2023 Beginners Guide to 3d Printing

Looking to purchase a new 3d printer. In this video, I capture over 4 years of experience using and teaching people about 3d printing.

00:00 Introduction
01:00 Part 1 Learning about 3d Printing
03:28 What is 3d Printing?
06:27 Types of 3d Printers
09:43 FDM 3d Printers
10:59 Resin 3d Printers
13:11 Preparing your first 3d Print
16:35 Part Two Buying a 3d Printer
16:47 Kit vs. Assembled
18:13 Components in an FDM 3d Printer
21:14 Bowden Tube vs. Direct Extruders
24:39 Bed Leveling
26:31 Types of Auto Bed Leveling
29:25 8-bit vs. 32-bit Control Boards
31:00 Printer Bed Types
30:25 Monitor Display Type
33:59 Dual Z Axis
34:00 Bed Architecture
36:00 Enclosed vs. Open
39:00 Printer Size
40:00 Does Open Source Matter?
42:00 Filament Out Sensors
42:30 Do you Need Wifi
43:10 Selecting a Vendor

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The MakeWithTech channel teaches people how to use desktop technology to create, innovate and make things. If you are a "maker" and want to learn more about 3d Printing, 3d Printers, 3d Printing Slicers, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Laser Engravers, or 3d Modeling, this is a place you should visit often. The channel includes additional content about using a wood lathe, woodworking, and programming single-board computers such as the Raspberry Pi, Adafruit Circuit Playground, ESP32, and Python. Available reviews are about Prusa, Creality, Monoprice, ANET, Flsun, Fokoos, JG Maker, Solvol, and Flashforge 3d Printers. Slicers covered include MatterControl, Cura, Prusa Slicer, Flashprint, and IdeaMaker. CAD design videos cover TinkerCAD, FreeCAD, OpenSCAD, and Shapr3D. Laser Engravers from Ortur, XTool, and Creality are featured in videos.
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Let's continue to learn together. Irv

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The following links are to products I have used, reviewed, or evaluated for the MakeWithTech community. Some of the links below are affiliate links that provide commissions at no cost to you and help support the MakeWithTech video production and purchase of products for reviews, labs, forums, and websites.

I have reviewed the following printers or similar printers:

These are some of the tools I use for 3d printing day-to-day:

I have reviewed or used the following 3d printer upgrades:

Here are the 3d printer filaments I use to evaluate prints, software, and techniques:

I will be covering basic electronics and software in future MakeWithTech segments, and here are the products I am using:

Some of the Woodworking products I use:

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** Equipment used in the MakeWithTech videos has the potential to cause injury if misused. Use all equipment and tools at risk and follow all manufacturer's safety recommendations.

** Cogitations, LLC licenses all music used in the MakeWithTech videos from Epidemic Sound. Cogitations, LLC uses only authorized or open-source clip art and third-party images. Images and videos used in product reviews and tutorials are from the original product (software or hardware) manufacturer's site.

[PERFECTDARK]

A lot of you YouTubers are getting really good at these videos. I’m talking PBS standards. It’s really fascinating. This is amazing! Please never stop producing videos.

[johnnymerchant]

Thank you for talking a bit about SLA printing. A lot of beginner intros seem to gloss over it. I have the same feeling as you -- the process just isn't as "fun" due to the noxious chemicals. The results are amazing, though. The quality of SLA for someone coming from FDM is astounding.

[chrisbelair]

Nice video. Your delivery is very easy to understand! Thank you!

[tonypinzarrone]

I just like learning new things. And you do a real swell job of laying it out so anyone can understand.

[DELWORLD]

This video is helpful for beginners, nice and clean explanation mate ❤

[martino]

Hello, I’m a reti defense engineer and I just purchased a 3d scanner ender 5pro and a 3d scanner… I stumbled across your video because I was going to use Autocad as my design tool but I’m rethinking that…. What I wanted to really tell you is, lol I think you are a very good teacher . There are many good technicians but not all good technicians are good teachers. Salute

[deliawood]

A great video and useful for a newbie like me. Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺

[odorlessflavorless]

This is the best introductory video to 3D printing ! It cuts to the chase right away and shares the most basic information to get started. I am going to purchase a 3D printer for home use very soon and this video increased my curiosity multi fold. The video is very encouraging in nature which is the best thing about it.

[bonnatobonnato]

Great explanation!Big shout from Brazil 🇧🇷

[svenlore]

This is such a great video explaining the process of 3D printing with clarity and patience! And, I love your description of "sneakernet".😅 I just saw your latest video explaining why you are pausing on new 3D printing videos for now... please stay safe and thank you for all you do for the 3D printer community and your family community.

[tinolino]

I feel like a 5 year old 😊
what a feeling!

[Landrew]

I love your channel for the relaxed and thoughtful way your ideas are presented. The depth of knowledge in your videos is helpful and impressive, but sometimes more than I need to absorb.

[AJWMobile]

Just got a Sovol SV06+ last week during their sale. I picked it over the 7 primarily because of the runout sensor and all metal hotend for when I choose to start playing with special materials.

I wasn't aware that the runout pause would restart the whole layer! 😮

[timbiddiscombe]

Amazing timing about to buy My first printer tomorrow and only subbed this afternoon to the channel. 😊

[DarthImoteP]

Thank you very much for this quality video, I've learn so much and this is very useful for purchasing my first printer.🤓

[calico]

Thank you for this video make with tech. Dropped it at the perfect time.

[Sandeep-tcyv]

I learned a lot from your videos, Thank you!!!

[georgedunn]

Great video. I will say that as far as screens go, some companies like Creality are closed source and you don't have access to many features such as babystepping. After I swapped mine out for TH3D LCD screens I have a slew of features available as I can put any firmware on it that allows the features I find useful.

[anarky]

A dual Z axis helps with tall prints. A single Z axis will have a minute sag on the side that doesn't have the geared screw and motor. A really tall print will lean to the side that doesn't have the Z axis. Dual Z axis solves this. I would actually recommend a printer with dual Z axis. Though it can usually be added later on.

[dversetto]

The EZabl sensor works on ANY solid surface, including glass. (or your finger, for that matter)