A black Snapmaker PLA filament spool labeled 1.75mm with a 1kg weight, featuring a continuous black filament thread unwinding, essential for 3D printing and compatible with various desktop printers.

3D Printer Filament: Filament Diameter and Spool Dimensions

3D printer filament is just like the lifeblood of your creation. The filament comes as a continuous, slender plastic thread neatly wound onto a spool. When selecting filament, you’ll encounter two size specifications: filament diameter and spool dimensions. While filament diameter is a critical factor directly impacting print success, spool dimensions are generally less critical…

A split image showcasing a 3D printer setup on the left and a black plastic produced by injection mold on the right.

Injection Molding vs. 3D Printing: Choosing the Right Path for Your Vision

In the evolving landscape of manufacturing, choosing the right process is paramount. While injection molding and 3D printing are often presented as competing methods, understanding their fundamental differences reveals that they serve distinct purposes and cater to different scales of creation.  This blog post aims to move beyond a simple Injection Molding vs. 3D Printing…

A well-organized workshop featuring a large 3D printer and other equipment on a sturdy wooden table. The background showcases pegboards with an assortment of neatly arranged tools, including hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches. Shelves and cabinets hold additional supplies, while a modern couch with a cushion sits in the corner near a window, allowing natural light to brighten the space.

How to Set Up a Workshop

Setting up a home workshop is an extremely exciting and equally satisfying project! Anything from wood or metal to electronics, crafts, or simple repair work requires a maintained space to make a difference. This guide assists you in how to set up a woodworking shop safely, functionally, and efficiently to fit your needs. Table of…

A 3D printed vase that mimics the shape of fabric, placed on the balcony, paired with green landscape, brings a fresh and calm feeling.

3D Printing Business Ideas

Is 3D printing a profitable business? Many aspiring entrepreneurs and hobbyists are asking this question as they explore the burgeoning world of additive manufacturing. The answer, while nuanced, is a resounding yes. 3D printing has transitioned from a futuristic fantasy to a feasible way to boost small businesses, offering many opportunities for those ready to…

A 3D-printed smartphone camera rig on a wooden surface, featuring a red and white structure holding a smartphone, with a black #3DBenchy model on a rotary platform for 360° video recording, and a sliding fixture for adjusting camera distance and framing.

Guide to 3D Printed Jigs and Fixtures

Jigs and fixtures play a significant role in establishing an ultra-strong foundation within the manufacturing processes. They contribute a lot towards productivity, the safety of the workers, and the reduction of costs incurred. Jigs are guiding tools that enable machining accuracy, like drill jigs, which direct a drill bit to a precisely calculated position in…

How to Remove Supports from 3D Prints  

How to Remove Supports from 3D Prints  

Removing supports is a key step in post-processing 3D prints. Supports help with overhangs and complex designs, but they must be carefully removed to avoid damaging the final print. This guide covers the best methods of how to remove supports from 3D prints and tips for cleaner results. Table of Contents Step-By-Step Methods for Support…

CNC milling moves the cutting tool while turning rotates the workpiece.

CNC Milling and Turning: Knowing the Key Differences for Better Manufacturing

Did you know manufacturers can reduce up to 30% of their manufacturing time once they have chosen the right CNC process? They can also eliminate a significant amount of their operational costs. Today, the decision between CNC milling and turning is not merely technical; it is strategically important because it affects the efficiency, quality, and…

As machined CNC surface finish.

CNC Surface Finishing Guide

Surface finishing is the final step in 3D printing and is the difference between a raw casting and a polished gem. It improves aesthetics, durability, and functionality.  This blog has everything you need to know about surface finishing, common finishing techniques, and selecting the best surface finishing for your CNC machined parts. Key Contents: What…

Watercolor painting of the Earth from space

The Environmental Impact of 3D Printing: Is It Sustainable?

3D printing (or “additive manufacturing” if you want to sound fancy) has completely changed how we make things, from artificial limbs to complex airplane parts. But here’s the million-dollar question: What is 3D printing’s environmental impact, and is it truly a sustainable manufacturing solution? We will discuss the various facets of 3D printing’s environmental footprint….