Basics Archives

The Best CNC Simulators of 2022 (Online & Offline)

CNC simulation software has a lot to offer. Check out our selection of the best CNC simulators (online and offline). Some are free!

ASA ASAP

3D Printing ASA: The Best Settings & Printing Tips

3D printing with ASA combines several resistances with great mechanical robustness. Follow these tips to improve your ASA 3D prints.

High Flying Filament

3D Printing Drones: How to Get Started

If you want to build a 3D printed drone from scratch or add parts to a quadcopter, read on to learn all about making your prints fly!

Get a Sense of It

How to Set Up Marlin & BLTouch for Auto-Bed Leveling

Get Marlin and the BLTouch working together! Check out this detailed guide on setting up Marlin auto-bed leveling.

Making Ends Meet

Filament Welding: How to Join Your 3D Printer Filament

Filament welding sounds like a major task, but it doesn't have to be. Read on for some ways you can connect spools yourself.

A Pi Rating Contest

Rock Pi 4 vs Raspberry Pi 4: The Differences

Every year, single-board computers get a little more powerful and versatile. Read on for our Pi off: Rock Pi 4 vs. Raspberry Pi 4.

3D Life in Multicolor

Multicolor 3D Printer: The Main Types & Printing Guide

Let's take a look at a few ways 3D printing is bringing ideas to life... in color! It's time to talk about multicolor 3D printing.

Android + OctoPrint = Octo4a

Octo4a: How to Use OctoPrint on Android

Looking to add new life to an old smartphone while simplifying your OctoPrint setup? Read all about installing and using Octo4a.

A STEP Up from STL

The STEP File Format – Simply Explained

STEP files are a useful 3D file type due to their precision and customizability. Read on to learn more about the STEP file format!

Save Your Prints from Sinking

3D Printing Raft: When Should You Use It?

If you're having problems with warping or bed adhesion, there's a solution! Learn what a 3D printing raft is and when and how to use it.

Slice It Up

PrusaSlicer Expert Settings: Simply Explained

PrusaSlicer is powerful slicing software with a long list of expert-level settings. Read on to learn how to get the best out of your prints!

No Strings Attached

Cura: Combing Mode – Simply Explained

In Cura, combing is an important setting that reduces retractions and can prevent stringing. Learn how you can use combing mode in Cura!

Hot Takes

The Best Ender 3 (V2/Pro/S1) All-Metal Hot End Upgrades

All-metal hot ends unlock many new material possibilities. Read on for the best upgrade options for your Ender 3 (V2/Pro/S1)!

So Happy Together!

Blender: How to Group Objects – Simply Explained

Your work can get chaotic if you're looking at too many objects in Blender. Group objects in your design workspace to keep things organized!

Slice & Send

How to Connect Cura to OctoPrint – 2 Simple Steps

Annoyed by downloading and uploading from Cura to OctoPrint for 3D printing? Learn how to set up the Cura OctoPrint Connection plug-in.

3MF 2 1 STL

3MF to STL: How to Convert 3MF Files to STL

Whatever your reason, we've got the answers on how to convert 3MF to STL file format. Read on for two easy solutions!

Tinkering About

Tinkercad Tutorial: 6 Simple Steps to Success

Follow along with this Tinkercad tutorial for beginners to learn how to use Tinkercad in just six simple steps.

Laser Focus

Wood Laser Cutter: The Best Ways to Laser Cut Wood

Wood is great for many projects, but hand-cutting is difficult and time-consuming. Learn how laser cutters can cut wood easily and quickly!

Linux 360

Fusion 360 on Linux: How to Run It

Fusion 360 is a powerful tool, but it's not supported by Linux. Read on for a few workarounds to get Fusion 360 on Linux!

Curing Surfaces

Cura: Ironing – Simply Explained

Ironing is a useful slicing feature that can smooth out the top layer of 3D prints. Read on to learn all about Cura ironing settings!