3D Printer FYICategory
Discover
Models, software, open-source projects, designers, and makers.
Find a model you can actually use
Choose a verified model source, inspect the exact file and license, and save enough context to revise or reproduce the part.
DiscoverThe expensive part is finding out the hole is wrong
CNC Kitchen’s insert test pieces turn a vague fit problem into a small, repeatable experiment.
DiscoverThe printer ran out of bed. They brought a treadmill.
Ivan Miranda and Proper Printing turn a workshop constraint into an experiment in changing the machine itself.
DiscoverDesigners worth studying through their parts
Explore a finished design family, inspect its interfaces and take a practical method back to your own project.
DiscoverFind the source that lets you change the machine
Navigate hardware designs, firmware, slicers and printed instruments without confusing downloadable files with a complete open project.
DiscoverZack Freedman — Gridfinity
Shoutout: Zack Freedman’s Gridfinity listings on Thangs, his own photos, licenses to verify, and what to steal as a designer.
DiscoverFeatured Makers
Makers and teachers who use 3D printing as a tool. Two series: Build Volume Is A Suggestion, and Print Smarter.
DiscoverBuild Volume Is A Suggestion
Makers, engineers, and professional bad influences using 3D printing to build things that have absolutely no business fitting on a printer.
DiscoverGet In. It’s a Benchy.
Build Volume Is A Suggestion #003: Emily The Engineer scaled 3DBenchy into a working boat, stood an Ender 3 up to 10 feet, and treated waterproofing as a joinery problem.
DiscoverIvan Miranda Has Declared War on Reasonably Sized Objects
Build Volume Is A Suggestion #001: giant printers, a rideable printed tank, a treadmill belt printer, and a kayak that required maritime testing.
DiscoverCome for the Printed Parts. Stay for the Saddle.
Build Volume Is A Suggestion #002: James Bruton’s ball bikes, screw-bike, openDog, and a rideable transformer — CAD to printed mechanism to something you sit on.
DiscoverYour printer is probably fine. Let's work on the operator.
Creators who teach you a trick, bust a myth, or quietly reveal that you've been doing something wrong for four years.
DiscoverCNC Kitchen — “Some guy on Reddit said” is not a test method
Print Smarter: Stefan Hermann builds a test, prints an unreasonable number of samples, breaks them, graphs the remains, and ruins three confidently held opinions before lunch.
DiscoverMade with Layers — The manual your printer forgot to ship with
Print Smarter: Thomas Sanladerer has been answering the question you were about to post — usually more clearly, and without telling you to replace half the printer first.
DiscoverMaker's Muse — CAD stops being homework
Print Smarter: Angus Deveson teaches the part of 3D printing that becomes obvious after the honeymoon: designing the thing you actually need.