Red Groot 3D print, example of early 3D printing novelty
When you first encounter 3D printing, it’s easy to be captivated by the novelty. Often, the first examples you see are brightly colored plastic figurines. Many beginners, myself included, are initially amazed – “How did you create that?” – but this quickly gives way to a more practical question: “Do I really need another plastic trinket?” This initial impression can lead to dismissing 3D printers as expensive toys for hobbyists or tech enthusiasts, far removed from everyday usefulness. I certainly felt this way at first.
The assumption that a 3D printer is a costly gadget, something in the $2000 range, is a common barrier. While that price point is significant, my perspective shifted when I connected with experienced 3D printing users. They highlighted that 3D printing is more affordable and practical than I realized. Intrigued, I decided to explore this myself and purchased a Printrbot Simple Metal for $599 from Amazon. For those who enjoy a hands-on challenge, a DIY kit was also available for $539, though I opted for the pre-assembled version.
My positive experience led me to acquire a Dremel 3D Printer for $899, also sourced from Amazon. The Dremel proved to be incredibly reliable and user-friendly. While I still appreciate the Printrbot as a fantastic “prosumer” printer for those who like to tinker and customize, the Dremel stood out for its seamless, out-of-the-box printing experience. Within minutes of unboxing, it was producing high-quality prints with minimal adjustments. Both printers are excellent choices, but in my experience, the Dremel required less initial setup and fine-tuning.
Through this journey, I’ve uncovered three key lessons about 3D printers and their capabilities. These insights, while perhaps obvious to seasoned users, have been transformative for my sons and me as we delve deeper into the world of 3D printing, discovering just how much more a 3D printer can make beyond simple toys.
Lesson 1 – Elevate Your 3D Printer Through Upgrades
A fantastic resource for 3D printing enthusiasts is Thingiverse. This online platform hosts a vast library of 3D models created and shared by users. You can download these models for free, and even contribute your own designs. For creating custom models with my kids, we’ve found Tinkercad to be an excellent, user-friendly tool.
A running joke within the 3D printing community is that enthusiasts often spend more time printing upgrades for their printers than creating other objects. When you’re starting out, there’s some truth to this. My initial focus with the Printrbot was on printing practical enhancements: a stable base and a spool holder. Managing filament spools reliably is a common challenge for beginners.
3D printed Printrbot upgrade, showcasing a custom spool holder
The Dremel printer includes a top lid and an internal spool holder designed for Dremel filament spools. However, for larger or non-standard spools, a more robust external solution is beneficial. The “OmniStand” system on Thingiverse provides a printable solution to replace the internal holder. You can also print an OmniStand for the top of the printer, as illustrated below, enabling the use of significantly larger filament spools.
Dremel 3D printer with OmniStand upgrade for large filament spools
These upgrades, though seemingly minor, were significant achievements. They demonstrated to my sons and me the power of customization – we could adapt these machines to our specific needs and preferences, rather than being limited by their original configuration.
NOTE: Another key upgrade is the printer nozzle. When experimenting with specialized filaments, it’s often necessary to consider nozzle wear. “Exotic” filaments can be more abrasive and may degrade standard nozzles. Upgrading to a wear-resistant nozzle, like this Brass Nozzle from Proto-Pasta for $14.99, is a straightforward process. The swap took me about 20 minutes, a small investment for enhanced printer performance and longevity.
Beyond printer enhancements, what else can a 3D printer make? The possibilities expand dramatically when you explore advanced materials.
Lesson 2 – Unlocking Versatility with Exotic Filaments
Proto-Pasta, a small business based in Vancouver, Washington, is revolutionizing 3D printing materials. Originating from a Kickstarter campaign two years prior, this company offers “exotic” filaments that move 3D printing beyond basic plastic creations, allowing for more sophisticated and functional prints.
Their range includes a Carbon Fiber infused filament, which produces exceptionally smooth and rigid prints. While it doesn’t increase strength, the added rigidity is a significant advantage for certain applications. They also offer a Stainless Steel filament, ideal for creating objects with the weight and feel of metal, such as jewelry or robot components. For projects requiring magnetic properties, their Iron filament allows prints to interact with magnets.
I’ve personally used their High-Temperature filament. This unique filament starts clear and, after baking in a conventional oven, becomes opaque, shrinks slightly, and hardens significantly.
Recently, I experimented with a Pine infused filament, which not only has a pleasant wood scent but also incorporates visible wood flecks, resulting in a beautiful, natural aesthetic.
Using these exotic filaments, I’ve expanded my 3D printing projects to include dishes, vases, decorative art pieces, and geometric gifts. Simply changing the filament transforms the final product dramatically. It’s not just about color variation; these materials alter the texture, weight, and even translucency of the prints. By adjusting software settings, you can further customize the thickness and appearance, creating truly unique items.
3D printed vase using wood filament, showcasing exotic material capabilities
Close-up of 3D printed object detail, highlighting intricate design
Selection of 3D printed decorative items, demonstrating filament variety
Geometric 3D printed gift, example of unique creations
I hope the recipients of these 3D printed gifts appreciate the effort and creativity that went into their creation. The ability to craft such diverse objects underscores the versatility of a 3D printer when combined with innovative filaments.
Lesson 3 – Assembly and Mixed-Material Projects
While 3D printing excels at creating single-piece objects, it’s also highly effective for producing components that can be assembled into larger, more complex creations. My 8-year-old son and I are currently working on a “T4 Quadcopter” project designed by Brendan, a blog reader from New Zealand. This project exemplifies the power of 3D printed parts in assembly. It requires numerous printed components that are then joined together.
The surprising strength of assembled 3D printed parts is a key takeaway. You can use various methods to connect them: super glue, screws, bolts, zip-ties, or snap-fit designs. The T4 Quadcopter utilizes small metric nuts and bolts, zip-ties, and cleverly integrated snap-fit joints within the 3D printed model to achieve a robust structure.
3D printed T4 Quadcopter components ready for assembly
This family hobby has been incredibly rewarding. We’ve tackled home repairs, created art, explored material science, engaged with geometry, and learned about the synergy between software and hardware in bringing ideas to life. Are you considering exploring the world of 3D printing? It’s a journey of continuous discovery, revealing that a 3D printer can make stuff far beyond initial expectations.
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About Scott
Scott Hanselman is a speaker, consultant, father, and Microsoft employee with a background as a professor and chief architect. He is also an author and enjoys exploring diverse interests.
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