Basics Archives

SLA Resin Strength: How Strong Is 3D Printed Resin?

Resin isn't the most durable material, but read on for how resin's 3D print strength compares to other materials. It might surprise you!

Sizing It Up!

Ender 3 (V2/Pro) Dimensions: What Are The Sizes?

Dimensions and sizes can be very confusing, even on the popular Ender 3s. Find out the actual Ender 3 (V2/Pro) dimensions.

A Whole New FDM World

The Types of FDM 3D Printers: Cartesian, CoreXY, & More

The types of FDM printers are much more diverse than just CoreXY and Cartesian 3D printers. Read on to get to know them all.

Another Leveling Feature

Marlin UBL (Unified Bed Leveling): How to Make It Work

Unified bed leveling (UBL) uses an ABL sensor to generate an adjustable leveling mesh. Read on to learn more about Marlin and UBL!

Polygon Terminator

Blender: Reduce Polygons – Simply Explained

An undesirable level of complexity usually means too many polygons. Read on to learn how to reduce polygons in Blender.

Fast & Furious: S1 Style

Klipper on Ender 3 S1: How to Install It

Klipper is a superb firmware choice that enables faster printing and other benefits. Learn how you can set this firmware up on the Ender S1!

What Goes Around Comes Around

Klipper: Rotation Distance – Simply Explained

Klipper uses rotation distance instead of steps per mm for the extruder. Read more about Klipper rotation distance and how to calculate it!

Stuck with PETG

The Best Glue for PETG 3D Prints of 2022

Gluing 3D prints is a handy skill to have up your sleeve. Check out the best PETG glues for the job, though many work on other materials!

G-code Marks the Spot

G91 / G90 G-code: Absolute & Incremental Positioning

G-code has two positioning modes: G91 is incremental, while G90 is absolute. Learn the important difference between G91 and G90 G-code!

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.

Sweet Browsing

The Best Raspberry Pi Browsers of 2022

Choosing a Raspberry Pi browser is as tricky as choosing your favorite pie. Find out the best ways to surf the web on a Raspberry Pi!

No Slacking

3D Printer Belt Tension: How to Tighten Printer Belts

The right 3D printer belt tension is crucial for quality prints. Read on to learn how to tighten your 3D printer's belts!

Big-Boned Models

Blender: Rigging – How to Rig a Model in Blender

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.

X2 the Performance!

The Best Artillery Sidewinder X2 Upgrades & Mods of 2022

While the Artillery Sidewinder X2 upgrades the previous model, we can do better. Read on to find out what we recommend!

P(rint) L(ike) A P(ro)lus

The Best PLA+/Plus Filaments – Buyer’s Guide

PLA is good, but it could even better. Read on to learn more about PLA vs. PLA+ and why the latter may be for you!

Stay In Command

The Main AutoCAD Commands & Shortcuts

AutoCAD is a great tool. Check out our list of the most important AutoCAD commands and shortcuts to make the most of it!

Lost in Translation

The Best STL File Converters of 2022 (Many Are Free)

Check out our list of the best STL file converter tools available right now to find the best STL converter for your needs! Many are free.

The Fusion Files

F3D to STL: How to Convert Fusion 360 Files into STL

F3D is Fusion 360's native 3D model format, but it's not widely compatible. Read on to learn how to convert F3D to STL!

All in One, One Running All!

OctoPrint for Multiple Printers: How to Get Started

OctoPrint wasn't designed for more than one printer, but it's still possible. Learn how to set up OctoPrint for multiple printers.

Waves of Infill

Cura Gyroid Infill: All You Need to Know

An infill pattern can be both aesthetically pleasing and super strong. Find out all about the wonders of Cura's gyroid infill.