There are two major styles of modeling objects for 3D printing: sculpting and solid modeling. Learning to model is an empowering endeavor that comes with secondary benefits, like a better understanding of manufacturing, dimensions, and the relationship between volume, cost, and functionality. Sure, there are plenty of 3D libraries such as Thingiverse that enable you to print many objects without ever modeling, but that’s like buying a gaming computer to play Pong. The biggest mental hurdle to 3D printing is probably modeling, but it’s much easier than is commonly believed. I’ve worked with many printers and modeling and slicing programs. My knowledge and experience comes from being the lead writer for for a couple years and then running my own 3D printing business for several years. I’d like to think that if your luddite uncle read this, they might say “Yeah, I could probably 3D print something - if I didn’t already know it would result in the downfall of civilization.” I’m striving for a detailed, yet easy to understand step-by-step guide there will be only three sections: modeling, slicing (file preparation), and printing. This is a tutorial on desktop 3D printing for all you folks that want to 3D print stuff but feel overwhelmed by everything you don’t know about the nitty gritty of it all.
