Sometimes, you just need a dash of color in your 3D prints. Other times, maybe you want to mix and match two different materials in a single print. Changing filament mid-print can add a whole new dimension to your 3D-printed models. Cura makes it simple by giving you tools using which …
Cura Filament Change: Amazing Mid-Print Color Changes in 5 Easy Steps Read More
Slic3r and Cura have both done their part in improving the slicing software scene in 3D printing. In the early days of 3D printing, Slic3r played a significant role in the RepRap project and continues to do so now. Back in 2011, it was one of the few open-source slicers for …
Slic3r vs. Cura: Which to Master for 3D Printing Success? Read More
First invented for creating astronauts’ visors, Polycarbonate has quickly caught on to become one of the most versatile plastic materials in use today. It’s UV-resistant, has a high-temperature tolerance, and is widely used in industrial as well as day-to-day applications. Its versatility and tough mechanical characteristics have also helped it become …
Polycarbonate Filament: Unlock Its Potential With These Settings Read More
When it comes to 3D printing, the ultimate goal is to get perfect results. One of the challenges, however, that often emerges is stringing. Those pesky, unwanted strands of filament that can mar an otherwise flawless print. Luckily, the Coasting feature in Cura is designed to alleviate the strings in your …
Cura Coasting: The 3 Best Coast Settings to Avoid Stringing Read More
SUNLU’s new FilaDryer S4 is a filament dryer that comes with big improvements over the company’s previous S1 and S2 models. With space for four (!) spools, multiple filament output locations, and several drying modes, it has a lot to offer. Today, we’ll put the FilaDryer S4 to the test to …
Sunlu FilaDryer S4 Review: Maximizing Filament Drying Potential Read More
Ultimaker’s Cura and the PrusaSlicer are two of the best slicing software praised by the community. Both are open-source, free to use, and come with a unique set of features that contribute to their popularity. Ever since their release, the debate of Cura vs. PrusaSlicer has been an ongoing topic. The …
PrusaSlicer vs Cura: Which is the Ultimate 3D Printing Slicer? Read More
Cura is free, and Simplify3D is paid. The former has tree supports, the latter does not. One is open-source. The other is privately owned. The differences don’t seem to end. Cura vs Simplify3D is one of the most interesting debates in the world of 3D printing. At the surface level, both …
Cura vs Simplify3D: Is an Expensive Slicer Better? Read More
Although ABS filament is one of the more difficult materials to 3D print with, it’s still one of the most popular filaments available. And while 3D printer features like a heated bed are a given for printing ABS, whether you can 3D print ABS without enclosure is still up for debate. …
3D Printing ABS Without Enclosure: The Complete Guide Read More
Despite its popularity, 3D printing ABS is usually a headache and a half (quite literally, if you aren’t careful with the fumes). Its high printing temperature and shrinkage rate make it especially prone to issues with warping, layer adhesion, and dimensional accuracy. While it’s easy to smooth away visible print layers …
ABS Alternatives: Use These Alternative Filaments for Easier Printing Read More
Bridges and overhangs are some of the most challenging 3D printing techniques you can do. Add ABS to the equation and it’s even more challenging to pull off successfully. Why? Because ABS is extremely sensitive to fluctuations in temperature, it doesn’t work well with a lot of the usual bridging settings, …
ABS Bridging: Key Settings to Improve Bridges and Overhangs Read More
Anyone who regularly works with 3D printing materials like PLA or PETG knows what a pain (literally) it is to get smooth and shiny 3D prints from sanding. A medium-sized print can take several hours to sand smooth, which just isn’t feasible for large-scale production. That’s where ABS comes in. Thanks …
Smoothing ABS: Get Smooth 3D Prints with Acetone Vapor, Brushing & Baths Read More
The top and bottom layers of your 3D prints often have a rough finish because of extrusion lines. These lines can give your prints an unfinished appearance and affect their overall visual appeal. Sometimes, you just need parts that look smooth and clean. Fortunately, there’s a solution—ironing. Cura’s ironing feature smoothens …
Cura Ironing: The 7 Best Settings for a Smooth Top Layer Read More
PLA, or Polylactic Acid, is a great material for 3D printing. The low price and high printability make it the material of choice for all newcomers to 3D printing. Now picture this: One fine evening, you’re all set to 3D print your masterpiece. You have set the bed temperature for printing, …
PLA Bed Temperature & Settings for Perfect 3D Prints Read More
Support structures are a core element in 3D printing. They hold up the overhangs of your pieces, making it easier to print elaborate models. But one problem with these supports is that they sometimes show up in unwanted places. What if the printer makes support even though you don’t need it …
Cura Support Blocker: How to Block Supports in 6 Easy Steps Read More
If you’re ready to upgrade your 3D printing experience past basic PLA, we’ve got some great news for you: you don’t have to lose your sanity jumping into more advanced filaments just yet. There are plenty of types of PLA filament you can explore. These PLA filament types can take your …
PLA Filament Types Explained: Unleash Your Creativity Read More
PLA or TPU, which filament should you use for your project? While these two materials are both popular 3D printing filaments, they have vastly different properties and uses. Understanding when to use and how to combine them can take your 3D prints to a whole new level. In this article, we’ll …
TPU vs (Flexible) PLA Filament: Which Should You Use? Read More
The vase mode in Cura is a pretty unique tool that is both useful and fun to use. Think of it as making a whole model with a single strand of 3D printer filament. No seams, no transitions between layers—just one continuous line 3D print. Even though Vase mode in Cura …
Cura Vase Mode: How to Create Spiralized Contours in 3 Easy Steps Read More
Polycarbonate and PLA are two of the most popular 3D printing materials for good reason, but if you’re finding it hard to keep track of what they are and how to use them with so many other materials out there, that’s totally understandable! That’s why we’re about to cover what PC …
Polycarbonate vs PLA Filament: Exploring the Differences Read More
Cura has an extensive library of high-quality infill patterns to choose from. Each infill pattern has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some are better for strength, while others have a superior appearance. Some patterns use less material, while others cut down on the amount of time it takes to print. Cura …
Cura Infill Patterns: Which Are the Best, Fastest, and Strongest? Read More
Polylactic acid (PLA) is the most commonly used material in FDM 3D printing. This plant-based plastic is well-known for its ease of printing, reasonable cost, and wide assortment. Also, it’s better for the earth than other 3D printing materials. Every 3D printing enthusiast or professional user has printed something with PLA …
Each of Cura’s nifty features contributes to an overall better 3D printing experience. Ranging from tried-and-true standards to novel experiments, the slicer has a lot that helps you. One of the more experimental settings we’ll examine today is Cura’s Adaptive layers. Adaptive layers are a handy feature in Cura. It automatically …
Cura Adaptive Layers: Use Variable Layer Heights for Better Quality Prints Read More
Starting a business in 3D printing is now more affordable and easier than ever. You’ve probably already seen dozens of online sellers of 3D-printed items on eBay, Etsy, and Amazon, so you know making money with a 3D printer is possible. Aside from the fun side of running a 3D printing …
Even if you have your print settings down to a science, your 3D prints might still have holes and gaps. Most of the time, it’s easy to ignore these gaps because they’re small and don’t affect the strength of the print. But sometimes, they can be really noticeable and ruin the …
Holes and Gaps in 3D Prints: How to Get Smooth Surfaces On Every Print Read More
You’ve been using your 3D pen long enough that you know all the basic plastics. PLA, ABS, PCL— Hang on, what the heck is PCL filament?! Well, PCL is another 3D printing material that works great with 3D pens. Don’t worry if it’s new to you—it isn’t talked about much in …
PCL vs PLA Filament: Which is Better with a 3D Pen? Read More
The new Creality K1 3D printer aims to deliver high-quality prints in a fraction of the time. With true CoreXY kinematics, powerful print cooling, and an innovative bed leveling system, the machine appears to be capable of delivering just that. But with Creality having had several non-stellar product launches, you might …
Creality K1 Review: A High-Speed 3D Printer With Potential Read More
Painting PLA can be a bit more challenging than painting other 3D printing materials. While it might be tempting to skip a few steps to save time, that can lead to chips, bubbles, and all sorts of other issues with your paint job. If you want to learn how to paint …
Painting PLA: How To and Tips for Stunning 3D Prints Read More
It’s the question heard ‘round the world in the 3D printing community: Is PLA biodegradable or not? PLA filament makers still say yes, even as their customers swear their prints won’t degrade. So, what’s the truth about PLA plastics? And how can shoppers worried about plastic waste and sustainability reduce their …
Is PLA Biodegradable or Not: Sorting Fact from Fiction Read More
You have the perfect 3D printing project in mind. You think PLA is the best material for it and decide to use a roll you bought a few months ago. You have everything set and ready to go when the worst happens—your PLA filament snaps mid-print. You reload the filament and …
Brittle PLA Filament: Here’s How to Keep it From Breaking Read More
Do you have a spool or two of PLA filament that hasn’t seen the light of day in a year or two (or five)? If so, you may be asking yourself: does PLA filament go bad? If you’ve already checked the label for an expiration date, you probably didn’t find one. …
Did you leave a spool of 3D printing filament out in the open? Or maybe you’re trying to print with a filament that’s a bit past its prime. Either way, you’ve got a moisture problem and you need to solve it, stat. Lucky for you, drying filament is pretty easy once …
The Snapmaker J1s is a brand-new dual-extruder 3D printer that is focused on fast printing. While dual extruder 3D printers are not uncommon, the addition of fast printing speeds makes the J1s an appealing option over its competitors. Given Snapmaker’s reputation for high build quality and ease of use, we’re excited …
Snapmaker J1s Review: Dual-Material 3D Printing at Its Best Read More
With its latest SV07 3D printer, Sovol is joining many other printer manufacturers by focusing on a fast 3D printing experience. Unlike other manufacturers’ machines, the Sovol SV07 has a budget approach that makes it more accessible for beginners. The 3D printer has quite a few similarities with the SV06 and …
Supports are weird! Often you want them in your 3D prints, but nobody really likes them. Standard support structures don’t always work well and are known for being hard to take off the model. You can always “fine-tune” your support settings, but let’s be honest: they often still don’t print the …
Cura has loads of features tuned toward adjusting the retraction in your 3D prints. There’s coasting, sweeping, Z-hop, and the topic of today: combing. Combing in Cura is meant to reduce stringing and improve the surface quality of your prints. In this article, we’ll look at what combing mode is, how …
There’s no way around it. If you want to regularly print large objects, you’ll need a large 3D printer. While you can split 3D models, print them, and glue them together afterward, this is a time-consuming and challenging process. That’s where the Creality CR-M4 3D printer comes in. With its massive …
Creality CR-M4 Review: Unmatched Large-Scale 3D Printing Read More
By lifting the nozzle during retractions, Z-Hop helps to reduce the chances of your prints getting knocked over from the bed and scarring on your prints. With a Z-hop height of 0.2 mm, you can get smoother 3D prints and reduce print failure. Z-Hop is one of those important but often …
How long it will take to 3D print depends on multiple parameters. For example, the print speed, size of the 3D model, and printing technology. Typically, 3D prints can take anywhere between a couple of hours to several days. On average, a 3D Benchy takes about two to three hours to …
The QIDI X-Plus 3 is the newest machine in QIDI’s line of enclosed 3D printers. With features like a heated chamber, a high-temperature extruder, CoreXY mechanics, and stock Klipper firmware, it promises a high-speed and versatile printing experience. In this QIDI X-Plus 3 review, we’ll test its key features and performance with …
SuperSlicer is an extensive slicing software that’s based on Prusa Slicer. It provides you with numerous additional settings to fine-tune your slicing process. You get better control over perimeters, thin walls, and also benefit from an excellent community that’s ready to help you out with any issues. SuperSlicer is one of …
Fast 3D printing is focused on more and more nowadays. From the increasing popularity of CoreXY and Delta 3D printers to the release of standalone Klipper pads like the Sonic Pad, there’s a clear interest in shortening 3D print times. The Creality Ender 5 S1 is one of the latest offerings …
Creality Ender 5 S1 Review: Fast 3D Printing with Limitations Read More
Despite their low price, there are plenty of 3D printers under $200 that offer a good mix of features and printing quality. Long gone are the times where 3D printing was exclusively a domain of expert engineers or hobbyists spending thousands of dollars on high-end equipment. Even though you can set …
Klipper is an open-source 3D printer firmware that’s developed for high-speed 3D printing. It utilizes an additional single-board computer for extra features and improved print quality at fast print speeds. Klipper firmware is swiftly gaining popularity in the 3D printing community because of its improved feature set compared to other firmware. …
What Is Klipper Firmware and Why Use It for Your 3D Printer Read More
Shortly after releasing its SV06, Sovol has now released the SV06 Plus 3D printer. It’s the first Plus model in the company’s range. Just like in other manufacturers’ naming schemes, it is reserved for the larger model in the same 3D printer series. You could expect this Plus version to be …
The main difference between the Ender 3 S1 and the Ender 3 S1 Pro is that the Pro version comes with an all-metal hot end and a PEI print bed to print with high-temperature filaments. Moreover, the Pro gets a touch screen and supports up to nine international languages. Creality launched …
Ender 3 S1 vs S1 Pro vs S1 Plus: What’s the Difference? Read More
PLA is one of the easiest 3D printing materials to work with. It has a low printing temperature, practically no shrinkage, and little to no fumes while printing. However, even with its superior printability, many users have trouble with PLA not sticking to the bed at one point or another. If …
The Creality Ender 3 V2 is the latest iteration in the Ender 3 series. You get an updated design that is more modern and up-to-date. Its glass bed helps with print adhesion, and the silent controller board lets you experience more silent 3D printing. The Ender 3 is one of Creality’s …
Fast 3D printers have taken the 3D printing world by storm. You have printers hitting 200, 300, and 600 mm/s printing speeds without sacrificing much print quality. We remember one of the first 3D printers to make these fast printing waves—the Voron. Well, technically, it still does. The latest Voron 2.4 …
Painting 3D prints allows you to add an amazing amount of detail to them. It also adds some protection to your prints from moisture, dirt, and even some chemicals. But before you can pick up a paintbrush (or airbrush if you’re feeling brave), there is a lot you need to know. …
How to Paint 3D Your Prints (Any Material or Color!) Read More
Creality’s ‘Neo’ refresh of the Ender 3 line-up is meant to bring a breath of fresh air to this popular (but aging) 3D printer series. The Ender 3 Max Neo is a refresh of the Ender 3 Max, with new features that aim to make it more user-friendly and bring it …
Creality Ender 3 Max Neo Review: Exceeding Expectations Read More
The Snapmaker 2.0 is one of the best 3-in-1 3D printers at the moment. If you are looking at buying it, however, you will notice that a lot of its accessories have to be purchased separately. One of those accessories is the Snapmaker 2.0 enclosure. It is an optional add-on that …
