Poll of the Day > Help! I've come in possession of a 3D printer, but don't know what to do with it

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80/80

Hoping some of you folks here can help me. My husband was given a 3D printer (a Monoprice MP Mini Delta) for his birthday, but he's much less tech-capable than I am, so for all intents and purposes it has become mine. Neither of us has had any interest in having one, so we don't know what we would even try using it for. The instructions that came with it aren't really any more helpful than "here's a couple of sample files to print" (file names look like a basic block and Baymax) and "here's a couple programs to create your own files" (Cura and Repetier-Host). I'm gonna need more guidance than that to get me started. For starters, some questions I have include:

1) What exactly are these assorted materials I can print with (PLA, ABS, etc.)? I understand that they're mostly some sort of variety of plastic, but what do those abbreviations mean, and what are the differences?

2) What's the best (cheapest?) place to get filaments online? Or even where might I possibly find them in a physical store near me?

3) Where do I get more ready-to-print files?

4) Is it possible to use this thing for a money-making venture, and how would I get started on that goal?

5) What else do I need to know as a 3D printing beginner, but don't know enough to know to ask?

Any and all advice will be appreciated.

watch barnacules' videos on 3d printing.

likehelly posted...

watch barnacules' videos on 3d printing.

Thanks, but if I wanted to watch videos, I would have just gone straight to youtube instead of asking for advice here.

not my fault you choose the stupid option then

*Imagines instead a 3D printer being possessed, and the comical shenanigans that ensue*
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ABS plastic is pretty standard, lots of stuff is made out of it. It's the plastic Lego is made from. From what I've read, it also stinks to high hell in the molding or printing process.

If you're into some kind of tabletop game, 3D printing is a great way to make your own figurines, you can find free models for all kinds of stuff online.
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Tenga
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print a smaller 3d printer
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Print the individual components to make a larger 3D printer.
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Bump for the morning crew.