How to set up a 3D printer in 6 simple steps

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Getting started with 3D printing

With 3D printing growing in popularity, it is easier than ever to get started on your journey! However, there are a number of things you need to do before you have your very first 3D print in your hands. In this blog post, we look at the steps required to get you started.

Step 1: Choose your 3D printer

The first thing you must do to get started is purchase a 3D printer. You should take a number of factors into consideration before doing this, such as what type of 3D printer you are looking for and what you intend to print. If you are struggling with this, why not take a look at our blog ‘What you should consider when buying your first 3D printer’, where we give our top tips for purchasing a 3D printer. It can be difficult to know what you’re looking for when you’re a beginner, but hopefully these tips will help give you a better idea

Step 2: Install your selected 3D Printing Software

Without 3D printer software, you simply cannot use your 3D printer. You will find downloadable files for hundreds of objects to 3D print - but you must use specific software, such as slicer software, to convert the file into one you can 3D print. Your 3D slicer software works by dividing the 3D print into layers that your printer can read and print.

There are many different types of 3D printer software that are suitable for beginners and compatible with both Windows and Mac. Have a look at our top seven 3D software for beginners. Using any of these softwares, you should be able to make any 3D file you find online come to life!

If you have a resin printer, you may want to take a look at slicer software specifically designed for your printer. Chitubox is a popular software, which prepares your model for printing in just a few clicks. Once you become more comfortable with 3D printing, you might want to try your hand at designing your own 3D prints. There are a number of 3D softwares that allow you to create your own designs right down to the last detail.

Step 3: Download (or design) your 3D model

Once you have your 3D printing software installed, it’s time to get creative! Why not browse Thingiverse, where you can find over a million downloadable 3D models for you to print. Before choosing, you should consider if the object is suited to your 3D printer. Say for example, if it’s a large object and your 3D printer has a small print bed, then perhaps this is not what you should be thinking about 3D printing. You can split a large 3D print into several smaller parts, suitable for you smaller print bed, and then out them together in the post-processing step of your 3D printing venture.

You should also take into consideration what type of material you intend to 3D print with. If you’re not one hundred percent sure which 3D filaments you prefer to use when printing, why not have a look at our sample packs, so you can trial a few materials and colours without the expense of a whole spool.

Please note: When choosing a 3D model to print, it is important to check licensing restrictions. You will be free to modify and print most models, but you may need explicit permission from the creator if you wish to print commercially.

Step 4: Prepare the 3D model for printing

In order to prepare your 3D model for printing, you must run it through your new 3D printer software to be “sliced” into layers. This ensures that your printer understands the model you intend to 3D print and can prepare support structures if your print has any overhanging parts. This is also the point where you will adjust your print settings to ensure your 3D print is of good quality. These settings will differ depending on your filament type, but also by the object you wish to print. There are many settings that you can adjust, but the following are absolutely essential for quality prints.

1. Layer height

Layer height determines the resolution of your 3D print. This is important if you are 3D printing detailed objects, as it is important to keep the layer height as low as possible. With 3D prints without detail, a higher layer thickness is suitable.

2. Outer walls

The layer thickness for your outer wall is typically set to 0.8mm by default, but if you need a sturdier or waterproof 3D print, then you must increase this setting. If the outer walls of your print does not need this thickness then you can decrease the setting, but it is recommended not to decrease it below 0.5mm as this could create problems with your print quality

3. Infill percentage

The infill percentage is the space inside your print. If you need a solid 3D print, then your settings must be at 100%. If you decrease this, your slicer software should create a pattern for inside your print to keep it stable. By decreasing your infill percentage, you will also reduce the printing time required for your 3D print.

4. Print speed

If your print speed is too high, it generally leads to a messy 3D print. Sometimes it is good to experiment with the print speed before you start 3D printing. It is recommended to start at 50 - 60 mm/s, so perhaps you can try this when preparing to 3D print.

5. Retraction

If your retractions settings are correct you should be able to avoid stringing entirely. This means your filament will be retracted back into the nozzle when it is not needed. However, this can cause your nozzle to become clogged, but this can be fixed easily with the guidelines in our Help Centre page.

6. Support

If you intend to 3D print an object with any overhanging parts, then support will be important to consider when preparing. If your 3D printer has a dual extruder, then printing with water-soluble PVA filament alongside your chosen 3D filament is a great idea!

PVA filament

While you carry out adjustments to all other settings on your 3D printer, it is important to check that your 3D print will adhere to the print bed before carrying out a large 3D printing project. There are a number of reasons why your 3D filament may not stick to the print bed, but there’s also a number of solutions. See how to improve bed adhesion here.

Step 5: Print your 3D model

Once your 3D model is sliced and your 3D printer is prepared, you are ready to print! Load the file into your 3D printer software and watch your design really come to life with your selected 3D filament. It’s important to keep an eye on your object as it 3D prints, so you can make any adjustments if needed, such as adjusting the temperature or providing more ventilation.

Once your 3D print is complete, carefully remove it from the print bed with a putty knife. You should then clean any excess material from the print bed using isoclene spray.

It might also be an idea to clean the hot end or print head of your printer once you finish up 3D printing, as this can help prevent any blockages from filament residue.

Step 6: Post-processing your 3D print

Does your 3D print need some post-processing to achieve the finish you desired? You may have to sand down the surface of your print, or even glue one 3D print to another. We have a number of tools that can benefit your post-processing job, such as glues, blades, sandpaper and much more!

If your post-processing involves painting your 3D print, then you will find acrylic paints and paint accessories on our website also.

Following these steps, you should be able to get started on your 3D printing journey with very little difficulty. Once you become familiar with these steps, you’ll become a confident and skilled 3D printer in no time!

Other useful products

3D Printer Starter Kit

3D Accessories

3D Filament

Common Questions

Will I experience issues when first trying to 3D print?

Every beginner will run into some issues when first 3D printing. Stringing is one of the most common issues amongst beginner 3D printers, but this can be fixed easily. Have a look at the most common issues a beginner will face so you know what to expect and how to avoid these issues in the future.

Will I have to upgrade my 3D printer software?

There are cases where you will have to upgrade your 3D printer software, such as if it crashes when you print at high speeds or your software does not support some functions (like adding automatic bed levelling). It is important to be very accurate when upgrading, as if the upgrade goes wrong your 3D printer may no longer work. If your 3D printer is working as it should, then there is no need to upgrade your software.

How often should I clean my 3D printer?

It’s recommended to clean your hot end, using a cleaning filament, each time you change 3D filament on your printer. It would be a good idea to check the nozzle on your 3D printer before each print, to ensure there are no blockages. By doing these as often as you can, you will achieve great 3D print results every time.

If you have a question that you don't see here, don't hesitate to contact us!

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Getting started with 3D printing

Step 1: Choose your 3D printer

Step 2: Install your selected 3D Printing Software

Step 3: Download (or design) your 3D model