I have been 3D printing for several years as a hobby, and I can boldly say it’s one of the most interesting and rewarding things I’ve ever gotten into. The ability to think of and recreate something and, generally, the hands-on experimentation, makes it endlessly fun. From 3D printing desk toys and games, and decorative 3D prints to personalizing my PC and GPU, there is always something new to explore. Even though there are several things I wished someone had told me before I started 3D printing, I can confidently say it’s a hobby worth exploring, and I have been trying to convince everyone to get into it for the reasons below.
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You can produce replacement parts much cheaper than buying them
3D printing small replacement parts is faster
When they break, some items are expensive or hard to find replacement parts for. Instead of paying for overpriced components or buying the whole item, you can 3D print it at home at a cheaper price and quicker than ordering it. You can get the files from 3D printing websites like Printables, Thingiverse, Makerworld, and many others, or even design them yourself in 3D modeling software.
You can produce everything from handles and broken knobs, to appliance parts, and tool attachments. You can also 3D print accessories and replacement parts for electronics like phone cases, headphone stands, battery covers, and charger holders. This will save you money when something breaks at home instead of ordering one.
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It will enhance your problem-solving skills
It will sharpen your abilities to handle problems
Source: ZMorph All-in-One 3D Printers/Unsplash
3D printing is a journey with many challenges, especially during the early stages. When I got my first 3D printer, getting it to work was challenging, as it came in different parts that required assembly. We spent the whole weekend with my brother getting the various parts together, and after finishing and starting 3D printing, the file didn’t stick to the bed. It was thrown out of the build plate as the print head moved, and I later learned that we were supposed to level the bed. It took trial and error and Googling to get the first print right.
Even though currently, fully assembled 3D printers that work out of the box are available, you will still face challenges. It can be frustrating, especially when you feel you’ve done everything right. This is where the actual problem-solving aspect of 3D printing comes into play. Figuring out the cause of the issue and troubleshooting it step by step. Identifying and fixing issues will sharpen your problem-solving skills and patience, as you’ll learn to experiment with different settings, materials, and designs, continually testing what works and what doesn’t. When you finally get it right, it will boost your confidence. For students or kids, it will prepare them for future careers, especially in engineering.
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Create items that simply don’t exist in stores
3D print unique pieces
Source:Rorys3d/Printables
Sometimes, you may have a problem or need that you can’t solve by simply walking into a store and buying something. It can be a unique tool, a hard-to-find part, or just a custom piece for a project. 3D printing allows you to design anything you can imagine and make it exactly as you need, especially if you are good at 3D modeling. Also, if a particular component for a device is no longer being sold, you can easily design and 3D print it yourself. The good thing about 3D printing is that you can use various materials based on the project you intend to produce, from standard PLA to durable filaments like PETG and flexible materials like TPU.
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It’s possible to make money from 3D printing
Make money while enjoying what you do
Imagine turning your passion into a source of income. With a 3D printer, you can 3D print and sell custom-based items or personalized gifts in your local area or on platforms like eBay and Etsy. The 3D prints that sell the most are keychains, cookie cutters, cosplay props, home decor, and custom phone accessories. Also, if you are good at CAD design, you can create and sell your files on various marketplaces like Myminifactory and Cults3D.
What makes 3D printing even better is that you will be making money while doing something you genuinely enjoy and are passionate about. This is because designing, 3D printing, and refining parts become part of the experience, not just a job. You can grow your business from a small business or side hustle with minimal setup to a whole business as more people get to know what you are doing.
You should have a 3D printer at home now
3D printing was once reserved only for engineers and other professionals. However, with the advancement of technology, there are now cheaper 3D printers that work right out of the box, and easy-to-use 3D design software is available. Anyone, regardless of their experience, can get started quickly. Even though it takes time to learn, once you get a handle on it, each successful print feels like a small victory, and even the failed ones come with valuable lessons that help you grow.
It’s a constantly evolving hobby, pushing you to learn more about materials, design, and machine maintenance. It doesn’t matter what you want to create; 3D printing opens up a world where your ideas can become real. However, you need to remember that, just like any other technology, 3D printing has drawbacks. Still, you can’t compare them to the fulfillment you get when you create something from scratch with the exact specifications you intended.
