Basics Archives

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!

Sugar, Slice, & Everything Nice

Creality Slicer: An Overview

If you have a Creality Printer, Creality Slicer is optimized for you! Read on to learn all the basics about this slicer.

Pico Goes Wireless

Raspberry Pi Pico W, H, & WH: Which to Choose

The Raspberry Pi Pico with Wi-Fi is a dream come true! See whether the Pico W, H, or WH suits your next project.

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.

MikuMikuBlended

Blender & MMD: How to Import an MMD Model into Blender

Blender doesn't natively support MMD files, but read on to learn how to import MMD files to Blender and get the best from both programs.

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!

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.

A Professional Mix

How to Use Blender & After Effects Together

You don't need James Cameron's budget to add awesome effects to your 3D models in Blender. After Effects can help! Read on to find out how.

The Mold and the Beautiful

3D Printed Molds: How to Get Started

Using your 3D printer to create molds is not only possible but easy. Check out our simple guide on how to make 3D printed molds yourself.

AutoCADically Improve Your Designs!

What Is AutoCAD? – Simply Explained

You've heard about it, but what is AutoCAD? Learn all about the popular CAD giant that brought design software to the masses.

Just PLAying Around

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.

Up Your SketchUp Game

The Best SketchUp Plug-ins of 2022

SketchUp is a powerful tool for 3D modeling. But even the best can get better. Check out our selection of the best SketchUp plug-ins.

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.

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.

To Tube, or Not to Tube

Bowden Tube: Pros & Cons, Best Options, and More

Your 3D printer may have a Bowden tube in its extrusion setup, or it may have a direct extrusion system. Read all about the former!

A Slippery One

POM 3D Printing (Acetal/Delrin) – All You Need to Know

POM, often called Delrin or acetal, is a very popular engineering plastic. Find out how it stacks up when used in 3D printing.

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!

CNC Pi(e)

LinuxCNC on Raspberry Pi: How to Make It Work

If you're looking to enhance and simplify your DIY CNC setup with LinuxCNC, Raspberry Pi 4 is your friend. Read on to learn more!

3D Modeling Freedom

FreeCAD Tutorial for 3D Printing: 8 Simple Steps

Learn how to use FreeCAD to bring your first design to life! Read on for our step-by-step FreeCAD tutorial for absolute beginners.

Some Like It Hot

3D Printer Thermistor: All You Need to Know

Virtually every 3D printer has two or more thermistors. Find out what you need to know about 3D printer thermistors and why you should care!