1

Hello

I am a total newbie to 3D printing.

I need to get someone to 3D print a prototype for a plastic consumer product for me. I am looking for very general advice about materials, printers etc. But before I start, is this the best place as I don’t want to annoy anyone? And if not here, then where else would be a good place to start?

I have designed my model using ‘professional’ grade CAD software called Onsite which can export into various formats including STL files.

Many thanks

John

2

Hi John,

The 2 oldest and most popular materials for 3d printing (desktop 3d printing) are ABS and PLA, ABS is tougher but harder to print and PLA is easier to print but more brittle. There are also many other materials that have different properties. Here is a good beginners guide http://3dprintingforbeginners.com/filamentprimer-2/ or you could do a quick google search for PLA vs ABS as there are heaps of articles comparing them, then once you have a bit of a handle you could use one of them or look into more exotic materials. Same with advice about printers, if you could watch a few youtube clips you’ll get the hang of it pretty quickly and then you can ask more detailed questions when you are ready.

Most people here are pretty happy to help someone out and give advice when required. The site I liked to above is 3d printing for beginners which (as the name suggests) could be helpful to you. Hope this helps

Cheers

Andrew

3

Hi John

I’d be happy to have a look or advise you if you wanted to contact me or send your stl files.

Best regards

Adam

AG Prototypes

4

Hi, yes use 3d hubs, they are as cheap as you will get.

Graham