Want something? Print itwith your own 3D printer!
Right now, you can print practically any 3D object you can imaginefrom toys to gadgets to replacement parts, and beyond! All you need is a 3D printer
and theyre simpler and cheaper than you ever imagined. This full-color, step-by-step guide will get you startedand if you want, itll even walk you through building your own 3D printer from an inexpensive kit.
Packed with colorful photos and screenshots, it explains all the crucial details other books skip. Youll walk through choosing and assembling your new 3D printer kit
brainstorming and designing new objects with free software
and then printing them on your brand-new 3D printer.
3D printing is todays hottest new technological revolution, and this book takes you right to the cutting edge!
Discover how 3D printers work and what you can do with them
Compare and choose your first 3D printereither pre-built or kit
Assemble Printrbot Simple, one of the worlds easiest 3D printer kits
Install and configure software that tells your 3D printer what to do
Print your first 3D project from an existing object file
Use free Tinkercad software to create your own original 3D models
Explore AutoDesks free software for 3D printing
Use Print-It-For-You services for projects your home printer cant handle
Find great 3D printing projects and models on the Web
Imagine creative new uses for your 3D printer
| Introduction |
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1 | (2) |
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Chapter 1 The Big Question---What Is 3D Printing? |
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3 | (14) |
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3 | (3) |
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6 | (2) |
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8 | (2) |
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A Different Type of Motor |
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10 | (2) |
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3D Objects Require Three Axes |
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12 | (4) |
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16 | (1) |
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Chapter 2 Find Yourself a 3D Printer |
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17 | (12) |
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3D Printer Options to Consider |
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17 | (1) |
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18 | (5) |
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Ease of Assembly and Tech Support |
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23 | (1) |
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Operating System Compatibility |
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24 | (1) |
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Cost and Type of Filament |
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25 | (1) |
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Resolution/Nozzle Diameter |
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26 | (1) |
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Print Bed Size and Leveling |
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27 | (1) |
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28 | (1) |
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Chapter 3 Assembly Assistance for the Printrbot Simple |
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29 | (24) |
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Printrbot Simple Assembly Part I |
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30 | (2) |
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Early Assembly Observations |
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32 | (6) |
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Midway Through Assembly Observations |
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38 | (5) |
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End of Assembly Observations |
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43 | (5) |
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48 | (2) |
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50 | (3) |
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Chapter 4 Configuring the Software |
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53 | (12) |
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Types of 3D Printing Software |
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54 | (1) |
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Downloading the Repetier Software |
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55 | (1) |
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56 | (4) |
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60 | (5) |
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Chapter 5 First Print with the Simple |
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65 | (18) |
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66 | (2) |
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Connecting the Simple to Repetier |
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68 | (2) |
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Get the Hot End Up to Proper Temperature |
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70 | (1) |
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Slice Your Object into Layers |
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71 | (2) |
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73 | (4) |
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77 | (5) |
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82 | (1) |
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Chapter 6 Free 3D Modeling Software |
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83 | (22) |
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84 | (1) |
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85 | (19) |
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104 | (1) |
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Chapter 7 Creating a 3D Model with Tinkercad |
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105 | (24) |
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105 | (17) |
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Printing a Sketch or Simple Image |
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122 | (7) |
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Chapter 8 More 3D Modeling Tools |
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129 | (14) |
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129 | (4) |
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133 | (2) |
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135 | (1) |
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136 | (2) |
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138 | (1) |
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139 | (2) |
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141 | (2) |
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Chapter 9 Further Explorations |
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143 | (8) |
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143 | (3) |
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Don't Forget the Youngest 3D Fans |
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146 | (1) |
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147 | (1) |
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147 | (1) |
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148 | (3) |
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Chapter 10 Alternatives to the Printrbot Simple |
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151 | |
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Build Your Own 3D Printer |
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151 | (3) |
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154 | (2) |
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Kickstarter and 3D Printers |
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156 | (3) |
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Print-lt-for-You Services |
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159 | (1) |
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160 | (2) |
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162 | |
James Floyd Kelly is a technology writer with degrees in English and Industrial Engineering. James has written on a wide variety of topics, including programming for kids, LEGO robotics, open-source software, and building 3D printers. James is a DIYera tinkerer and a maker who enjoys learning new skills whenever possible. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife and two young boys.
