What is 3D Printing Anyway?
3D printing requires a few necessities: a digital file of the object, a 3D printer, and plastic filament. The extruder works in tandem with the platform to lay the plastic true to the file construction. The extruder heats the plastic to a malleable temperature and works quite similarly to a robotic glue gun. Beyond material, 3D printing requires experience and patience working with print settings to ensure a successful print.
Many open-source 3D objects are available via online databases, like thingiverse.com, in which users upload and share their files. For those interested in editing and/or making their own files, 3D modeling/printing software is often available to download for free. Software ranges by functionality and skill-level.
While 3D printers remain expensive, several makerspaces equipped with 3D printers are available across community spaces and college campuses. I utilize the 3D printers in the makerspace in the main library of my university. There, students have the option to print their own work, after completing an orientation session, or can submit a file online to be printed by staff. Users pay 20 cents per gram of plastic filament used.
The learning curve for both 3D modeling and printing can be incredibly steep. This work can be vastly time-consuming, challenging, and error-prone. Though free online tutorials help with the troubleshooting process, I have found that tinkering and playing with the objects, printers, and software has yielded the most success in skill-building.