4/15/2021 The Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing: 6 Steps - BCN3D Technologies

var baseUrl = "https://www.bcn3d.com";

The Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing: 6 Steps - BCN3D Technologies
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.bcn3d.com/#organization","name":"BCN3D
Technologies","url":"https://www.bcn3d.com/","sameAs":[],"logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.bcn3d.com/#logo","inLanguage":"en-
US","url":"https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/bcn3d-logo.png","width":120,"height":48,"caption":"BCN3D Technologies"},"image":
{"@id":"https://www.bcn3d.com/#logo"}},
{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.bcn3d.com/#website","url":"https://www.bcn3d.com/","name":"BCN3D Technologies","inLanguage":"en-
US","description":"3D Printers","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.bcn3d.com/#organization"},"potentialAction":
{"@type":"SearchAction","target":"https://www.bcn3d.com/?s={search_term_string}","query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}},
{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.bcn3d.com/the-beginners-guide-to-3d-printing-6-steps/#primaryimage","inLanguage":"en-
US","url":"https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/BCN3D-Technologies-3DPI-2019-Sigmax-R19-1.jpg","width":745,"height":434},
{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.bcn3d.com/the-beginners-guide-to-3d-printing-6-steps/#webpage","url":"https://www.bcn3d.com/the-
SHARE
beginners-guide-to-3d-printing-6-steps/","name":"The Beginner\u2019s Guide to 3D Printing: 6 Steps - BCN3D Technologies","isPartOf":
{"@id":"https://www.bcn3d.com/#website"},"inLanguage":"en-US","primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https://www.bcn3d.com/the-beginners-guide-to-3d-
printing-6-steps/#primaryimage"},"datePublished":"2020-07-12T08:45:55+00:00","dateModified":"2021-03-02T15:32:51+00:00","description":"In this
beginner's guide to 3D printing, we'll break down everything you need to know to get started in additive manufacturing.","breadcrumb":
{"@id":"https://www.bcn3d.com/the-beginners-guide-to-3d-printing-6-steps/#breadcrumb"}},
{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.bcn3d.com/the-beginners-guide-to-3d-printing-6-steps/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":
[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.bcn3d.com/","url":"https://www.bcn3d.com/","name":"Home"}},
{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":
{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.bcn3d.com/category/learning/","url":"https://www.bcn3d.com/category/learning/","name":"Learning"}},
{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.bcn3d.com/the-beginners-guide-to-3d-printing-6-
steps/","url":"https://www.bcn3d.com/the-beginners-guide-to-3d-printing-6-steps/","name":"The Beginner\u2019s Guide to 3D Printing: 6 Steps"}}]},
{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://www.bcn3d.com/the-beginners-guide-to-3d-printing-6-steps/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.bcn3d.com/the-
beginners-guide-to-3d-printing-6-steps/#webpage"},"author":
{"@id":"https://www.bcn3d.com/#/schema/person/9856aed2436449a8c0e817ea5972701f"},"headline":"The Beginner\u2019s Guide to 3D Printing: 6
Steps","datePublished":"2020-07-12T08:45:55+00:00","dateModified":"2021-03-02T15:32:51+00:00","commentCount":0,"mainEntityOfPage":
{"@id":"https://www.bcn3d.com/the-beginners-guide-to-3d-printing-6-steps/#webpage"},"publisher":
{"@id":"https://www.bcn3d.com/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https://www.bcn3d.com/the-beginners-guide-to-3d-printing-6-
steps/#primaryimage"},"articleSection":"Blog,Learning","inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":
["Person"],"@id":"https://www.bcn3d.com/#/schema/person/9856aed2436449a8c0e817ea5972701f","name":"Shanon Roberts","image":
{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.bcn3d.com/#authorlogo","inLanguage":"en-
US","url":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d241eb3ab8d7c2ffb3c3fae8c8aed74b?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Shanon Roberts"},"sameAs":[]}]}
.woocommerce form .form-row .required { visibility: visible; }
div#ez-toc-container p.ez-toc-title {font-size: 120%;}div#ez-toc-container p.ez-toc-title {font-weight: 500;}div#ez-toc-container ul li {font-size: 95%;}
!function(){let e=!1;function n(){if(!e){const n=document.createElement("meta");n.name="dapp-
detected",document.head.appendChild(n),e=!0}}if(window.hasOwnProperty("ethereum")){if(window.__disableDappDetectionInsertion=!0,void
0===window.ethereum)return;n()}else{var t=window.ethereum;Object.defineProperty(window,"ethereum",{configurable:!0,enumerable:!1,set:function(e)
{window.__disableDappDetectionInsertion||n(),t=e},get:function(){if(!window.__disableDappDetectionInsertion){const
e=arguments.callee;e&&e.caller&&e.caller.toString&&-1!==e.caller.toString().indexOf("getOwnPropertyNames")||n()}return t}})}}();
/* <![CDATA[ */ var wpml_cookies = {"wp-wpml_current_language":{"value":"en","expires":1,"path":"\/"}}; var wpml_cookies = {"wp-
wpml_current_language":{"value":"en","expires":1,"path":"\/"}}; /* ]]> */
var _hsq = _hsq || []; _hsq.push(["setContentType", "blog-post"]);
(function() { var hbspt = window.hbspt = window.hbspt || {}; hbspt.forms = hbspt.forms || {}; hbspt._wpFormsQueue = []; hbspt.enqueueForm =
function(formDef) { if (hbspt.forms && hbspt.forms.create) { hbspt.forms.create(formDef); } else { hbspt._wpFormsQueue.push(formDef); } } if
(!window.hbspt.forms.create) { Object.defineProperty(window.hbspt.forms, 'create', { configurable: true, get: function() { return hbspt._wpCreateForm; },
set: function(value) { hbspt._wpCreateForm = value; while (hbspt._wpFormsQueue.length) { var formDef = hbspt._wpFormsQueue.shift(); if
(!document.currentScript) { var formScriptId = 'leadin-forms-v2-js'; hubspot.utils.currentScript = document.getElementById(formScriptId); }
hbspt._wpCreateForm.call(hbspt.forms, formDef); } }, }); } })();
document.documentElement.className = document.documentElement.className.replace( 'no-js', 'js' );
.no-js img.lazyload { display: none; } figure.wp-block-image img.lazyloading { min-width: 150px; } .lazyload, .lazyloading { opacity: 0; } .lazyloaded {
opacity: 1; transition: opacity 400ms; transition-delay: 0ms; }
var dFlipLocation = "https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/plugins/dflip/assets/"; var dFlipWPGlobal = {"text":{"toggleSound":"Turn on\/off
Sound","toggleThumbnails":"Toggle Thumbnails","toggleOutline":"Toggle Outline\/Bookmark","previousPage":"Previous Page","nextPage":"Next
Page","toggleFullscreen":"Toggle Fullscreen","zoomIn":"Zoom In","zoomOut":"Zoom Out","toggleHelp":"Toggle Help","singlePageMode":"Single Page
Mode","doublePageMode":"Double Page Mode","downloadPDFFile":"Download PDF File","gotoFirstPage":"Goto First Page","gotoLastPage":"Goto
Last
Page","share":"Share"},"moreControls":"download,pageMode,startPage,endPage,sound","hideControls":"","scrollWheel":"true","backgroundColor":"#777
.recentcomments a{display:inline !important;padding:0 !important;margin:0 !important;}
/* CSS ADICIONAL PUESTO EN SETTINGS */ /* .single-product.postid-595882 { background:#000; } */ #ez-toc-container { padding:0!important;
border:0!important; } .ez-toc-title-container { padding: 15px 0; border-style:solid; border-width:2px 0; border-color:#000; margin:0 0 15px 0; } div#ez-toc-
container ul ul { margin-top:5px!important;} div#ez-toc-container p.ez-toc-title { font-weight:bold; font-size:20px; line-height:1; } .ez-toc-list li { margin-
bottom:5px!important; line-height:20px!important; } .ez-toc-list > li > a { font-weight:bold; } @media(min-width:768px) { .ez-toc-list { column-count: 2;
} } /* bug filaments sliders chrome, a veces se hacen muy altos y crean demasiada distancia entre slider y los puntos de navegacion */ /* general max
height for filament gallery and inner img */ #filament-gallery .uk-slider-items li, #filament-gallery .uk-slider-items li img {max-height:650px} #filament-
gallery .uk-slider-items li img {width:auto;} /* avoid 100% to avoid distortion */ /*align center image horizontally */ #filament-gallery .uk-slider-items
.filaments-gallery-image { -webkit-box-pack: center; -webkit-justify-content: center; -ms-flex-pack: center; justify-content: center; } .postid-596364
#filament-gallery .uk-slider-items li, .postid-596364 #filament-gallery .uk-slider-items li img {max-height:550px} /* disable clicking on handling product
*/ .mini-cart-content a[data-product-id="614712"], .mini-cart-content a[data-product-id="614713"], .mini-cart-content a[data-product-id="614714"],
.woocommerce-cart-form a[data-product-id="614712"], .woocommerce-cart-form a[data-product-id="614713"], .woocommerce-cart-form a[data-product-
id="614714"] { pointer-events:none; } .hs-cta-find-resellers-desktop { padding-left:0; padding-right:0; border:0; transform:translateY(3px); /* align text
vertically */ } .hs-cta-find-resellers-desktop:hover, .hs-cta-find-resellers-desktop:active, .hs-cta-find-resellers-desktop:focus { color:#fff;
background:transparent; text-decoration:underline; } /* cambio de color del separador en plantillas de pagina con el header inicialmente blanco*/ .page-
template-page-bcn3d-sigma-d25 .site-header .header-right .topright-separator, .page-template-page-reseller .site-header .header-right .topright-separator,
.single-product .site-header .header-right .topright-separator, .category .site-header .header-right .topright-separator, .single-post .site-header .header-right

https://www.bcn3d.com/the-beginners-guide-to-3d-printing-6-steps/ 1/11
4/15/2021 The Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing: 6 Steps - BCN3D Technologies

.topright-separator, .page-template-page-new-landing-technologies .site-header .header-right .topright-separator, .page-template-page-about .site-header

.header-right .topright-separator, .page-template-page-contact .site-header .header-right .topright-separator, .page-id-642300 .site-header .header-right
.topright-separator, .post-type-archive-jobs .site-header .header-right .topright-separator { border-left: 1px solid #000; } /* cambio de color del cta superior
derecho find resellers, en plantillas de pagina con el header inicialmente blanco*/ .page-template-page-bcn3d-sigma-d25 .hs-cta-find-resellers-desktop,
.page-template-page-reseller .hs-cta-find-resellers-desktop, .single-product .hs-cta-find-resellers-desktop, .category .hs-cta-find-resellers-desktop, .single-
post .hs-cta-find-resellers-desktop, .page-template-page-new-landing-technologies .hs-cta-find-resellers-desktop, .page-template-page-about .hs-cta-find-
resellers-desktop, .page-template-page-contact .hs-cta-find-resellers-desktop, .page-id-642300 .hs-cta-find-resellers-desktop, .post-type-archive-jobs .hs-
cta-find-resellers-desktop { color:#000; border-color:#000; } /* cambio de color del cta superior derecho find resellers, en plantillas de pagina con el
header inicialmente blanco AL HACER SCROLL */ .page-template-page-bcn3d-sigma-d25.userScrolled .hs-cta-find-resellers-desktop, .page-template-
page-reseller.userScrolled .hs-cta-find-resellers-desktop, .single-product.userScrolled .hs-cta-find-resellers-desktop, .category.userScrolled .hs-cta-find-
resellers-desktop, .single-post.userScrolled .hs-cta-find-resellers-desktop, .page-template-page-new-landing-technologies.userScrolled .hs-cta-find-
resellers-desktop,
SHARE .page-template-page-about.userScrolled .hs-cta-find-resellers-desktop, .page-template-page-contact.userScrolled .hs-cta-find-resellers-
desktop, .page-id-642300.userScrolled .hs-cta-find-resellers-desktop, .post-type-archive-jobs.userScrolled .hs-cta-find-resellers-desktop { color:white;
border-color:white; } .page-template-page-bcn3d-sigma-d25.userScrolled .site-header .header-right .topright-separator, .page-template-page-
reseller.userScrolled .site-header .header-right .topright-separator, .single-product.userScrolled .site-header .header-right .topright-separator,
.category.userScrolled .site-header .header-right .topright-separator, .single-post.userScrolled .site-header .header-right .topright-separator, .page-template-
page-new-landing-technologies.userScrolled .site-header .header-right .topright-separator, .page-template-page-about.userScrolled .site-header .header-
right .topright-separator, .page-template-page-contact.userScrolled .site-header .header-right .topright-separator, .page-id-642300.userScrolled .site-header
.header-right .topright-separator, .post-type-archive-jobs.userScrolled .site-header .header-right .topright-separator { border-left: 1px solid #fff; } .hs-cta-
find-resellers-mobile { background-color:#464646; border-color: #464646; } /* this one overrides a rule that comes from HS */ @media (max-width:
1450px) { .uk-button.uk-button-primary.cta-ext-link { font-size: 15px; } } /* hotfix material selector responsive mobile */ .get-started-wrapper { box-
sizing: border-box; } @media(max-width:980px) { .get-started-wrapper { min-height:0!important; } }
window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'UA-59861573-1');
(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],
j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);
})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-NHP9PPH');
(function(h,o,t,j,a,r){ h.hj=h.hj||function(){(h.hj.q=h.hj.q||[]).push(arguments)}; h._hjSettings={hjid:2339067,hjsv:6}; a=o.getElementsByTagName('head')
[0]; r=o.createElement('script');r.async=1; r.src=t+h._hjSettings.hjid+j+h._hjSettings.hjsv; a.appendChild(r); })
(window,document,'https://static.hotjar.com/c/hotjar-','.js?sv=');
html.hs-messages-widget-open.hs-messages-mobile,html.hs-messages-widget-open.hs-messages-mobile
body{overflow:hidden!important;position:relative!important}html.hs-messages-widget-open.hs-messages-mobile
body{height:100%!important;margin:0!important}#hubspot-messages-iframe-container{display:initial!important;z-
index:2147483647;position:fixed!important;bottom:0!important}#hubspot-messages-iframe-container.widget-align-left{left:0!important}#hubspot-
messages-iframe-container.widget-align-right{right:0!important}#hubspot-messages-iframe-container.internal{z-index:1016}#hubspot-messages-iframe-
container.internal iframe{min-width:108px}#hubspot-messages-iframe-container .shadow-container{display:initial!important;z-
index:-1;position:absolute;width:0;height:0;bottom:0;content:""}#hubspot-messages-iframe-container .shadow-
container.internal{display:none!important}#hubspot-messages-iframe-container .shadow-container.active{width:400px;height:400px}#hubspot-messages-
iframe-container
iframe{display:initial!important;width:100%!important;height:100%!important;border:none!important;position:absolute!important;bottom:0!important;rig

@media(max-width:1430px) { .header-tools .uk-button + .uk-button, .header-tools .cta_button + .uk-button { margin-left:13px; } }

0
EN

hbspt.cta.load(5757269, 'd422a94d-b4fb-4c25-b6d1-73735a182e35', {});

hbspt.cta.load(5757269, '0d557e28-2b9c-4f24-bfda-164b1bfdd317', {});

3D Printers
Epsilon W50 SC
Epsilon W50
Epsilon W27 SC
Epsilon W27

https://www.bcn3d.com/the-beginners-guide-to-3d-printing-6-steps/ 2/11
4/15/2021 The Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing: 6 Steps - BCN3D Technologies

Sigma D25
BCN3D Consumables
Software
BCN3D Cura
BCN3D Cloud
BCN3D Filaments
Industries
Architecture
Engineering
Healthcare
Manufacturing
SHARE Product design
Professional individuals
Research
Schools
Service bureau
Universities
Learn
Success stories
Changemakers
White papers
Learning
Blog
Events
Support
About
IDEX technology
About us
Join our team
Open source
Pressroom
Contact us

EN

.mobile-menu-hs-ctas .uk-button { width:100%; margin:0!important; }

"/>
hbspt.cta.load(5757269, '082d26f4-ccc1-418c-a808-bf628636a739', {});

https://www.bcn3d.com/the-beginners-guide-to-3d-printing-6-steps/ 3/11
4/15/2021 The Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing: 6 Steps - BCN3D Technologies

SHARE

"/>
hbspt.cta.load(5757269, '4ea55af8-f62f-4936-9a2d-0c1da6422768', {});

Workbench Series

Epsilon W50

Epsilon W27

Epsilon W50
Epsilon W27

https://www.bcn3d.com/the-beginners-guide-to-3d-printing-6-steps/ 4/11
4/15/2021 The Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing: 6 Steps - BCN3D Technologies

Desktop Series

Sigma D25

Peripherals

Consumables

BCN3D Cura
BCN3D Cloud
SHARE

Engineering
Product design
Manufacturing
Universities
Schools
Architecture
Service bureau
Research
Professional individuals
Healthcare

.megamenu-switcherF .sub-menu {display:none!important}

Standard

BVOH
Tough PLA
PLA
PET-G
PVA
TPU 98A

Technical

ABS
PP
PA

Composites

PP GF30
PAHT CF15

.uk-grid-large > .uk-grid-margin.margin-top-xtra-filaments-cta-wrapper, .margin-top-xtra-filaments-cta-wrapper { margin-top:20px; }

Need help choosing? Try our Material Selector!

jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $('.megamenu-ew50sc a').attr({ 'uk-img': '', 'data-src': 'https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/50S.jpg
}); // poner el badge SC var w50SCtext = $('.megamenu-ew50sc a').text(); w50textWithBadge = w50SCtext.replace('SC','<span class="smartcab-badge
smartcab-badge-megamenu">'+ '<img data-skip-azy skip-lazy class="skip-lazy" src="https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/themes/new-
bcn3dtech/resources/assets/images/sc-brand-b.png" width="14" height="auto" alt="SC"/></span>'); $('.megamenu-ew50sc a').html(w50textWithBadge);
$('.megamenu-ew27sc a').attr({ 'uk-img': '', 'data-src': 'https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/27S.jpg' }); // poner el badge SC var
w27SCtext = $('.megamenu-ew27sc a').text(); w27textWithBadge = w27SCtext.replace('SC','<span class="smartcab-badge smartcab-badge-megamenu">'+
'<img data-skip-azy skip-lazy class="skip-lazy" src="https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/themes/new-bcn3dtech/resources/assets/images/sc-brand-b.png"
width="14" height="auto" alt="SC"/></span>'); $('.megamenu-ew27sc a').html(w27textWithBadge); $('.megamenu-ew50 a').attr({ 'uk-img': '', 'data-src':
'https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/50.jpg' }); $('.megamenu-ew27 a').attr({ 'uk-img': '', 'data-src': 'https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-
content/uploads/2020/09/27.jpg' }); $('.megamenu-sigma-d25 a').attr({ 'uk-img': '', 'data-src': 'https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/25.jpg'
}); /* deprecated menu items */ $('.megamenu-epsilon a').attr({ 'uk-img': '', 'data-src': 'https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Epsilon-
header.jpg' }); $('.megamenu-sigmax a').attr({ 'uk-img': '', 'data-src': 'https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Sigmax-header-3-prints.jpg' });
$('.megamenu-sigma a').attr({ 'uk-img': '', 'data-src': 'https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Sigma-header-3prints.jpg' }); /* deprecated
menu items */ $('.megamenu-consumables a').attr({ 'uk-img': '', 'data-src': 'https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/b3d-megamenu-
consumables.jpg' }); $('.megamenu-consumables-n a').attr({ 'uk-img': '', 'data-src': 'https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Consumables.jpg'
}); $('.megamenu-parts a').attr({ 'uk-img': '', 'data-src': 'https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Spare-Parts-header.jpg' }); $('.megamenu-
parts-n a').attr({ 'uk-img': '', 'data-src': 'https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Spare-parts.jpg' }); $('.megamenu-cura a').attr({ 'uk-img': '',
'data-src': 'https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/b3d-megamenu-cura.jpg' }); $('.megamenu-cura a').attr({ 'uk-img': '', 'data-src':
'https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/b3d-megamenu-cura.jpg' }); $('.megamenu-cura a').attr({ 'uk-img': '', 'data-src':
'https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/b3d-megamenu-cura.jpg' }); $('.megamenu-cura a').attr({ 'uk-img': '', 'data-src':
'https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/b3d-megamenu-cura.jpg' }); $('.megamenu-cloud a').attr({ 'uk-img': '', 'data-src':
'https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/BCN3D-Cloud_Header.jpg' }); $('.wpml-ls-legacy-dropdown-click > ul').clone().appendTo('.mobile-
languages'); $('.mmenu-pla').hover(function(){ $('#filamentpic').attr('data-src','https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-

https://www.bcn3d.com/the-beginners-guide-to-3d-printing-6-steps/ 5/11
4/15/2021 The Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing: 6 Steps - BCN3D Technologies

content/uploads/2020/09/PLA_Camper_Gallery.jpg'); }); $('.mmenu-pet-g').hover(function(){ $('#filamentpic').attr('data-src','https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-

content/uploads/2020/09/PET-G_Tooling_Galery-e1589529480848.jpg'); }); $('.mmenu-pva').hover(function(){ $('#filamentpic').attr('data-
src','https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/PVA-Volante_Galery.jpg'); }); $('.mmenu-tpu').hover(function(){ $('#filamentpic').attr('data-
src','https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TPU-ngny_Landing-1.jpg'); }); $('.mmenu-abs').hover(function(){ $('#filamentpic').attr('data-
src','https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ABS-Carcasa01.jpg'); }); $('.mmenu-pp').hover(function(){ $('#filamentpic').attr('data-
src','https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/PP_Botellas_Gallery.jpg'); }); $('.mmenu-pa').hover(function(){ $('#filamentpic').attr('data-
src','https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/PA_Pinza_Gallery.jpg'); }); $('.mmenu-pp-gf30').hover(function(){ $('#filamentpic').attr('data-
src','https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/PPGF-Boquilla_Gallery.jpg'); }); $('.mmenu-paht-cf15').hover(function(){
$('#filamentpic').attr('data-src','https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/PAHT-CF15_Tobera_Landing.jpg'); }); $('.mmenu-
bvoh').hover(function(){ $('#filamentpic').attr('data-src','https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-
content/uploads/2021/01/BCN3D_Filaments_BVOH_Motorstudent_design_3D_print_prototype_3.jpg'); }); $('.mmenu-tough-pla').hover(function(){
$('#filamentpic').attr('data-src','https://www.bcn3d.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/BCN3D_Filaments_Tough_PLA_BCN3D_tooling_-Epsilon-
SHARE
series.jpg'); }); // toggle class on body when mobile menu is visible $('.menu-toggle').click(function(){ $('body').addClass('mobile-menu-active'); });
$('.mobile-close').click(function(){ $('body').removeClass('mobile-menu-active'); }); });
.mobile-menu-active #hubspot-messages-iframe-container { display:none!important; }

Home
»
Learning
»
The Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing: 6 Steps

The Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing: 6 Steps

Jul 12, 2020

3D printing is an ever-evolving and expanding field. If you’re a beginner to 3D printing

, the number of possibilities and applications can seem so vast, it can be a bit overwhelming when you’re just starting.

In this beginner’s guide to

3D printing
, we’ll explain what exactly 3D printing is, how it works, the best materials for beginners, and what you need to get started.

What is 3D Printing?
3D printing is the process of creating a three-dimensional object, usually done by systematically layering material on top of itself. The printer reads a
digital file from the computer which dictates how to layer the material to build the object.

This is why 3D printing is also known as additive manufacturing. 3D printing and additive manufacturing are mostly synonymous, although you may hear
additive manufacturing used more frequently in the context of mass consumption or mass manufacturing.

How to 3D Print

https://www.bcn3d.com/the-beginners-guide-to-3d-printing-6-steps/ 6/11
4/15/2021 The Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing: 6 Steps - BCN3D Technologies

Depending on the specific print you are planning to do there could be more or fewer steps in your process. But in general, 3D printing involves the
following actions:

Step 1: Create or Find a Design

The first step of 3D printing typically starts on a computer. You must create your design using a 3D design software, typically a CAD (computer-aided
design) software. If you are unable to create the design yourself, you can also find many free resources online with free designs.

Step 2: Export the STL File

Once you have created or chosen a design, you must either export or download the STL file. The STL file is what stores the information about your
SHARE
conceptual 3D object.

Step 3: Choose Your Materials

Typically you may have an idea about what kind of material you will use before you print. There are many different 3D printing materials available, and
you can choose them based on the properties that you want your object to have. We will discuss this more in-depth
below
.

Step 4: Choose Your Parameters

The next step is then deciding on the different parameters of your object and the printing process. This includes deciding on the size and placement of you
print.

Step 5: Create the Gcode

You will then import the STL file into a slicing software, like
BCN3D Cura
. The slicing software will convert the information from the STL file into a
Gcode
, which is a specific code containing exact instructions for the printer.

Step 6: Print

This is when the magic happens! The printer will create the object layer by layer. Depending on the size of your object, your printer, and the materials
used, the job can be done in a matter of minutes or over several hours.

Depending on what you want your final product to be or the material you used, there may be additional post-processing steps after printing, like painting,
brushing off powder, etc.

What is 3D Printing Used For?

3D printing can be used both recreationally and professionally, across various industries. It has applications in many different fields and sectors, from the
healthcare industry
to
engineering
, and even
fashion
.

Increasingly, 3D printing is seen as a sustainable and cost-friendly solution for creating prototypes and tools for different manufacturing projects and
processes. Traditionally, acquiring prototypes can be time-consuming and costly, requiring companies to depend on outside manufacturers. 3D printing
allows companies to quickly make units of an object, tool, or prototype, all in-house.

A great example of this is shoe company

Camper
. In-house 3D printing has allowed them to transform their nearly month and a half long modeling and designing process into an operation that takes only
several days.

Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing: How To Get Started

So, what do you need to get started with 3D printing? Your specific needs will depend on why and what you want to print, but in general, there are three
considerations for getting started:

A 3D printer
Filament
Slicing software

https://www.bcn3d.com/the-beginners-guide-to-3d-printing-6-steps/ 7/11
4/15/2021 The Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing: 6 Steps - BCN3D Technologies

If you plan on creating your own designs you will also need the appropriate designing software. But, as we mentioned earlier, you can also find many free
resources online to download designs.

If you have not yet purchased a 3D printer, we have a

guide that can help steer you through the most important considerations.

Filaments
The material, also called filament, you choose for your print will depend on many different factors. Do you want your object to be flexible? Heat resistant?
Does it need to be very durable? These are just some of the factors to consider when choosing your filament.

In general, most beginners start with PLA.

SHARE
This is because PLA is cost-effective and typically easy to print with a standard configuration. Depending on your specific project, PLA could be good
starter material.

PET-G is also considered a beginner-friendly material, although it is a bit more technical than PLA. However, it is great for industries like engineering and
manufacturing. It is a good material for functional prototypes because it can withstand higher temperatures and has a different chemical makeup that is
ideal for these uses.

Software

There are two important pieces of software for 3D printing: CAD and slicing software.

Typically, you can use any CAD system that can create a functional model. CAD is essential if you want to create your own models and objects. You must
be able to export an STL file from your CAD software.

The slicing software is the second part of the equation. This software translates the STL file into a language that the printer can understand. The Gcode
contains movement information that tells the printer how and where to move its axis, as well as how much material to deposit. The Gcode is sent to the
printer via an SD card or wifi.

https://www.bcn3d.com/the-beginners-guide-to-3d-printing-6-steps/ 8/11
4/15/2021 The Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing: 6 Steps - BCN3D Technologies

Final Thoughts
3D printing is now more beginner-friendly than it has ever been. In the beginning, many people saw 3D printing as something inaccessible to the major
public, but this sentiment is changing, and for good reason. While it takes practice to perfect your prints and technique, learning how to 3D print is an
attainable skill.

SHARE

Copyright site.com
.related-posts {background:#f9fbfb;}

You may also like

Learning
White Papers

Apr 14, 2021

BCN3D Slicing Guide 2: Aligning Line Width with your application’s needs

Blog
Success Stories

The BCN3D Epsilon W27 helps Agri.Builders’ Pherodrones fly high

Learning
White Papers

Mar 30, 2021

BCN3D Slicing Guide 1: All the ways in which layer height affects your print

li.fmenumargintop {margin-top:20px;margin-bottom:20px;}

Products

Industries

Learn

Support

About us

https://www.bcn3d.com/the-beginners-guide-to-3d-printing-6-steps/ 9/11
4/15/2021 The Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing: 6 Steps - BCN3D Technologies

Enter your e-mail address for updates

hbspt.forms.create({ portalId: "5757269", formId: "0396f0b4-f386-4335-b9e4-e1567044b1d7" });

2021. BCN3D Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Terms and conditions

Purchase Conditions
SHARE
Privacy policy
Cookies policy

var c = document.body.className; c = c.replace(/woocommerce-no-js/, 'woocommerce-js'); document.body.className = c;

var wc_product_block_data = JSON.parse( decodeURIComponent(
'%7B%22min_columns%22%3A1%2C%22max_columns%22%3A6%2C%22default_columns%22%3A3%2C%22min_rows%22%3A1%2C%22max_row
content%5C%2Fuploads%5C%2Fwoocommerce-placeholder-
300x300.png%22%2C%22min_height%22%3A500%2C%22default_height%22%3A500%2C%22isLargeCatalog%22%3Afalse%2C%22limitTags%22%
category%5C%2Funcategorized%5C%2F%22%7D%2C%7B%22term_id%22%3A31%2C%22name%22%3A%22Consumables%22%2C%22slug%22%3
category%5C%2Fconsumables%5C%2F%22%7D%2C%7B%22term_id%22%3A25%2C%22name%22%3A%22Filaments%22%2C%22slug%22%3A%
category%5C%2Ffilaments%5C%2F%22%7D%2C%7B%22term_id%22%3A26%2C%22name%22%3A%22General%20purpose%22%2C%22slug%22%
purpose%22%2C%22term_group%22%3A0%2C%22term_taxonomy_id%22%3A26%2C%22taxonomy%22%3A%22product_cat%22%2C%22descriptio
category%5C%2Fgeneral-
purpose%5C%2F%22%7D%2C%7B%22term_id%22%3A15779%2C%22name%22%3A%22Pack%20Epsilon%22%2C%22slug%22%3A%22pack-
epsilon%22%2C%22term_group%22%3A0%2C%22term_taxonomy_id%22%3A15779%2C%22taxonomy%22%3A%22product_cat%22%2C%22descrip
category%5C%2Fpack-
epsilon%5C%2F%22%7D%2C%7B%22term_id%22%3A22752%2C%22name%22%3A%22Pack%20Epsilon%20W27%22%2C%22slug%22%3A%22p
epsilon-
w27%22%2C%22term_group%22%3A0%2C%22term_taxonomy_id%22%3A22753%2C%22taxonomy%22%3A%22product_cat%22%2C%22descriptio
category%5C%2Fpack-epsilon-
w27%5C%2F%22%7D%2C%7B%22term_id%22%3A22756%2C%22name%22%3A%22Pack%20Epsilon%20W50%22%2C%22slug%22%3A%22pack
epsilon-
w50%22%2C%22term_group%22%3A0%2C%22term_taxonomy_id%22%3A22757%2C%22taxonomy%22%3A%22product_cat%22%2C%22descriptio
category%5C%2Fpack-epsilon-
w50%5C%2F%22%7D%2C%7B%22term_id%22%3A23%2C%22name%22%3A%22Pack%20Sigma%22%2C%22slug%22%3A%22pack-
sigma%22%2C%22term_group%22%3A0%2C%22term_taxonomy_id%22%3A23%2C%22taxonomy%22%3A%22product_cat%22%2C%22description
category%5C%2Fpack-
sigma%5C%2F%22%7D%2C%7B%22term_id%22%3A22760%2C%22name%22%3A%22Pack%20Sigma%20D25%22%2C%22slug%22%3A%22pack
sigma-
d25%22%2C%22term_group%22%3A0%2C%22term_taxonomy_id%22%3A22761%2C%22taxonomy%22%3A%22product_cat%22%2C%22descriptio
category%5C%2Fpack-sigma-
d25%5C%2F%22%7D%2C%7B%22term_id%22%3A32%2C%22name%22%3A%22Pack%20Sigmax%22%2C%22slug%22%3A%22pack-
sigmax%22%2C%22term_group%22%3A0%2C%22term_taxonomy_id%22%3A32%2C%22taxonomy%22%3A%22product_cat%22%2C%22descriptio
category%5C%2Fpack-
sigmax%5C%2F%22%7D%2C%7B%22term_id%22%3A22686%2C%22name%22%3A%22Preorder%22%2C%22slug%22%3A%22preorder%22%2C%
category%5C%2Fpreorder%5C%2F%22%7D%2C%7B%22term_id%22%3A24%2C%22name%22%3A%22Printer%203D%22%2C%22slug%22%3A%
3d%22%2C%22term_group%22%3A0%2C%22term_taxonomy_id%22%3A24%2C%22taxonomy%22%3A%22product_cat%22%2C%22description%22
category%5C%2Fprinter-
3d%5C%2F%22%7D%2C%7B%22term_id%22%3A28%2C%22name%22%3A%22Spare%20parts%22%2C%22slug%22%3A%22spare-
parts%22%2C%22term_group%22%3A0%2C%22term_taxonomy_id%22%3A28%2C%22taxonomy%22%3A%22product_cat%22%2C%22description%
category%5C%2Fspare-
parts%5C%2F%22%7D%2C%7B%22term_id%22%3A27%2C%22name%22%3A%22Technical%22%2C%22slug%22%3A%22technical%22%2C%22te
category%5C%2Ftechnical%5C%2F%22%7D%5D%2C%22homeUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%5C%2F%5C%2Fwww.bcn3d.com%5C%2F%22%7D' ) );
/* <![CDATA[ */ var leadin_wordpress = {"userRole":"visitor","pageType":"post","leadinPluginVersion":"7.51.74"}; /* ]]> */
/* <![CDATA[ */ var wc_add_to_cart_params = {"ajax_url":"\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php","wc_ajax_url":"\/?wc-
ajax=%%endpoint%%","i18n_view_cart":"View cart","cart_url":"https:\/\/www.bcn3d.com\/cart\/","is_cart":"","cart_redirect_after_add":"no"}; /* ]]> */
/* <![CDATA[ */ var woocommerce_params = {"ajax_url":"\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php","wc_ajax_url":"\/?wc-ajax=%%endpoint%%"}; /* ]]> */
/* <![CDATA[ */ var wc_cart_fragments_params = {"ajax_url":"\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php","wc_ajax_url":"\/?wc-
ajax=%%endpoint%%","cart_hash_key":"wc_cart_hash_1e1735b2987fbd815ed5b607c6917ce5","fragment_name":"wc_fragments_1e1735b2987fbd815e
/* ]]> */
/* <![CDATA[ */ var wpajax = {"ajax_url":"https:\/\/www.bcn3d.com\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php"}; /* ]]> */

hbspt.forms.create({ portalId: "5757269", formId: "f39432a2-74d5-477a-a369-e34c8575eff8" });

Call our specialists now: (00) +34 934 137 088
jQuery(function($) { if ( $('.cart-empty').length ) { console.log('Empty cart'); $('.wc-backward').click( function(e){ e.preventDefault();
window.history.back(); }); } /* function quitar_shipping_handling_choose_your_pack(packCard) { var precio_impresora =
$(packCard).find('.woocommerce-Price-amount').text(); precio_impresora = precio_impresora.replace('€',''); precio_impresora =
precio_impresora.replace('.',''); precio_impresora = precio_impresora.replace(',','.'); precio_impresora = parseFloat(precio_impresora);
precio_impresora_quitando_shipping_y_handling = precio_impresora - 50; precio_impresora_quitando_shipping_y_handling =
precio_impresora_quitando_shipping_y_handling.toFixed(2) $(packCard).find('.woocommerce-Price-
amount').text(precio_impresora_quitando_shipping_y_handling+"€"); console.log("Price with handling " + precio_impresora); console.log("Price without
handling " + precio_impresora_quitando_shipping_y_handling); } $('.list-packs .card-product').each(function(){ // asumimos que lo esta haciendo entodos
los idiomas! quitar_shipping_handling_choose_your_pack(this); }) */ /* function quitar_handling_precio_producto_en_carrito (productrow) { var

https://www.bcn3d.com/the-beginners-guide-to-3d-printing-6-steps/ 10/11
4/15/2021 The Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing: 6 Steps - BCN3D Technologies

precio_impresora = $('.shop_table td.product-name a[href*="pack"] + .woocommerce-Price-amount').text(); precio_impresora =

precio_impresora.replace('€',''); precio_impresora = precio_impresora.replace('.',''); precio_impresora = precio_impresora.replace(',','.'); precio_impresora =
parseFloat(precio_impresora); precio_impresora_quitando_shipping_y_handling = precio_impresora - 50;
precio_impresora_quitando_shipping_y_handling = precio_impresora_quitando_shipping_y_handling.toFixed(2) console.log("Precio que pone
"+precio_impresora); console.log("Precio sin handling "+precio_impresora_quitando_shipping_y_handling); $('.shop_table td.product-name
a[href*="pack"] + .woocommerce-Price-amount').text(precio_impresora_quitando_shipping_y_handling+"€"); } } if ( $('.woocommerce-cart').length ) {
quitar_handling_precio_producto_en_carrito(); } */ });
!function(e){"function"==typeof define&&define.amd?define(["jquery"],e):"object"==typeof exports?module.exports=e(require("jquery")):e(jQuery)}
(function(e){var n=/\+/g;function o(e){return t.raw?e:encodeURIComponent(e)}function i(e){return o(t.json?JSON.stringify(e):String(e))}function r(o,i)
{var r=t.raw?o:function(e){0===e.indexOf('"')&&(e=e.slice(1,-1).replace(/\\"/g,'"').replace(/\\\\/g,"\\"));try{return e=decodeURIComponent(e.replace(n,"
")),t.json?JSON.parse(e):e}catch(e){}}(o);return e.isFunction(i)?i(r):r}var t=e.cookie=function(n,c,u){if(arguments.length>1&&!e.isFunction(c))
{if("number"==typeof(u=e.extend({},t.defaults,u)).expires){var s=u.expires,a=u.expires=new Date;a.setMilliseconds(a.getMilliseconds()+864e5*s)}return
SHARE
document.cookie=[o(n),"=",i(c),u.expires?"; expires="+u.expires.toUTCString():"",u.path?"; path="+u.path:"",u.domain?";
domain="+u.domain:"",u.secure?"; secure":""].join("")}for(var d,f=n?void 0:{},p=document.cookie?document.cookie.split("; "):
[],l=0,m=p.length;l<m;l++){var x=p[l].split("="),g=(d=x.shift(),t.raw?d:decodeURIComponent(d)),v=x.join("=");if(n===g){f=r(v,c);break}n||void 0===
(v=r(v))||(f[g]=v)}return f};t.defaults={},e.removeCookie=function(n,o){return e.cookie(n,"",e.extend({},o,{expires:-1})),!e.cookie(n)}});
jQuery(document).ready(function($){ if ( $.cookie('b3dCookieAdv') == undefined ) { var cookieadvert = "<div class='cookieadvert uk-position-bottom uk
position-fixed z-index-5 uk-light' style='padding:10px 20px;background:#000'>"+ "<div class='uk-grid uk-grid-small' uk-grid>"+ "<div class='uk-width-5-
6@s uk-text-center uk-text-left@s uk-text-small'>"+ "This website or its third-party tools use cookies, which are necessary for its functioning and required
to achieve the purposes illustrated in the cookie policy. You can <a href=\"https://www.bcn3d.com/web-cookies-legal-notice/\" style=\"text-
decoration:underline;color:#1d8cc6\" rel=\"nofollow\">read our Cookie Policy</a>, change your cookie preferences, or continue browsing to accept all
cookies."+ "</div>"+ "<div class='uk-width-1-6@s uk-text-center uk-text-left@s '>"+ "<button id='cookie-agreed' class='uk-button uk-button-ghost-white
style='margin-top:5px'>"+ "I accept"+ "</button>"+ "</div>"+ "</div>"+ "</div>"; $('body').append(cookieadvert); $('#cookie-
agreed').bind('click',function(){ $.cookie('b3dCookieAdv','1',{ expires: 30, path: '/' }); $('.cookieadvert').fadeOut('fast'); }); } });
This website or its third-party tools use cookies, which are necessary for its functioning and required to achieve the purposes illustrated in the cookie
policy. You can
read our Cookie Policy
, change your cookie preferences, or continue browsing to accept all cookies.
I accept

https://www.bcn3d.com/the-beginners-guide-to-3d-printing-6-steps/ 11/11