3D printing is one of those things you might have heard about a few years ago but you have never given it much thought since. However, since 3D printers first blasted onto the scene around 2010, they have gone through numerous revisions and have firmly cemented themselves as part of the current zeitgeist. They are currently used for myriad applications ranging from creating aluminum parts for the aerospace industry to random dodads for the amateur tinkerers of the world! Nowadays, as with any new technology, the price and path to printing your own items have dramatically decreased, enabling even the most casual printers to purchase one and begin printing their own stuff. If you have been curious about this process but have not quite figured out how to get started, this post is for you. We will take a look at how you can get into 3D printing things (in particular game figurines) from the comfort of your own home.
First, Take A Step Back And Consider What You Want To Achieve
Before you head gung-ho online and buy the most expensive printer you can afford, it’s worthwhile to take a step back and really consider what you want to print. Although you can get printers for very reasonable cost these days, they are still a decent chunk of change, and buying the wrong one or buying without knowing what you’re getting into could become a costly mistake. For example, if you are reading this, chances are you are interested in making your own figurines. If so, it’s prudent to take your time to explore 3D printing, anime, and gaming ideas before taking out your wallet. By gaining an understanding of what’s involved and what sorts of unique models you can create, you will be better able to make an informed design when it comes to printers, filaments, and design software (not to mention if you actually want to proceed or not!)
Research And Purchase A Reliable 3D Printer
Once you are au fiat with this world and want to proceed, your next step is researching the best printer for your needs. In most cases, you can opt for a starter model that will get you up and running and tinkering away. By taking this route, you can test new ideas and gain an appreciation of what’s involved without breaking the bank.
Learn 3D Modeling Basics
A 3D printer is only half of the puzzle when it comes to plucking something tangible out of thin air. The other half of the task is to learn how to design the models using the various available software programs. This can be a steep learning curve for some, but with a bit of consistent learning, you should be able to master the most basic designs relatively fast. The idea is to keep at it and ensure that you are progressing steadily so that after a certain amount of time, you should be able to create pretty advanced models going forward.
Invest In Appropriate Filament Materials
No printer is usable without suitable filaments. This is the material your models are created from, and they come in a wide variety of colors, materials, and price points. Because not all filaments are created equal, you should check your printer to see which ones it can handle.
3D printing may have dropped out of the “breaking news” cycle in recent times, but it has been slowly improving and chugging along in the background. Nowadays, you can create all manner of designs, from intricate models to utilitarian contraptions.
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