-formed 3D prints often boils down to how well you configure your slicer. While slicing software can be overwhelming at first, some key settings deliver huge benefits—without costing a dime. In this article, we’ll explore five essential (and free!) slicer tweaks to help beginners achieve cleaner, more reliable prints. 1. Layer Height What…
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Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
When starting out in 3D printing, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by new terminology, hardware setups, and the quirks of the printing process. Many beginners experience common pitfalls that lead to subpar print quality or failed prints. In this article, we’ll break down the most frequent mistakes and give you practical solutions for avoiding them…
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Choosing Your First Filament: PLA vs. PETG vs. ABS
When you’re just getting started with 3D printing, one of the first major decisions you’ll make—beyond choosing a printer—is deciding which filament to use. Three popular (and relatively beginner-friendly) options are PLA, PETG, and ABS. Each material has its own unique characteristics, pros, cons, and best use-cases. Understanding these will help you pick the filament…
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Essential Maintenance for FDM Printers
Keeping your FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printer in top shape is key to producing consistent, high-quality prints and extending the lifespan of your machine. Neglecting routine maintenance can lead to print failures, poor layer adhesion, and mechanical issues over time. In this article, we’ll cover the most important upkeep steps—cleaning nozzles, lubricating rods, and general…