3D printing, explained
Plain-English guides to materials, costs, file formats, design rules and licences, written from what we see on real jobs in Sydney.
01What is 3D printing? FDM, resin and SLS explainedHow 3D printing works, the three main technologies (FDM, resin and SLS), what each is good at, and which one suits gifts, parts or prototypes.023D printing materials: PLA vs PETG vs TPU vs ASA vs resinWhich 3D printing material to choose for gifts, outdoor parts, flexible items and fine detail, with heat limits that matter in an Australian summer.03How much does 3D printing cost in Australia?What actually drives the price of a 3D print in Australia: size, print time, material, colours, design work and finishing, plus ways to bring the cost down.04STL, 3MF, OBJ or STEP? 3D printing file formats explainedWhich 3D file to send for printing, what each format keeps or loses, and export tips so your part comes out the right size.05Designing for 3D printing: wall thickness, overhangs and tolerancesPractical design rules for FDM 3D printing: minimum wall thickness, 45° overhangs, bridges, clearances for parts that fit together, text size and print orientation.06No 3D model? From a photo, sketch or broken part to a 3D printHow we turn a photo, sketch, idea or broken part into a 3D printable model, what to send, and where AI image-to-3D tools help or fall short.07How multi-colour 3D printing works (and what it costs)How FDM printers print several colours in one piece, the difference between layer colour changes and automatic filament switching, and why multi-colour adds time and cost.08Are 3D prints strong? Strength, heat and outdoor use in AustraliaHow strong 3D printed parts really are, how infill and walls affect strength, and which materials survive Australian sun, hot cars and outdoor use.093D model licences: what you can print, share and sellUnderstand Creative Commons and platform licences on MakerWorld, Printables and Thingiverse, when you can sell prints, and why trademarked characters are off-limits.10Should you buy a 3D printer or use a 3D printing service?An honest comparison of owning a home 3D printer versus using a 3D printing service in Australia: cost, time, space, learning curve and which jobs suit each.