Basics Archives

Best Artillery Sidewinder X1 Upgrades & Mods in 2021

If you want to get more from your X1, read on for Artillery Sidewinder X1 upgrades and mods that'll improve your prints!

Open Source Is the Best Source

3D Printer Plans: 10 Great 3D Printer Blueprints to DIY

Using 3D printer plans to build a printer can be a fun challenge. Check out our top picks for the best 3D printer blueprints available.

There's an App for That!

Best 3D Printing Apps in 2021 (Android & iOS)

There's no shortage of apps for makers on the move. Check out our list of the best 3D printing apps for Android & iOS.

Big-Boned Models

Blender: Rigging – Simply Explained

Rigging is commonly used in animation, but it’s also crucial to simulations in Blender. Explore this guide to Blender rigging to complete your modeling experience.

Become One With Zero

Top 10 Raspberry Pi Zero W Projects in 2021

The Zero W is a modest member of the Pi lineup. Read on for 10 amazing Raspberry Pi Zero W projects to build with this special little device.

Touching Base

OctoPrint Touchscreen: How to Add It to Your Printer

OctoPrint with a touchscreen interface will enhance your 3D printing process. There are a few ways to set it up, so read on to learn more!

Save Your Data for a Rainy Day

How to Create a Raspberry Pi 4 NAS Drive

If you're interested in data privacy, learn how to use your 3D printer and a Raspberry Pi 4 for a NAS (network-attached storage) setup!

Squeaky Clean!

How to Clean Up 3D Prints (FDM & SLA)

Cleaning 3D prints doesn't have to be a drag. Learn 12 easy ways how to clean up 3D prints to ensure that your parts always look beautiful.

Better Safe than Sorry

Is PLA Food Safe? – The Truth

Is PLA food safe? We delve into the details of what you need to know and provide evidence that tries to answer this question

The Humble Builder

Microsoft 3D Builder: All You Need to Know

3D Builder is a lightweight 3D tool from Microsoft and available on Windows. Learn all about this software and if it's right for you!

Stop the Grind

3D Printer Extruder: Grinding Filament – How to Fix It

Filament grinding can occur as the result of several other issues. Read on to find out what causes it and how you can fix it!

Two Isn't Always Better Than One

Blender: Remove Doubles – Simply Explained

Duplicate vertices in Blender can pose some real problems. Learn how to remove doubles in Blender with this simple guide.

Bang vs. Buck

Creality Ender 3 (Pro) vs Prusa i3 MK3S

Creality Ender 3 (Pro) vs Prusa i3 MK3S. Although not really comparable, both are popular picks. Find out what's better for you.

Machine See, Machine Do

G-Code Generator: All You Need to Know

A G-code generator creates machine instructions for 3D printing or CNC machining. Learn more about G-code generators and how they work.

All the Right Angles

Reference Images for 3D Modeling: 10 Best Sites

Reference images for 3D modeling are essential to creating great models. Check out the best sites for them!

The Duel for the Spool

PLA vs ABS: The Differences – Simply Explained

ABS and PLA are two of the most common 3D printing materials. Learn the differences between PLA vs ABS filament and how to print them both!

To Action!

3D Print Action Figures: All You Need to Know

Action figures are popular, but sometimes you need something special. Learn how to 3D print your own action figures.

An Intelligent Lapse

Best Octolapse/OctoPrint Time-lapse Settings

Looking for the best OctoPrint time-lapse settings? If you want to acheive the perfect Octolapse, check out this simple guide.

Make the Cut

Free DXF Files: Best Sites in 2021

Free DXF files, suitable for cutting and more, can be tricky to find. Check out the best sites to look for them!

All You Need Is Lack

Prusa MK3S(+) Enclosure: 8 Great Solutions

The Prusa i3 MK3S(+) is a great 3D printer, but it's not very protected. Read on for the best options to build or buy your own Prusa enclosure.