Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing Part 1: Choosing Your Printer and Essential Accessories | DigiKey

This is the first video in a 2-part series where we cover the basics of getting started with 3D printing.
The written version of this guide can be found here: : https://www.digikey.com/en/maker/tuto...

Note that the videos showcase a LulzBot SideKick 747, but the concepts should apply to just about any Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printer.
In this video, Shawn offers a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in getting started with 3D printing or refreshing their knowledge. It explores the different types of 3D printers, including Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA), and provides a brief history of 3D printing technology. The video emphasizes that, while 3D printers have become more affordable and accessible, they still require setup, maintenance, and a bit of tweaking to get optimal prints, making 3D printing more of a hobby than a simple tool like an inkjet printer.
We dive into the various FDM printer configurations, such as CoreXY, bed-slinger, and delta printers, outlining their pros and cons. The video also explains the two main types of extruders—direct drive and Bowden setups—and how they impact printing speed, material compatibility, and print quality. Additionally, it highlights the importance of understanding filament types like PLA, PETG, and ABS, which are critical in achieving the desired strength, flexibility, or detail in your prints.
To ensure high-quality prints, the video recommends a series of essential accessories and tools:
Metal Scraper: remove finished prints from the print bed
Wire Cutters: snip off excess filament or trimming support material after printing
Tweezers: remove small strings of filament that may ooze out during the printing process
Bed Cleaning Supplies: Rubbing alcohol and lint-free wipes will help you clean the bed between prints, removing dust, oil, and residue
Brass Brush: clean the nozzle of your 3D printer while it’s hot
Deburring Tool: remove sharp edges and imperfections from your print, especially on models with many overhangs or intricate details.
Hand files and sandpaper: Sanding tools can help with smoothing out surfaces and fitting parts together.
Calipers: ensure that your prints match the exact dimensions you designed in your modeling software
Filament storage: 5-gallon buckets and rechargeable desiccant packs help keep filament dry when not in use
Filament Dehydrators: for particularly moisture-sensitive filaments like PETG or nylon, a filament dehydrator or modified food dehydrator can help remove any absorbed moisture for better prints
Printer Enclosure: maintain a consistent ambient temperature, protecting prints from drafts or cooling too quickly, which is especially important when printing with materials like ABS or nylon.
Ventilation and Filtration: 3D printing, particularly with materials like ABS, can release harmful fumes. For safety, consider adding a ventilation system to your setup, such as a fan that vents to the outside. Alternatively, use an enclosure with activated carbon filters to help remove toxic particles from the air.
In the next video, we will cover the basics of downloading a part from a popular 3D model sharing site, converting it to GCode using a slicer, and printing the part.

00:00 Intro
01:30 History of 3D Printing
02:39 Types of 3D Printers
04:33 Types of FDM Printers
06:51 Direct Drive Versus Bowden Extruders
08:56 Recommended Accessories
13:40 Final Thoughts

LulzBot SideKick 747 3D Printer: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/d...
3D printer filament: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/f...
Wire cutters: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/d...
Tweezers: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/d...
Brass brush: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/d...
Deburring tool: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/d...
Calipers: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/d...
Enclosure: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/d...

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