Make: 3D Printing: The Essential Guide to 3D Printers

The 3D printing revolution is well upon us, with new machines appearing at an amazing rate. With the abundance of information and options out there, how are makers to choose the 3D printer that’s right for them? MAKE is here to help, with our Ultimate Guide to 3D Printing. With articles about techniques, freely available CAD packages, and comparisons of printers that are on the market, this book makes it easy to understand this complex and constantly-shifting topic.

Based on articles and projects from MAKE’s print and online publications, this book arms you with everything you need to know to understand the exciting but sometimes confusing world of 3D Printing.

Table of Contents

Part I: Hardware
Chapter 1. Getting Started with a 3D Printer
Chapter 2. 3D Printer Guide

Part II: Software
Chapter 3. Software for 3D Printing
Chapter 4. 3D Design for the Complete Beginner
Chapter 5. Getting Started with Slic3r

Part III: 3D Scanning
Chapter 6. Creating and Repairing 3D Scans
Chapter 7. Print Your Head in 3D!

Part IV: Materials
Chapter 8. Plastics for 3D Printing
Chapter 9. Industrial Materials and Methods

Part V: Services
Chapter 10. 3D Printing Without a Printer
Chapter 11. Service Providers

Part VI: Finishing Techniques
Chapter 12. How to Dye Your 3D Prints
Chapter 13. Post-Processing Your Prints
Chapter 14. Weathering Your Prints

Part VII: Applications
Chapter 15. The Promise of 3D Printing
Chapter 16. 3D Printed Gallery
Chapter 17. Dream Machine
Chapter 18. Desert Manufacturer
Chapter 19. How I Printed a Humanoid

Part VIII: Other Ways to Make 3D Objects
Chapter 20. Milling 3D Objects
Chapter 21. White Chocolate Skulls in PLA Trays
Chapter 22. Printcrime