Article from 2024. The information may be out of date.

In recent years, 3D printing technology has transformed from a specialized tool, often used for industrial applications, to a hobby appreciated by enthusiasts around the world. Accessibility, low equipment costs, online resources and communities formed around the new technology have thus led to the popularity and acceptance of 3D printers, which today are seen as accessible and valuable tools for expressing creativity.

About 3D printing technology

3D printing technology is an additive manufacturing process by which 3D models are created, starting from a digital .STL file. The process of creating the models is achieved by successively depositing layers of material until the object is fully formed. The raw material from which the 3D models are made can vary depending on the chosen technology, from plastic, resins or metals and allows a wide range of applications, finishes, as well as post-processing steps.

Why has 3D printing become popular among hobbyists?

Even if initially 3D printing technology was adopted by engineering companies and factories, active users working with 3D printers have come to the conclusion that the possibilities of use are limitless. Thus, from the printing of spare parts, sub-assemblies and prototypes in industry, now passionate users create household objects, children's toys, decorative elements, aquarium accessories and even trinkets on the 3D printer.

1. Accessibility and cost reduction

In the past, 3D printers were expensive and often reserved for industrial or professional use. In recent years, thanks to technological advances and increased competition in the market, the prices of 3D printers have dropped significantly. This has facilitated the purchase of a 3D printer by a large number of users around the world to start using them from the comfort of their own home. The costs of such equipment start from a few hundred euros, and for a reliable 3D printer, the average costs reach about one thousand euros.

2. Diversity of available materials

The most common 3D printing technology chosen by first-time users is FDM (fused deposition modeling) technology, which allows the creation of 3D models by layer-by-layer deposition. This allows the experience of working with 3D printers to be simple, both for users with engineering experience and for users who are interacting with a 3D printer for the first time.

The raw material compatible with 3D printers with FDM technology is plastic, with different characteristics and properties. Arranged as a plastic thread on a roll, during the printing of the desired model, the raw material is melted at the optimal temperature to be deposited layer by layer until the desired object is obtained. The most commonly used raw materials for FDM technology are PLA, PETG and ABS, but there is a multitude of compatible raw materials on the market such as flexible, soluble, metal-inserted, biodegradable and even wood-imitating filaments.

3. Unlimited applications and customization

The most attractive feature of the technology among users is the possibility of customizing the 3D models they intend to create. In 3D printing, the only limit is the creativity of each individual user. From making engineering spare parts, decorative objects, props, toys, users can leverage the 3D printers they work with in a multitude of usage scenarios.

3D printers use three-dimensional files to make the models, and to get the files compatible with the 3D printer, users can design the necessary models in a design program to customize them according to their needs. There are solutions even for users without experience in a design program, as they can download 3D files for free that they can easily print on a 3D printer. Some of the free platforms with 3D models are: Thingiverse, Cults3D or Sketchfab.

How 3D printing technology is used as a hobby by enthusiasts in our community

Our community of enthusiasts consists of pre-university and university teachers, service and production engineers, designers and architects, programmers, psychologists and we are happy to discover that 3D printing technology is gaining attention among a growing number of enthusiasts.

Some of the 3D printing enthusiasts, with whom we cooperated in providing dedicated 3D printing equipment and technical support services, showed their openness to share their experience of working with 3D printing technology with us, and today we present their story.

M. B. works in the construction field and has been working with a 3D printer Prusa MK4 for about 2 months, but his curiosity seems to have started much earlier, as he confesses that "the passion for modeling and technical drawing has existed since youth. The evolution of technology combined with this passion opened the way for me to robotics, CNC and 3D printers." Always in search of new learning experiences, Mr. B. is living proof that we can follow our passion regardless of age, "I started Autocad and Solidworks courses at 50 years old. I wanted to learn something new. When I took these courses I wasn't thinking about any kind of printer. Then came the challenge, the desire to explore the unknown. That's how the first CNC and the first 3D printer appeared."

Starting to work with a 3D printer is only the first step in the process of getting familiar with printing technology, and with a lot of openness and curiosity the enthusiasts in our community discover that the new acquired skills offer many opportunities. Mr. B., who currently makes airplane models and scale models, as well as other models needed for personal and household purposes, tells us "that if there are opportunities, I will turn this hobby into a business", which proves that passions can easily turn into business, when involvement and enthusiasm leave their mark on the completed projects.

A. A. works in the IT industry and discovered 3D printing technology along with the expansion of the number of users globally, he tells us that "I heard a lot about 3D printing from everywhere but mainly from YouTube, and also from there I noticed that people praise Prusa.". He has been working with a Prusa MK4 3D printer for a short time, and since then he has experimented with making very varied models, useful in everyday life and for his passion for photography, "I made different accessories for the house and props for photo sessions, phone accessories and for the aquarium", A. tells us.

Users' first experience with a 3D printer is essential. That's why it's important for hobbyists who want to start working with this technology to opt for an easy-to-use plug and play 3D printer that simplifies their user experience. Czech 3D printer manufacturer Prusa Research has designed the new MK4 model as a reliable piece of equipment, and with the support of specialists from the IRIS Robotics team, 3D printers reach users assembled, calibrated and ready to print. We delivered the Prusa printer to A., and he evaluates the experience of working with it with "9/10 for quality considering that I didn't bother to go to the settings at all to improve the quality of the print".

How do you start using 3D printing technology as a hobby?

Since 2017, we have been bringing 3D printing technology closer to enthusiasts who want to experiment for the realization of their own projects or within the companies where they operate. If we have piqued your curiosity and you are interested in giving free rein to your imagination with the help of a 3D printer, here are the steps we invite you to take:

1. You fill out the form for a FREE CONSULTANCY SESSION

In no more than 24 hours, you will be contacted by a specialist consultant who will answer your questions about 3D printing technology. Moreover, if you have an idea of what you want to achieve with the 3D printer, with our support you will easily identify the 3D printing technology that can help you, the compatible raw materials and we offer you personalized recommendations to capitalize on it in an optimal way.

2. You analyze the resources and recommendations of 3D printers and choose the most suitable one

Following the free consultation session, we send you free resources to further familiarize yourself with 3D printing technology, as well as 3D printers that suit your projects. You choose the one that best suits your needs and this is where your experience with your first 3D printer begins.

3. We deliver the 3D printer assembled, calibrated and ready to print

In order for you to enjoy a 3D printing experience immediately after receiving your order, we take great care in assembling, calibrating and testing the equipment before shipping. Thus, after you take the 3D printer out of the box, you will put it into operation with us and you can easily start making your first print.

Join a community of enthusiasts with the help of 3D printing and turn all your ideas into reality. We encourage you to fill out the contact form below to benefit from a FREE CONSULTATION session and start shaping your future, layer by layer!