(I'm replying to a message on another thread, I thought I'd answer here because I see there is a forum just for this topic)
Are they hard to use: Well, to be honest, they kind of are. When 3D printers first came out, people were envisioning a consumer item, kind of like your inkjet printer, where anybody could go buy one and start popping out parts. They are nowhere near that automated. You can have trouble with different filaments, with the bed, with the specific model, and with the printer itself. You probably have no idea how your inkjet printer works. When you have a 3D printer, you know a LOT about how it works, because you have to. I think it is fascinating and fun, but if you just want plastic parts and have zero interest in the machine itself, you might not like it. I have both FDM (melted plastic extruded through a nozzle) and SLA (photosensitive resin with each layer traced by a laser). You can read lots of comparisons online.....SLA is finicky and messy, but can do super fine details. These days you can get either for not much money.
Where to get "software": There are several components you need.
1. The model itself - the thing you are going to print. There are so many sources of free models that you can stay busy for a long time just printing things that other people have designed. I use Thingiverse a lot, but there are many other sources as well. These are generally in STL format (filename.stl).
2. The slicer - For FDM printers, this is software that takes the STL file and translates it into a detailed list of commands (called G-code) for your printer. This commands precise movement of the head, extrusion of filament at such-and-such rate, etc. I use a paid program called Simplify3D, which is $149. I think it is well worth the cost. But there are free ones that are pretty good too, such as Cura. This software is not easy to use, there are about 1000 settings and you eventually learn them all. It is surprising how many parameters can go into determining exactly how your printer behaves. In contrast, for SLA, I have a Formlabs Form3, and the software comes with it for free and is very simple to use. This is one area where SLA is probably a bit simpler.
3. 3D CAD - eventually you will get tired of printing other people's designs, or will find a design that needs some minor tweak to fit your situation. Then you need a 3D CAD tool to design your own. This is pretty hard to get into at first, but is well worth the effort. It is SUPER useful to be able to design even very simple shapes to your exact specification. Once you can do it, you will use it for so many things - RC parts, home repair, etc. I use the free non-professional version of AutoCAD Fusion 360. I would highly recommend the "beginner tutorial" by Lars Christensen on YouTube. If you actually follow along and design the entire tutorial (which takes a few hours), you will be capable of designing most things.
I have three printers and like it a lot. But I would say, it is kind of a hobby by itself -- it is not like buying a drill press or a dremel tool.
Are they hard to use: Well, to be honest, they kind of are. When 3D printers first came out, people were envisioning a consumer item, kind of like your inkjet printer, where anybody could go buy one and start popping out parts. They are nowhere near that automated. You can have trouble with different filaments, with the bed, with the specific model, and with the printer itself. You probably have no idea how your inkjet printer works. When you have a 3D printer, you know a LOT about how it works, because you have to. I think it is fascinating and fun, but if you just want plastic parts and have zero interest in the machine itself, you might not like it. I have both FDM (melted plastic extruded through a nozzle) and SLA (photosensitive resin with each layer traced by a laser). You can read lots of comparisons online.....SLA is finicky and messy, but can do super fine details. These days you can get either for not much money.
Where to get "software": There are several components you need.
1. The model itself - the thing you are going to print. There are so many sources of free models that you can stay busy for a long time just printing things that other people have designed. I use Thingiverse a lot, but there are many other sources as well. These are generally in STL format (filename.stl).
2. The slicer - For FDM printers, this is software that takes the STL file and translates it into a detailed list of commands (called G-code) for your printer. This commands precise movement of the head, extrusion of filament at such-and-such rate, etc. I use a paid program called Simplify3D, which is $149. I think it is well worth the cost. But there are free ones that are pretty good too, such as Cura. This software is not easy to use, there are about 1000 settings and you eventually learn them all. It is surprising how many parameters can go into determining exactly how your printer behaves. In contrast, for SLA, I have a Formlabs Form3, and the software comes with it for free and is very simple to use. This is one area where SLA is probably a bit simpler.
3. 3D CAD - eventually you will get tired of printing other people's designs, or will find a design that needs some minor tweak to fit your situation. Then you need a 3D CAD tool to design your own. This is pretty hard to get into at first, but is well worth the effort. It is SUPER useful to be able to design even very simple shapes to your exact specification. Once you can do it, you will use it for so many things - RC parts, home repair, etc. I use the free non-professional version of AutoCAD Fusion 360. I would highly recommend the "beginner tutorial" by Lars Christensen on YouTube. If you actually follow along and design the entire tutorial (which takes a few hours), you will be capable of designing most things.
I have three printers and like it a lot. But I would say, it is kind of a hobby by itself -- it is not like buying a drill press or a dremel tool.
. I have not heard any 'bad things' about either Creality or Prusa in the 2 1/2 years I've been researching products and techniques.
Best, LB
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