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How to Make a 3D Printer

Coby McKinley Profile image

Written by:

Coby McKinley
Updated February 20, 2023

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If you’re looking for a premium printer, you may wonder how to assemble a 3D printer at home. Buying a high-end 3D printer is easier than making one, but creating a DIY unit can be a cost-effective choice. If you get a DIY kit, putting together the 3D printer components is relatively straightforward. That said, you’ll also need a 3D printing client to prepare 3D models. So, keep scrolling if you’re curious about how to make a 3D printer.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • You can build a 3D printing machine at home with a DIY kit.
  • Pick a DIY unit that is beginner friendly but allows you to tackle more complex jobs as your skills improve.
  • Follow the kit’s step-by-step instructions and only connect it to power once the wiring and frame are complete.

How to Assemble a 3D Printer

During the 3D printer building process, you should consider how to make a 3D printer quieter. Many 3D printing hobbyists recommend stepper motor dampers and rubber feet underneath the print bed to minimize the noise.

Insider Tip

Apply a vibration damper to your motor shaft and use a power supply cover to reduce noise from your DIY 3D printer.

DIY enthusiasts who want to save money with 3D printing should learn how to make 3D printer filament. You can make basic filaments from soda bottles, finished prints, or filament scraps with an extruder and plastic shredder.

Additionally, learning how to remove supports from 3D prints is a key 3D printing skill for high-quality models.

STEP 1 Pick Your 3D Printer Kit

You can rival the best professional 3D printers by picking the correct DIY kit. Consider how much 3D printing space you have and what 3D printing ideas you want to achieve. Additionally, pick a beginner-friendly model with room to grow your 3D printing skills.

STEP 2 Read the Instructions

  1. Unbox your 3D printer kit and read the instructions for the installation process and troubleshooting tips.
  2. If there’s something that doesn’t make sense, look up a video guide or contact the manufacturer.

STEP 3 Take Inventory

  1. Ensure all of the parts and screws are present.
  2. Contact your manufacturer for a part replacement if anything is missing.
  3. If you have a complete kit, you can move on to the assembly.

STEP 4 Assemble the Printer

  1. Follow the step-by-step assembly instructions and watch an assembly video, if possible.
  2. Do not activate the power supply until the wiring and frame construction is complete.

STEP 5 Level the Print Bed

  1. You must level the print bed for accurate and successful prints. Adjust the bed leveling screws until the printer bed is level.

STEP 6 Pick Your 3D Printing Software

  1. Your 3D printing slicer program is critical for turning 3D designs into printable files. Ultimaker Cura is the most common slicer software, but there are many options. The best software can enhance your printer and deliver additional features.
  2. Once you’ve selected a software package, download and install it on your computer.

Warning

Never attempt to build or repair a 3D printer without disconnecting the power supply because electric shocks can be fatal.

STAT: A 2019 Global EY study showed that 100% of the worldwide consumer packaged goods industry was already implementing or considering 3D printing practices in their production lines. (source)

How to Make a 3D Printer FAQs

Are 3D printing courses worth it?

Courses can help you build a guided experience with 3D printing and 3D model creation software. For example, learning how to make 3D models for printing can get complicated. There is a large marketplace for 3D printing courses, but most experts recommend free videos on YouTube.

Can you start a 3D printing business?

The 3D printing industry is a diverse business niche with high-profit potential. The most successful 3D printing companies specialize in specific 3D designs like tabletop RPG models, custom hardware, and medical tools. That said, your business model and investment costs will determine how successful your 3D printing service will be.

What is a micro 3D printer?

Micro 3D printing creates 3D models on a micron scale, producing parts small enough to fit in small electronics and microchips. Most micro 3D printers work with resin and create models as small as 5 microns. For context, the average human hair is 75 microns wide.
Coby McKinley Profile image
Coby McKinley
Coby writes out of Louisville, Kentucky, and he is a graduate of Indiana University. He founded GameControllerReviews in 2019 and is a regular contributor to FightFreaks as a pre-fight analyst.