3D printing basics: How to design and print your first model

Who is this guide for?

This guide is geared toward the at-home hobbyists, the do-it-yourself-ers, and the artists among us who are at the beginning of their 3D printing journey. If you’ve never used a 3D printer before, we’re here to walk you through the process of designing and printing your creation, as many of our users do.

But it’s worth noting that many different types of users are drawn to 3D printing, for a variety of reasons. 3D printers are used by global manufacturers like 3M in the research and design department to create rapid prototypes, and on the shop floor to fabricate equipment parts. Smaller businesses, including metal shops and boutique furniture companies, also use 3D printing in their prototyping and manufacturing process. 

3D printing isn’t just for trinkets, it’s a legitimate, professional tool. And you, too, can use it as a tool to solve problems and create objects you’ll use daily in your own home.

Before we jump into your first model, we’ll cover what exactly we mean by 3D printing — how it works, what you can make, and some of the benefits of this type of manufacturing for everyday users.

The basics of 3D printing

What is 3D printing?

3D printing is the process of converting a digital 3D model into a three-dimensional physical object. It uses a special machine called a 3D printer to extrude thin layers of material, which get layered on top of each other to create a form with height, width, and depth.

3D printing is also known as additive manufacturing, so named because it adds material to create the final object. In contrast, other methods of manufacturing, such as CNC machining, are subtractive — material is cut or carved away to create an object.

What is FDM vs. resin 3D printing?

There are two main categories of 3D printing for at-home users. The more common one is called fused deposition modeling, or FDM. 

FDM printers work by melting a thermoplastic thread called filament. The printer nozzle squeezes the filament out layer by layer to build an object. FDM printing is used for a wide range of objects, like functional parts, toys and decor, and large pieces.  

The other type is called resin 3D printing. It can be referred to by a few different names, such as SLA (stereolithography), DLP (digital light processing), LCD (liquid crystal display), or MSLA (masked stereolithography) 3D printing, depending on the process. 

Resin 3D printers use a light source, such as a laser or light projector, to cure or harden thin layers of liquid resin one layer at a time. After printing, the object needs to be submerged in alcohol to remove excess resin, and cured under a UV light to harden it completely. Resin and its fumes are toxic, so you need proper protection and ventilation to work with it. It produces objects that are smooth and high-detail, making it great for miniature figurines, but the finished model can be brittle and easy to break.

FDM 3D printers are more beginner friendly, because you don’t have to worry about post-processing steps or work with toxic materials and fumes, like resin. In this guide, when we refer to 3D printers, we’re talking about FDM 3D printing as opposed to resin.

What can I make with a 3D printer?

Part of the reason why 3D printing has exploded in popularity is its versatility. You can use it to print simple, common objects around your house, or something as big and complex as a life-sized boat – the world record for the largest solid 3D printed object! 

3D printers have also become much more user friendly and affordable, so you don’t need to be an engineer or a technology expert to print something. Anyone from a child to an 80-year-old with zero knowledge of 3D printing can find a ready-made model online and have their first printed object in their hands in a few hours.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Home repair

Small household objects get broken and discarded every day. Battery covers, plastic clips and brackets on appliances, hooks, toy parts — the list goes on. Often, companies don’t sell the one part you need fixed, so you find yourself replacing the whole thing. But what if you could 3D print those broken parts? Learning to model and print small, functional objects is often easier and less expensive than buying a whole replacement, giving your household objects a longer life span.

Organization and storage

If you need a wall mount, desk or drawer organizer, or storage case, chances are you have exact specifications in mind. Why buy something that only fits some of your criteria? With 3D printing, you can design and print the item with the dimensions and features you want.

Decor

3D printing goes beyond the practical. Artists and designers can get creative and 3D print objects like lamps, vases, baskets, and other decorative items.

Toys and miniatures

From dice and puzzle games to figurines and dollhouse furniture, you can use 3D printing to fuel creative play. Make up your own game and 3D print the pieces and board. The possibilities are endless.

What are the benefits of 3D printing?

Learning the art and skill of 3D printing takes some time, but for many people, the benefits are worth it. And because the barrier to entry is fairly low, you’ll experience many of these benefits with your first print.

• Customization: Design and print objects that are tailormade for your home, hobbies, or needs. From organizational cases to brackets that hold wires in place to custom-fit knobs, you can create exactly what you want instead of searching online for hours to find something that might work.
• Low cost: 3D printing parts for small repairs or home organization often costs pennies compared to buying manufactured versions.
• Accessibility: The entry point for accessing 3D printers is lower than ever. A small 3D printer costs roughly $200 and can fit on a desk. 3D printers and filaments are also available at many local libraries or makerspaces for free or a small fee.
• Less material waste: Subtractive manufacturing methods work by cutting away material from a solid piece of wood or metal, leading to waste. Because 3D printing is additive, it typically only uses the amount of material needed for the design.
• Shorter wait times: If you design and order a custom piece, you’ll usually need to wait weeks before it’s manufactured and shipped. 3D printing takes hours.
• Design improvement: If your piece doesn’t quite work out, you can always fine-tune your design and reprint it.

What you need to get started

You might think that getting started requires nothing more than a 3D printer. That’s part of it, but you’ll need a few more things, too. Here’s your basic list of materials for your first 3D printing project:

• 3D design software (or a ready-made design file): Also known as 3D modeling software or 3D CAD, this is the program you’ll use to create your digital 3D design. But don’t worry — if you don’t want to design your own model, you can find ready-made 3D print designs online. 
• Slicer software: Prepares your design for 3D printing by “slicing” your model into thin horizontal layers and figuring out the best pathway for the printer to follow to create those layers. It then translates this information into machine-readable G-code as instructions for your printer to follow.
• 3D printer: Equipment that extrudes filament layer by layer to create a 3D object. If you don’t have your own 3D printer, check your local library or makerspace to see if they have community 3D printer access by reservation. Want to buy your own? Check out our article on what to look for in a 3D printer.
• Filament: Thermoplastic material used by FDM 3D printers. PLA, or polylactic acid, is the most common filament for beginners – it’s readily available, low cost, and easy to use. Some other options include ABS, PETG, TPU, and nylon.

We’ll walk through how each of these are used in more detail in the following sections.

Part 1: Turning your idea into a design

Every 3D printed project starts out as an idea. After you’ve figured out what you want to make, you’ll have to decide whether you want to design your own model, or find an existing design to use. 

Designing your first model

Creating your own digital design requires 3D modeling software. These programs range from simple 3D modelers like Tinkercad to 3D CAD programs that offer more technical accuracy, like Shapr3D or Fusion 360. 

Some programs are easy to learn, while others have a steep learning curve. Some options are better suited for creating precise parts, and others excel at organic shapes. To get a feel for the different types of software and their strengths for 3D print projects, we’ve put together a CAD comparison list here.

After you’ve downloaded your program and learned the basics, you’re ready to start designing. Here are a few starter questions to think about:

• What are the dimensions of your object? Does it need to fit exactly into a space or another piece? Account for minor variations in the final dimensions of the printed piece.
• What is the purpose of your piece? Is it decorative or functional? How strong does it need to be? This will affect structure and design choices.
• What are the basic shapes you can start with? Many objects start out by combining simple geometry like cubes and cylinders.
• How thick do your walls need to be? Between 0.8 and 1.2 mm is a good starting point, but if your piece will hold weight or you want it to be stronger, you might need thicker walls.

For your first print, consider designing a very simple object with basic geometry that doesn’t have fine details or require precise measurements. This will help you learn about and troubleshoot different aspects of your project before moving on to more advanced designs. 

Before you finalize your design, check to make sure that your geometry is watertight, also known as manifold. This means it is completely solid — all the edges connect, there are no missing or overlapping faces, and no holes or gaps along its surfaces. 

For a more involved design guide, check out our article on how to design your own 3D-printed object.

Sourcing pre-made designs

If you don’t need a fully customized piece, you can find ready-made, downloadable design files on sites like Thingiverse, Printables, MakerWorld, or CGTrader. 

Making minor edits to a pre-made design is possible, too. If the design is available as a STEP file, this option is easier to edit. Download and open it in a solid 3D modeling program like Shapr3D, and you can make changes to the geometry directly. Otherwise, download and import an STL file as a mesh in Shapr3D or Tinkercad for simple fixes. 

Another way to work off of a pre-made design is to 3D scan a physical object and open it in your 3D CAD software. This tutorial shows you how to trace a design to create a 3D model of it. From there, you can tweak the design as needed. This is helpful if you want to make a replacement part, such as a battery cover for a remote control.

Exporting your design file

You have your design. You’ve checked to make sure it’s watertight. Now what? 

Next, you’ll use a slicer software to prepare it for 3D printing. But the native file type for your modeling software isn’t compatible with slicer programs. You’ll need to export your design as a file that can be read by the slicer.

The most common file types include:

• 3MF: Stores data about your model, including color, materials, and print settings, in one compact file.
• STL: The most common file type for slicers, .stl describes the surface geometry using a mesh of triangles.
• AMF: This format stores geometry as triangular meshes, along with other details like color and material.
• OBJ: Not as common, but often used for organic or high-detail artistic models, as it can store color and texture data via a companion .mtl file.
• STEP: Universally used in manufacturing CAD, STEP files are accepted by many slicers. The slicer will convert your geometry to the required mesh.

Check your slicer program to see which files are compatible and preferred. While some slicers may support all of the above file types, they may convert directly to STL upon import. 

Part 2: Preparing to print

Getting your design file is the first step, but you still have a few more things to do before you’re ready to start printing. 

Download our full guide to your first print

Download our "Before you hit print" checklist

Choose your filament 

Just like how a regular printer needs ink, your 3D printer needs filament. Filament is thermoplastic, meaning it melts when heated and hardens when cooled. It comes in large spools in different colors and materials.

The most common type of filament is PLA (polylactic acid). It’s a standard because it’s easy to use, affordable, and fairly durable for most uses. Many printers come with a sample of PLA filament, or you might have already purchased a spool in the color you want.

However, it’s worth knowing about different types of filament, because each has different properties that may make it better suited for a particular project. PLA is inexpensive and easy to print, but starts to warp in high heat. If you want to store a printed piece in a hot car or outdoors in the sun, you may want to consider another material, like PETG.

Check out our article on filament types for more guidance on choosing the right filament for your project.

Use a slicer software to prepare your print file

Your design file (likely ending in .3mf or .stl) can’t be read by a 3D printer. You’ll need to use slicer software to convert it to G-code, first.

G-code is the programming language that 3D printers and other machines like CNC mills can “read.” It gives them exact instructions for where to move the print head, when to extrude filament, and so on.

Most slicer programs are free for you to download on your computer. Many printer companies develop and recommend using their own slicer software, but there are also options outside your printer ecosystem if you prefer. Read our companion article for more information on comparing and using slicer software.

First, import your 3D model into the slicer software. The slicer “slices” it into thin horizontal layers that will eventually be 3D printed. 

You can customize the thickness of these layers, also known as layer height, in the settings of your slicer software. Your layers should be anywhere between one-fourth to three-fourths of your printer nozzle’s width — for the standard 0.4 millimeter nozzle size, that would be a layer height between 0.1 to 0.3 millimeters. Try 0.2 mm as a starting point, and scale up or down as needed. Thinner layers will increase your print time, but provide a smoother surface and finer details. Thicker layers will make for a faster print, but each layer will be more visible. 

The slicer software allows you to select the printer you’re using and the type of filament, which will impact settings like print temperature and print speed. Other settings you can customize include infill, which is the internal support structure of the print. 

The slicer might also add support material for parts of your design that have overhangs, which will help the model print. Supports are designed to be removed after by cutting or pulling the extra filament off.

There are lots more advanced settings to play with, but it’s easiest to stick with the presets for now until you have a feel for how your printer and filament work. We’ve broken down all the steps for using a slicer here.

The slicer translates all that information into G-code. This essentially acts as a step-by-step instructional guide for the printer to follow. 

When the slicer is done generating the G-code, you can export it to an SD card or USB drive. Or, if you’ve connected your printer to your computer, you can send the file straight to the printer.

Part 3: Printing your project

It’s time to start printing! First, make sure your 3D printer is set up properly and that the filament you’re using is loaded — we’d recommend following your printer’s instructions for this part, as every printer is different.

Print your model

In your slicer software, select “Print” to send your job to the connected printer. Or, you can insert your SD card or USB drive and select the file you want to print. 

The printer will start printing by extruding the filament from the nozzle following the path set by the slicer.

At this point, it’s a good idea to watch the first few layers print to make sure the base of your model adheres to the bed. If the first layer doesn’t stick to the bed, the print will be ruined and you’ll have to start over. 

If your first few layers look good, you don’t need to monitor the printer the entire time. Check back in periodically, but for the most part, you can let the printer do its thing. Many 3D printers also have built-in cameras and apps that allow you to monitor the print’s progress remotely.

Finishing your print

After your model is printed and cooled, it should release from the build plate fairly easily. If it doesn’t, a few taps should help. If the build plate is removable, you can take it off and flex it slightly to help the object release.

Remove any support material by snapping it off or using pliers or small cutters. 

Inspect your model. You might find thin, threadlike strings of filament on parts of the model that shouldn’t be there, which can be caused by printing at too high a temperature or incorrect retraction settings. For the latter, you can tweak your retraction settings (see Prusa’s article for tips on this).

You might also see small gaps between layers, most likely caused by underextrusion, or blobs and overflowing layers, caused by overextrusion. Again, you can tweak the settings on your slicer to solve these issues. Our troubleshooting article covers more tips for what to do when prints fail or go wrong.

Or maybe you noticed that the model itself is the wrong size or doesn’t look or work like you hoped. Don’t worry! The beauty of 3D printing, especially with a low-cost material like PLA, means that you can go back to your 3D design or slicer settings and make changes until you’re happy with your finished product.

Next steps

Now that you’ve made your first model, keep creating! Use your 3D modeling software to create more designs and print them, fine-tuning your slicer settings along the way. Experiment with larger and more complex prints, or different types of filament.

You can also join 3D printing communities to get ideas, troubleshoot, and share your projects. If you have a local makerspace or fab lab near you, these in-person spaces often serve as wonderful resources and gathering places where you can take classes or use 3D printing equipment. Online, r/3DPrinting on Reddit has more than 3 million subscribers and tons of posts on all aspects of 3D printing.

We’re here to help, too! Visit our 3d printing hub for educational articles, and join the conversation on our Shapr3D community.