3D printing has opened the door to new types of cosplay and every year it grows more accessible. I made a post back in 2022 about getting my first 3D printer. And I would say all that advice still stands, except now I have a new 3D printer, I've had more experience and therefore more to say. Am I an expert? Nowhere near it, but I'm beyond beginner at this point. So In this little overview, I'm going to go through some preconceptions I had about 3D printing, safety considerations, and a few more suggestions in considering a 3D printer whether it's your first machine or just another machine to add to the collection.
Preconceptions
Here are things I've thought might be common misconceptions...based mostly on my own experience.
- 3D Printing is FAST! 💨Speed can be relative but in my mind I was thinking some kind of sci-fi replicator that would create something within seconds or minutes. I did not expect it to take more than 2 hours. But I have had prints that lasting 8 to 10 hours at a time! I guarantee there are longer prints out there. It all depends on the layer height, material melting or curing speed, how fast the machine can move, and the final size of the model. Plus a lot of other fiddly details which moves into my next point.
- 3D printing is EASY!😏 There are levels to everything. There are simple prints, but I find that research and troubleshooting and the amount of both technical, chemical, and mechanical knowledge is what separates pros from noobs. The growing amount of resources online do make finding a solution possible...if you can filter the good from bad advice.
- 3D Printing takes LESS WORK than crafting.😴 There is something distinct about a 3D printed object...you can tell it was printed. While it can replicate a 3D model and you may not be forming the material into a desired shape but there is a lot of post-processing work to make the item look good and finished. It is a different kind of work than physically sculpting or carving material.
- 3D Printing is SAFE.🦺 There are always precautions when working with any material or a machine. For the most part, yes, it is safe. But you are handling materials that may have toxic properties or foul smelling fumes. Since Resin is a material you can 3D print, all the warnings from my Resin 101 post apply. Resin printers also use UV lights which can lead to exposure. Filament machines move a LOT and generate a lot of heat. So let's talk a bit about safety in more detail.
3D Printing Safely
It starts with what kind of machine you get and the primary material you use.
- Know your Printer - this means knowing how to assemble or disassemble various parts of the machine. Knowing what maintenance it needs to keep it working well. Making sure it has enough clearance to move without interference. Keeping it and yourself protected from dust, fumes, and heat. Also, remember that these machine use electricity to work so any precautions against electrocution apply. (Like unplugging your machine before disassembling or trying to fix something.)
- Know your Materials - some materials can produce fumes or create a sort of ozone in your space. Ventilation is critical to keeping yourself healthy. Some materials are just temperamental. You need just the right conditions for it to work whether that means drying out filament, having a certain bed texture or finding the perfect temperatures. Learning about a new material is always an adventure in frustration, but can lead to more unique prints.
- Cameras and Privacy - Double check if the printer has a camera and where do the images go. So for me this is a bit of a privacy issue. Some printers come with time lapse cameras so you can check on your prints and remotely control the printer based on what you see. Sometimes it's just fun to share a video of how your print went. However, you could accidently make an embarrassing video if you live in a small space and you don't wear much in the privacy of your own apartment in the blazing Texas heat. Check where the camera is pointing and protect your privacy. Personally, I have disconnected the camera since I can just lean over from my couch and see what the printer is doing. You could also use a cover or tape over the lens.
- Protect Yourself - While something is printing you may need to ventilate to make sure your breathing is good and you may need gloves to handle hot objects. Most of your protection is going to be in post processing. Wearing gloves, eye protection and having a respirator when handling and sanding resin. Using sharp knives and tools with care. Not touching the hottest part of the printer without protective gloves. Reading and understanding the hazards of any chemicals you use for finishing the item.
Machine Considerations
The two family of machines are filament based machines that melt and deposit plastic filament and resin machines that use UV light to cure resin layer by layer. FDM and SLA are the acronyms used to identify these machines.
My previous post covered things to consider such as size, level of detail, and budget. I've thought of a few other things to consider too.
Machine Customization
Some 3D printers are made to be customized. You can 3D print new parts or buy it in pieces to construct yourself. Like building your own PC computer. On the other side, you can have out-of-the-box printers that you can make SOME quality of life prints for, but it's components are pretty much set. You can't turn it into a 3D printer/laser cutter like you can with some machines. There are pros and cons to each.
On a pre-built machine you know what it can do and probably purchase it for those features. It's designed and engineered for you. You can focus on making prints instead of building or modifying your machine. However, you're not going to be stuck getting any replacements, accessories or upgrades from the company that makes the machine rather than generic parts. For example, I wanted a .2 nozzle for my BambuLab. I had a few screw in nozzles that would work with my Creality Ender, but these are not compatible.
Appropriate Environment
While the printer itself may not be very large or take up much space physically, you do have to consider the space overall. Resin printers need specific lighting situations and proper ventilation to print successfully and safely. Filament printers may also need ventilation but also some filaments need climate control and clearance around the machine to let the moving parts move without hinderance. Both printers should be on a stable surface that is not prone to shaking.
So that should do for this first post on 3D printing overview. I have a few more ideas for posts related to this topic that I hope to get to:
Planned Posts
- Getting a 3D Printer
- Preproduction: Preparing 3D models, Slicer programs
- Production: Printing process and tips to watch for
- Post Production: Cleaning printed model, adding color or finishing.
- Simple Project Examples: Stamps, Stencil, Button
- Tricky Project Example: Katana
Comments
Post a Comment