Got your first 3D printer and wondering what to 3d print? Welcome to my Monthly 3D Printing FAQ, where I take the strangest, smartest and most surprisingly popular questions from Google’s “People Also Ask” section and give them clear, no-nonsense answers and even some expert tips about 3D printing (with a pinch of humor when needed).
Table of Contents
If you’ve ever wondered what to 3D print when faced with a brand-new machine and endless possibilities, you’re in the right place. 3D printing is no longer just a sci-fi fantasy — today, it’s about deciding which of your brilliant ideas deserves to come to life first. When you step into 3D printing, choosing what to 3D print can feel exciting — and a little chaotic. There are millions of amazing ideas out there. The real magic happens when you start small, build skills, and gradually tackle bigger projects. Every great print starts with a first simple one.
Fear not — I’m here to demystify everything about 3D printing. From the first click to the final layer, I’ll answer your most common (and sometimes weird) questions with simple, real-world advises. Whether you’re just poking around or planning your first print, grab your filament — it’s time to dive in!
Getting started is easier than you think! Here’s the short version:
And just like that — you’re officially about 3D printing your first masterpiece!
Want to get started right away and print functional & aesthetic Aquarium or Terrarium designs? Check out my models on etsy or cults3d and start creating something beautiful, functional and unique now!
If you’re wondering what to 3D print first, don’t overcomplicate things.Start with something small, easy and instantly useful. Whatever solves a problem (or sparks joy):
Once you get the hang of it (and your prints stop looking like spaghetti disasters), you can move on to functional parts, cosplay props and even custom home upgrades. 🏠
Check out Design and Print Custom Aquarium Accessories – a 3D Printing for Beginners Guide. to get ideas and ready to print designs for your Aquarium or Terrarium.
Technically, yes. Realistically — not at home.Industrial processes like DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) and SLM (Selective Laser Melting) can print metal objects — but the machines cost more than a nice sports car. 🏎️💸
Home printers? They can use metal-infused filaments (tiny metal particles mixed with plastic). Cool, but not actual solid metal.
Step 1: Stay calm.Step 2: Let it cool down. Most prints detach naturally as the bed temperature drops.Still stuck?
Patience > brute force.
Pure silicone 3D printing exists — but it’s a VIP club requiring high-end industrial equipment.At home, the trick is different: print a mold, then pour silicone into it.Great for DIY gadgets, cosplay pieces or anything needing a squishy vibe!
It’s a bit like asking, “How long does it take to bake a cake?” Depends on the cake — and your printer settings. Typical ranges:
Factors affecting print time:
Designing your own models feels like unlocking cheat codes in real life. 🎮Here’s the roadmap:
Pro tip: Learn basic modeling first — fixing messy files is less fun than designing them right from the start.
If you’re ready to learn – check out my Design and Print Custom Aquarium Accessories – a 3D Printing for Beginners Guide.
Supports are like scaffolding for your prints — necessary, but annoying.Here’s how to deal with them:
Think of it as giving your print a spa day after its rough construction work. 🧼
Yes… partly.You can 3D print many structural components (frames, brackets, handles), but you still need:
Basically, you can print the “bones,” but you still have to buy the “guts.”
Time for the money talk. 🤑Average 3D printing price depends on:
Pro Tip: Big prints look cool — until they fail halfway through and eat your filament, your patience and your will to live. 😅 Remember: every crash-and-burn comes with a hidden 3D printing price — wasted material, wasted time and emotional damage. Whenever possible, break large projects into smaller parts and connect them later. It’s faster, safer and way less rage-inducing.
1️⃣ What’s the funniest or weirdest question from this list? Drop it in the comments! 🤣2️⃣ Which question was actually the most useful for you? Let me know—I might go deeper on that topic in a future post. 💡
🔥 Got a question about Terrarium or Aquarium 3D Print? Drop it in the comments—I might include it in the May FAQ! 🔥
📅 New posts every week! While you wait for the next FAQ, check out my other deep dives into the insights, tips and ideas for 3D Printing — posted twice / week!
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