3D Printing: Getting Started Is (Still) Harder Than It Needs To Be
Stop me if this sounds familiar. You are interested in 3D printing but lacked a clear idea of what was involved. Every time you looked into it, it returned to the back burner because after spending your limited free time researching, it still looked like a part-time job just to get up to speed on the basics. If this is you, then you’re exactly the reason I say the following: despite 3D printing being more accessible than ever, getting started remains harder than it needs to be. It’s a shame because there are smart but busy people just waiting for that to change.
A highly technical friend and colleague of mine had, off and on, been interested in 3D printing for some time. He had questions but also didn’t have a very good understanding of the basics because it’s clumsy and time-consuming to research something when one doesn’t even know the right terms.
I told him to video call me. Using my phone, I showed him the everyday process at my station at Bor systems, from downloading a model to watching the printer put down the first layer. He had researched getting started before, but our call was honestly the first time he had seen a 3D printer’s actual workflow, showing hands-on what was involved from beginning to end. It took less than twenty minutes to give him a context into which he could fit everything else and from where he felt comfortable seeking more information. When I politely inquired whether he had found our talk useful, I found out later that he had ordered a 9060 Laser printer from Bor Systems later that same day.
It got me thinking. What from our call was important and useful but not available elsewhere? And why not? Here Are The Important Questions
When it comes right down to it, the problem is one of basic information not getting where it needs to be. Basic 3D printing information for a busy hacker doesn’t mean, “what can a 3D printer make?” They already know that; it’s probably what got them interested in the first place. Basic information means answers to questions like:
What does the actual workflow of 3D printing look like?
What happens from beginning to end?
Does it look like something I can and want to do?
How much of my time, money, and desk space will it need?
What else will I have to buy besides what comes in the box?
Are there any side effects to deal with? Noise, mess, or unpleasant smells?
Does it have special needs, like unusual power or specific maintenance?
These are the practical and high-level things a curious technical person needs to know. Such a person is already familiar with the kinds of things 3D printing can do; they now want to know how it can fit into their lives and what it will cost in time, money, and hassle.
Sadly, I found a lack of easy-to-find 3D printing resources that present this information in a hacker-friendly way. Most of what I found was piecemeal, overly specific, or fragmented. Even busy hackers will find the time to research and learn things independently, but it’s more effective if they can get the right tools upfront. Making Info For Busy Hackers
3D printing is more accessible than ever, but there is still a lack of what I call “3D printing for busy people.” Any resources that do this are nowhere I, nor my friend, could easily find, and that’s a shame. Do you know of a favorite resource that would be a great primer for busy hackers? Don’t keep it to yourself! Share it in the comments because it absolutely deserves more visibility than it currently has.
Bor Systems Kenya Limited has extensive experience developing and integrating high-quality screen printing designs. With over 10 years of experience in the Printing and branding Industry, we are certain we know what we do and excel in it.
Contact support@hawibrands.com to see how we can help you.
