Basics Archives

PLA Plastic / Material – The Ultimate Guide

What is PLA material? Learn all you need to know about PLA plastic: basics, advantages, properties, uses, types, sustainability, and more.

A Long Drive

The Best Stepper Motor Drivers for 3D Printers

3D printer stepper motor drivers control the rotation of motors and can cause noise. Read on for the best stepper motor driver options!

ASA ASAP

3D Printing ASA: Best Practices for Optimal Prints

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

Hole in One

3D Printing Holes: 5 Simple Tips

3D printing holes is quite common, but it can also be challenging. Check out five simple tips to get more accurate holes from your 3D printer.

Adhering to the Basics

Cura Skirt, Brim, & Raft Settings: All You Need to Know

Cura skirt, brim, and raft settings can save you time and money! Read on to find out what they are and how to use them.

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!

Create, Annotate, Design!

The Best 2D CAD Software of 2022 (Some Are Free)

2D CAD software is extremely helpful in the design process. Read on to learn about the best tools and their features!

Blend-imation

Blender: Animation Tutorial – 6 Easy Steps

Blender is a great tool for animation. Read on and bring your characters to life with this step-by-step Blender 2.9 animation tutorial!

Sticky with Style

The Best PETG Filaments of 2021

Find the best PETG filament for your needs and budget. Get an overview of the best brands available on the market right now.

Crossing Borders

Cinema 4D to Blender: How to Import C4D Models

Go from Cinema 4D (C4D) to Blender with this easy exporting and importing guide. Now you can collaborate and share models with ease!

In the Eye of the Camera Holder

The Best DIY 3D Scanners of 2022

3D scanning doesn't have to be expensive. Read on to create your own affordable yet accurate DIY 3D scanner today!

Words, Words, Words!

How to 3D Print Text / Font – Simply Explained

3D printing text, especially in decorative fonts, can be a challenge. Read on for some tips you can use to design and 3D print text.

Mega Milling Machines

G-code Tutorial for CNC Programming: 6 Simple Steps

G-code is everywhere, from 3D printing to CNC. Easily learn the basics of CNC programming with this G-code tutorial in six simple steps.

New Heights and Depths

AutoCAD 3D Drawing: All You Need to Get Started

If you're bored with flat 2D drawings, read on as we walk you through AutoCAD 3D drawing! Plus, we have resources if you need help.

3D Life in Multicolor

Multicolor 3D Printer: The Types & Printing Guide

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

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.

Make It Real

How to Convert SVG to G-code: The Best Options of 2022

Convert SVG files to G-code, turning your images into beautiful physical objects. Learn a few easy ways to do it!

It's Bed Time

The Best Ender 3 (V2/Pro) Magnetic Beds of 2021

There are many alternatives to the stock Ender 3, V2, and Pro printer bed. Check out the best magnetic bed options!

Sharing Is Caring

The Best Revit Viewers of 2021 (RVT/RFA Files)

Want to open and view RVT and RFA files? Check out our list of the best Revit viewers available right now!

Don't SK(i)P Rhino

SketchUp to Rhino: How to Import SKP Files in Rhino

SketchUp and Rhino are both popular and their files sometimes need to be transferred back and forth. Explore the conversion from SketchUp to Rhino files in this brief guide.