3D printer FAQs

What material should I use to print with?

Most home 3D printers use PLA or ABS plastic. Professional

printers can use all sorts of materials, from metal to organic
filament. Some printers use a liquid resin, which is much more
difficult to handle. As a beginner, use PLA. It's non-toxic, made
mostly of cornstarch and sugarcane, handles easily and is
inexpensive. However, it's more sensitive to heat, so don't leave
your 3D prints on the dashboard of a car on a hot day.

For a more detailed explanation of the different materials check

out our best filament article.
Show more
Which brand of PLA is best?

What brand is best will depend on the job you're trying to do. If you
want to print something that looks amazing with no post-
processing, Polylite from Polymaker is a great choice with a large
range of colors and finishes.

If you're printing something that's going to be sanded and painted,

like cosplay armor, I would go with MatterHackers Build PLA. It's
easy to sand, holds paint well and is cheaper the more you buy.
Show more
What settings should I use?
Most 3D printers include or link to recommended software, which
can handle converting 3D STL or other files into formats supported
by the printer. Stick with the suggested presets to start, with one
exception. I've started adding a raft, or bottom layer of filament, to
nearly everything I print. It has cut down dramatically on prints that
don't adhere to the bed properly, which is a common issue. If you
continue to have problems, rub a standard glue stick on the print
bed right before printing.
Show more
What are supports?
Your 3D models probably need some help to print properly, as
these printers don't do well with big overhangs -- for example, an
arm sticking out from a figure. Your 3D printer software can usually
automatically calculate and add supports, meaning little stands that
hold up all those sticking-out parts of the model. After the print is
done, clip the supports off with micro cutters and file down any nubs
or rough edges with hobby files.
Show more
Where do I find things to print?

Thingiverse.com is a huge online repository of 3D files for anything

and everything you can think of. Pokemon chess set? It's
there. Dyson vacuum wall mount? You bet.