Basics Archives

$Featured image of How to 3D Print a Functional Diffraction Grating$

How to 3D Print a Functional Diffraction Grating

Diffraction gratings are known for their shiny, iridescent surface. Learn how to 3D print your own diffraction grating today!

Back to Basics

What Software Do I Need for 3D Printing?

Ready to dive into 3D printing? Get up and running with these must-have 3D printing software tools. They'll help you unleash the technology's full potential.

Universe of Things

How to 3D Print from Thingiverse – Simply Explained

Thingiverse is one of the most popular sites to download free 3D printer files. Easily learn how to 3D print from Thingiverse.

Find Your Part's Inner Strength

3D Printing Strength: How to 3D Print Strong Parts

If you're going for 3D printing strength, there's more to it than strong infill. Read on to see a few key ways to get the strongest parts.

Will It Blend?

Daz to Blender: Import Characters from Daz in Blender

Combine the ease of use of Daz with the modeling power of Blender. Learn how to export characters from Daz to Blender with just a few clicks!

Acronym Materials FTW

The Best CPE Filaments

CPE filament has a whole host of favorable properties. Learn what CPE is and how you can get started 3D printing it!

The 3D Printed Gavel

Copyrighting 3D Models – How Can I Protect My 3D Printing Designs?

In the world of 3D printing, what's considered to be IP infringement? What are the legal concerns? What can you do to protect your own IP?

Snap that G-code!

Snapmaker Luban Software: How to Get Started

Snapmaker Luban is a free tool that will help you generate G-code for your 3D printing or laser cutting projects. Read all about it!

Make 3D Free!

Best Free 3D Design Software of 2021

Check out our list of the best free 3D design software for beginners, advanced, and professional users available right now.

Slice and Dice

How to Find the Best Slic3r Ender 3 Settings

Slic3r has great options for fine-tuning print settings on the Ender 3s. Discover the ideal Slic3r profile for your Ender 3, Pro, or V2!

Mad Dash

OctoDash: All You Need to Know

As we all know, OctoPrint takes the 3D printing experience to the next level. So add an even higher level of convenience with OctoDash!

A8 Plus Plus

Best Anet A8 Plus Upgrades & Mods

The Anet A8 Plus is the larger, sturdier version of the popular A8. Read on for the best Anet A8 Plus upgrade and mod options!

Get a Bigger Piece of Your Pi

Overclock Your Raspberry Pi 4: All You Need to Know

Overclocking is a simple but not always safe way to get more out of a processor. Read on to learn how to overclock your Raspberry Pi 4!

Supersonic Rendering

Blender: Render from Eevee – Simply Explained

Many of you might be familiar with Blender, but have you tried using its new renderer, Eevee? Read on to know what it is and how it works.

Mix and Mesh

Meshmixer Supports – How to Generate Supports with Meshmixer

Meshmixer is a small but powerful tool for 3D printing, including generating supports for printable models. Find out all you need to know about Meshmixer supports in this mini-tutorial.

A U-Turn for UI

OctoScreen: All You Need to Know

OctoScreen is a popular OctoPrint plug-in that allows you to use a display with your Raspberry Pi. Read on to learn about the plug-in!

Iron It Out

PrusaSlicer: Ironing – How to Get a Smooth Surface

PrusaSlicer ironing can yield smooth top surfaces on 3D prints. Read on to learn more about what it is, what it does, and when to use it!

3-D-P, Easy as 1-2-3

3D Printing Terminology: All Important 3D Printing Terms

The world of 3D printing is full of acronyms and unusual words. Read on to learn about and understand 25 common 3D printing terms!

Leave Nothing Behind

Blender to FBX: How to Export Objects in Blender as FBX

Blender supports various file formats, many with unique properties compared to STL and OBJ. Learn how to export your Blender files to FBX!

Give Your Router a Hand

The Best Handheld CNC Routers

Handheld CNC routers bring the tool to the work, rather than the other way around. Check out some great handheld router options in this detailed guide!