Getting Started with 3D Printing

# Getting Started: From Zero to Print Welcome! This guide is your roadmap. Instead of overwhelming you with everything at once, we will guide you through the **5 Phases** of 3D printing. follows each phase in order to go from "I want a printer" to "I made this!". ## Phase 1: Procurement Before you can print, you need a machine. There are hundreds of options, but they fall into clear categories based on your budget and technical skill. > [!TIP] > **Action Item:** Read our **[3D Printer Buying Guide](/guides/3d-printer-buying-guide/)** to choose your machine. ## Phase 2: Unboxing & Assembly Once your box arrives, **stop**. Do not rush the assembly. 1. **Check the Voltage Switch:** Most printers have a red switch (115V/230V) on the power supply. **Set this correctly for your country before plugging it in**, or you will destroy the machine instantly. 2. **Square the Frame:** Ensure the vertical metal extrusions are perfectly at 90-degree angles to the base. 3. **Tighten Belts:** They should twang like a bass guitar string—not loose, but not overtight. 4. **Check for Wobble:** Try to wiggle the print head and the bed. If they wobbles, tighten the "eccentric nuts" on the wheels until they are stable but still move smoothly. ## Phase 3: The Software (Slicing) 3D printers don't understand 3D models directly. They need a "Slicer" to chop the model into thin layers and generate **G-Code** (instruction coordinates). * **You need to download a Slicer.** * **You will import your 3D model (.stl or .3mf) into this software.** * **You will "Slice" it and save get a .gcode file.** > [!TIP] > **Action Item:** Not sure which software to use? Read **[Finding the Best Slicer for You](/guides/finding-the-best-slicer-for-you/)**. ## Phase 4: The Material (Filament) You need to feed your printer plastic filament. Different plastics have different strengths, flexibility, and melting points. > [!TIP] > **Action Item:** Read our **[Filament Guide](/guides/filament-guide/)** to understand what material is right for your project. ## Phase 5: Your First Print Now that you have your machine, software, and material, it's time to print. ### 1. Pre-Flight Check * **Clean the Bed:** Fingerprints destroy adhesion. Wipe the bed with Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) or warm soapy water. * **Level the Bed:** This is critical. The nozzle must be exactly one sheet of paper's distance away from the bed at all four corners. * **Load Filament:** Heat up the nozzle to the temperature on your filament spool sticker and push the filament in until it flows out. ### 2. The Process 1. **Insert SD Card / Send via Wi-Fi:** Get your G-Code file onto the printer. 2. **Select Print:** Navigate the menu and select your file. 3. **Watch the First Layer:** Do not walk away! Watch the first layer go down. * **Lines separated?** Nozzle is too far (Raise Bed / Lower Z-Offset). * **Rough/Scarred surface?** Nozzle is too close (Lower Bed / Raise Z-Offset). > [!NOTE] > **Troubleshooting:** If things go wrong (and they will!), refer to our **[Troubleshooting Common Issues](/guides/troubleshooting-common-issues/)** guide.