3D Printers

3D Printing Basics

Here's the big picture on how to 3D print an object.

1.  Download or design a model.  This usually comes as an .stl file.

2.  Use a slicing program (Cura) to convert it into a .gcode file.  Here, you'll determine the quality of the print (draft --> fine), whether to use a raft/skirt, whether to use supports, etc.  (More on that below...)

3.  Get your .gcode file into the printer (via SD Card, or otherwise).

4.  Begin printing!

5.  Remove your print, trim it up, etc.

The Ultimate Guide to 3D Printing: 101 Questions Answered - https://all3dp.com/3d-printing-3d-printer-guide-101-questions/

3D Printing:  13 Things I Wish I Knew When I Got Started

Vocabulary/Glossary

There are so many new words associated with 3D Printing.  Here are some guides to help you sort them out:

Terminology (from Ultimaker) - https://ultimaker.com/en/resources/11720-terminology

The Ultimate 3D Printing Glossary - https://rigid.ink/blogs/news/the-ultimate-3d-printing-glossary

A Guide from MakerBot - http://pages.makerbot.com/rs/444-ZTM-866/images/MakerBot-3D-Printing-Terminology-Guide.pdf

Cura Software Basics

Cura 3D Slicer for Beginners

Get Stuff to Print!

Thingiverse - https://www.thingiverse.com/

33 Best Sites for STL Files - https://all3dp.com/1/free-stl-files-3d-printer-models-3d-print-files-stl-download/

Tinkercad - Design your own models for printing - https://www.tinkercad.com/

Creality Ender 3 Resources

Creality Ender 3 Assembly

Creality Ender 3 Bed Leveling

Creality Ender 3 Beginners Group on Facebook (request-to-join)