What Is 3D Printing

3D printing is the process of creating a physical object from a digital design by depositing material layer by layer. Subtractive methods remove material to create shape. Additive methods build your part from the bottom up which reduces waste and enables complex geometry.

If you are new, start with fundamentals, then branch out to hands-on posts like our step-by-step setup guide, the Beginner FAQ Hub, and common pitfalls in 3D Printing Mistakes and Fixes.

How 3D Printing Works

1. Design a 3D model in CAD or download one. Beginners often grab files from Thingiverse or MyMiniFactory.
2. Slice the model. A slicer converts your 3D file (STL, OBJ, 3MF) into G-code with toolpaths, temperatures, speeds, and layer heights. See software options below.
3. Print layer by layer. The printer deposits melted filament (FDM) or cures liquid resin (SLA/MSLA) until the object is complete.
4. Post-process. Remove supports. Cure resin if applicable. Sand, prime, and paint as needed.

Shopping for your first machine? See Best 3D Printers Under $500. For a broader view check Best 3D Printers 2025.

Main Types of 3D Printers

FDM or FFF, filament

FDM printers push thermoplastic filament through a heated nozzle and draw toolpaths on a heated bed. They are affordable and great for functional parts, enclosures, jigs, and cosplay. 2025 machines often ship with auto bed leveling, enclosed chambers for high temperature materials, and coreXY motion for speed.

• Pros: Low cost to run, wide material choice, strong parts, light post processing.
• Cons: Visible layer lines, fine details less crisp than resin, some plastics can warp.

For setup basics see Beginner 3D Printer Setup. For meaningful upgrades see 3D Printer Upgrades That Actually Matter.

SLA or MSLA, resin

SLA or MSLA cures photopolymer resin with light. It is perfect for miniatures, dental models, and parts that require very fine details. Modern 8K LCD printers deliver sharp surfaces at low cost. Resin printing requires gloves, ventilation, and an IPA wash plus UV cure.

• Pros: High detail and smooth surfaces. Small features print accurately.
• Cons: Messy, more consumables, odor and ventilation concerns, post cure needed.

Read our Resin 3D Printing Safety Checklist before you begin.

Other industrial processes

Beyond consumer gear you will find Selective Laser Sintering, SLS for strong nylon parts, Binder Jetting for metals and sand molds, and Direct Metal Laser Sintering, DMLS for aerospace grade metal prints. These families are defined by ISO and ASTM 52900.

3D Printing Materials

Common FDM filaments

PLA is beginner friendly and plant based. Low warp and easy success. Good for prototypes, toys, and decor.

• Pros: Low temperature, low odor, easy to print, many colors and blends.
• Cons: Heat sensitive. Can deform in cars or direct sun.

ABS and ASA are tougher and more heat resistant than PLA. ASA adds UV resistance for outdoor parts.

• Pros: Durable with a smooth finish. Can be acetone vapor smoothed. Better heat tolerance.
• Cons: Needs an enclosure to prevent warping. Ventilation recommended.

PETG is a middle ground. Tough with good layer bonding. Food contact variants exist. Check certification.

• Pros: Strong and less brittle than PLA. More forgiving than ABS.
• Cons: Can string if settings are off. Not as heat resistant as ABS or ASA.

Nylon, PA and Polycarbonate, PC are engineering grade. Very tough and temperature capable. Often require higher temps and a dry box.

• Pros: High strength and abrasion resistance.
• Cons: Moisture sensitive. Fiber filled variants need a hardened nozzle.

Resins for SLA or MSLA

Resins range from standard to tough, ABS like, flexible, dental, and high temperature. Follow safety data sheets and local disposal rules.

Choosing the right material

• Strength: Nylon, PETG, CF PETG, PC.
• Heat resistance: ABS or ASA, PC, high temperature resin.
• Outdoor use: ASA is UV stable.
• Fine detail: Standard or ABS like resin.
• Food contact: Use specifically certified materials and dedicated tooling.

Not sure what to pick? Scan our Filament Guide and bookmark common mistakes.

3D Modeling and Slicer Software

Modeling, CAD and creative

• Tinkercad, free in the browser. Great for beginners and classrooms.
• Fusion 360, personal license. Parametric CAD and CAM for functional parts.
• Blender, free. Organic modeling, sculpting, and mesh repair.

Slicers

• PrusaSlicer, free. Robust supports and paint on seams.
• Cura, free. Large profile library and plugins.
• Bambu Studio, free. Fast toolpaths and AMS multi color support.
• Lychee or Chitubox, resin. Smart supports and islands detection.

File formats you will meet: STL as mesh, 3MF with richer metadata, and OBJ. The slicer outputs G code for FDM or printer specific files for resin.

What You Need to Get Started

1. A printer. FDM is the easiest start. See budget picks under $500.
2. Filament or resin matched to your machine. PLA for early wins. PETG for tougher parts.
3. A slicer such as Cura, PrusaSlicer, or Bambu Studio.
4. Basic tools: flush cutters, deburring tool, spatula, hex keys, glue stick or textured PEI plate, calipers. See the printer setup checklist.
5. Safety: ventilation for ABS or resin. Gloves and IPA for resin. Eye protection when sanding.

On a tight budget? Design models in Tinkercad and use a service like Shapeways or Sculpteo.

Popular Use Cases in 2025

• Rapid prototyping for startups and hardware teams.
• Functional parts such as brackets, camera mounts, robotics, RC, and keyboard cases.
• Education and STEM with lesson aids and project based learning.
• Miniatures and cosplay. High detail props with resin and large armor pieces with FDM.
• Small batch manufacturing such as jigs, fixtures, and short run enclosures.

Want to try an easy win this weekend? Pick one from 10 Beginner 3D Prints That Actually Work. Curious about related tech? Read What Is AR and How Does It Differ From VR.

A Short History of 3D Printing

While consumer printers exploded in the 2010s, additive manufacturing dates to the 1980s. Charles Hull patented stereolithography in 1986. FDM concepts followed soon after. Standards today classify processes under ISO and ASTM 52900 with seven primary families.

By 2025 we have fast coreXY machines, smart auto leveling, multi material units, and affordable 8K resin printers. The barrier to entry is lower than ever.

FAQ

Is Mac or PC better for 3D printing

Both work well. Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio, Fusion 360, Blender, and Tinkercad support macOS and Windows. Use the OS you know and confirm your printer utilities support it.

Can anyone learn 3D printing

Yes. Expect a short learning curve in the first week. Level the bed, calibrate flow, and dial temperatures. Follow our beginner checklist and avoid common mistakes.

How much does filament cost

PLA is often $15 to $25 per one kilogram spool. PETG $18 to $30. Specialty or fiber filled blends cost more. One kilogram prints many small parts.

What should I learn after the basics

Move into speed and quality tuning with Klipper and Input Shaping, then refine with our Calibration Guide.