Basics Archives

How to Install Kodi on a Raspberry Pi 4 – Simply Explained

Combine Kodi and a Raspberry Pi to create a media player! Read on to learn how you can install Kodi on a Raspberry Pi 4 and get started.

An Enlightening Development

Best Anycubic Photon Upgrades & Mods

Although a popular DLP 3D printer, the Anycubic Photon can be made better. Follow along for a handpicked list of great Anycubic Photon upgrades and mods.

Old MacDonald Had a Render Farm

The Best Render Farms of 2021

Whether you use Blender or another tool, you might need some extra rendering power. Check out our list of the best render farms!

Curing It Head On

Cura: Printhead Settings – Simply Explained

Cura printhead settings can come in handy when printing multiple objects. Read on to find out more about this feature in Cura.

A Hard Act to Follow

Blender Hard-Surface Modeling: 8 Best Tutorials & Guides

To get started with Blender hard-surface modeling capabilities, we've gathered the best guides to show you the way. Read on to learn more!

Slice It Up

What Is a 3D Slicer? – Simply Explained

3D slicers define how a model is built and instruct the 3D printer how it's printed. Learn all about this essential software in 3D printing.

Mix Up Reality

Microsoft 3D Viewer: All You Need to Know

Microsoft 3D Viewer is a simple application with some powerful functionality. Read on to learn if this tool is right for you!

Pixels, Pixels Everywhere

LCD vs DLP 3D Printing: The Differences

LCD and DLP are both resin-based technologies, So what sets them apart? Learn the differences between LCD and DLP 3D Printing.

MAP to CAD

CAD Mappers: OpenStreetMap, Cadmapper, & More

Working with map and terrain data in CAD can be useful for a myriad of things. Check out the best CAD mapper software and online tools.

Mastering Metal

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) – Simply Explained

3D printing isn't just confined to plastic. Learn all about direct metal laser sintering, one of few 3D printing technologies capable of making parts directly from metal.

Spice Up Your Slicing

PrusaSlicer: All You Need to Know

Learn all about PrusaSlicer and how Prusa Research continues to monitor its development and add new functionality.

Feel the Tension

Ender 3 (Pro) Belt Tensioner: How to Install It & Use it

Tightening belts by hand can be a pain, even on great printers like the Ender 3s. Belt tensioners make it easy; read on to learn more!

Power to the Microcontroller

Arduino CNC Shield: All You Need to Know in 2021

If you have an Arduino, you can use it to control a CNC machine. Read on to find out all about Arduino CNC shields!

Nyl-On Point

Nylon 3D Printing: Everything You Need to Know

Nylon is known as a strong and versatile material. Read on to learn about nylon 3D printing and how parts are created with FDM, SLS, and MJF.

What Type of Pi Do You Like?

Raspberry Pi 4 OS: Best Operating Systems of 2021

There's a whole array of OS options for your Raspberry Pi 4. Read on to discover which Raspberry Pi 4 OS is the best for you!

Failure Follows Function

15 Epic 3D Printing Fails (and Why They Failed)

Need a confidence boost? Check out these epic 3D printing fails that'll make you laugh, cry, and wish your printer could apologize.

The Cloud Is the Limit

Onshape (CAD): All You Need to Know

Step up your CAD game with Onshape. Learn all you need to know to get started with this professional CAD software today!

In the Beginning, There Was Light

What Is a Laser Cutter? – Simply Explained

The process sure sounds cool, but you might have caught yourself wondering: What is a laser cutter? Dig into this lengthy guide where break down laser cutting.

Added A8 Protection

Anet A8 Firmware: Which to Choose & How to Change It

The saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Does that apply to the old Anet A8 firmware? Should you "mess" with the new firmware? We say yes, and for good reason.

Effects to Prints

How to Convert FBX to STL: 3 Easy Solutions

FBX files are great for 3D modeling and animation, but you can't 3D print them. Read on to figure out how to go from FBX to STL!