This 3D printing glossary breaks down the most common 3D printing terms, acronyms and settings you’re likely to come across.
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9 Common 3D Printing Myths (And What’s Actually True)
3D printing has come a long way, but plenty of outdated ideas about the technology are still floating around. You might have heard that 3D printers are difficult to use, that 3D printed parts are too weak to be useful, or that you need to be an expert in computer-aided design before you can print […]
3D Scanning 101: How to Turn Real Objects into 3D Models
Every 3D printing project starts with a digital model—but what if the object you want to print already exists in the real world? Whether it’s a broken appliance part, a treasured collectible, or a handmade prototype, you don’t always need to design it from scratch. That’s where 3D scanning comes in. Modern 3D scanners make […]
TPU Filament: A Beginner’s Guide to Printing with Flexible Filament
If you’ve mastered printing with PLA or PETG, you may be wondering what to try next. TPU filament is one of the most useful materials you can add to your workshop. Unlike rigid plastics, TPU bends, stretches and absorbs impact without breaking, making it ideal for practical 3D printing projects. That said, your first experience […]
Wood, Metal, Silk & More: A Guide to Speciality Filaments and What to Actually Expect
Once you’ve mastered standard PLA and PETG, it’s only a matter of time before those eye-catching spools of speciality filaments start calling your name. From realistic wood finishes and metallic effects to colour-shifting silk PLA and glow-in-the-dark creations, speciality filaments can transform ordinary prints into something truly unique. But before you load that shiny new […]
Clogged Nozzles – How to Diagnose, Clear, and Prevent Them
Few things are more frustrating than checking on a print that’s been running for hours only to discover that your printer stopped extruding halfway through. In many cases, the culprit is a clogged 3D printer nozzle. Nozzle clogs are one of the most common issues faced by FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) users, whether you’re a […]
How to Store 3D Printer Filament in South Africa’s Climate and What to Do When It Gets Wet
If you’ve spent any time 3D printing, you’ve probably experienced it at least once. A spool that printed perfectly a few weeks ago suddenly starts producing rough surfaces, excessive stringing, weak layers, or strange popping sounds from the nozzle. In most cases, the problem isn’t your printer settings. It’s moisture. Proper 3D printer filament storage […]
Your First 3D Printer: What to Buy and What to Expect
Getting into 3D printing is exciting. Whether you want to create functional parts, cosplay props, prototypes, miniatures, or simply explore a new hobby, buying your first 3D printer opens up a world of possibilities. It can also feel incredibly overwhelming. Search online for the best beginner 3D printer and you’ll immediately find hundreds of options, […]
PLA vs PETG vs ASA: Which Filament Is Best for South Africa’s Climate?
If you’ve spent any time 3D printing in South Africa, you’ll know this: our environment doesn’t play nice with plastic. Between scorching summer heat, intense UV exposure, coastal humidity, and dramatic temperature swings, your filament choice matters a lot more here than it might in cooler parts of the world. A print that lasts years […]
Z-Banding and Ghosting in 3D Printing: What They Are and How to Fix Them
If you’ve ever pulled a print off your 3D printer and noticed strange lines or ripples ruining an otherwise perfect surface, you’re not alone. Two of the most common surface defects makers encounter are Z-banding and ghosting. The good news? Both issues are fixable. In this guide, we’ll break down what causes these defects, how […]
