Aloha,

I got an Elegoo Carbon FDM coreXY printer and a roll of PLA from the same brand. I’ve read that some filament brands are better than others but I figured I’d start easy.

I’ve taken STLs to the library to print, but I’ve not done my own before. What’s all this slicer stuff? What other software and tools do I need? Thanks!

  • Rentlar@lemmy.caEnglish
    3·
    19 hours ago

    What’s your goal, to take random designs other people made and print them, or to make your own stuff for fun or for some practical purpose?

    The first original thing I’d made was a box to hold double-A batteries.

    The slicer converts models into code to suit your printer. I use CURA for that.

    Just ensure that you have your bed and extruder temps set right, and you pick an infill setting you like (I go 15-20% and Cubic). Make sure to preview the model and ensure that any significant overhang is supported. The bed on your machine autolevels but for anyone else, level your bed before starting your first print.

    Only other software you need is 3d modeling software to make your own models. I’ve used Blender and FreeCAD but more expensive professional tools will work too.

    • Clay_pidgin@sh.itjust.worksOPEnglish
      3·
      20 hours ago

      The kids want to print (what is in my eyes) random junk. I’ll try to make some brackets and holders for stuff, which should be a fun challenge.

      Thank you for the tips! I’ve listened in on a bunch of threads here, and I’ve learned a bunch of terms but have no experience. should be fun!

      • cecilkorik@piefed.caEnglish
        2·
        13 hours ago

        Once you get the hang of the basics, the “Articulated” models of various creatures are lots of fun for kids. A lot of them have already seen them at school. Surprisingly easy to print. You may need to use a brim or raft on some of them to make sure the small contact patch on each of the segments gets enough bed adhesion, but other than that, they print-in-place with no assembly required.