FDM vs SLA: Direct Comparison Guide
As printing technologies progress & evolve, it is wise to keep up with the trends and advancements.
It’s these type of changes that bring you better equipment and printing capabilities while lowering the cost of older technologies you once couldn’t afford.
We, therefore, look at the main differences between FDM & SLA printers and which one best suit you!
HIPS, The Dissolvable Printing Filament
Probably the most flexible filament on the market.
This article discusses the different uses for HIPS filament and how it assists with creating intricate parts.
We discuss the following:
- What makes HIPS a good and bad filament
- Hardware requirements for using HIPS
- Pro tips
Components That Make Up A 3D Printer
Understanding the parts of a FDM 3D printer is a big part of creating good models. It’s not just about the material you use but rather a team effort of all the components that make up your machine.
This article includes information on:
- Fine tuning printer speeds.
- Achieving better quality prints.
- Upgrading or modifying parts when needed.
- Maintaining your printer for greater longeivity.
3D Printing Problems & Solutions
Printing problems do not only come to those who are beginners, the pros. get their fair share of the frustration.
There are literally hundreds of things that can cause printing issues, such as warping, oozing, nozzle blockages, under extrusion and so on.
This is why I have developed this ultimate troubleshooting guide to fixing common 3d printing problems
A Mini Intro To My 3D Printer Site
The main goal of this small website is to provide as much information covering 3D printers as possible, while also supplying tips and tricks on how to fix printer issues inexpensively.
Often it can be difficult to pinpoint the source of the problem as in many circumstances it can be a combination of things.
Along with this, some articles will be on printer guides on specific makes and models, as well as my personal reviews on certain products that I may feel are good, useful or simply cool (some affiliate links)!
I have included a blog to complement the site, but rather than talking about 3D printers, I wanted to discuss the other end of the spectrum… the creation of the models which are required before any form of printing is possible.
Being able to model your 3D models ready for print is an integral part of printing.
Let’s be honest, how boring will it get printing off ready-made 3D models, when you can actually make your own creations?
By no means is learning how to model easy, but it is possible and can be done without using expensive software. In fact, it is entirely possible to use open source tools such as Blender (a personal favourite of mine).
It is worth noting that these models need to be sliced, which is the process of cutting up your model into many layers in order for your printer to understand what to print. I bring this up not to state the obvious, but rather to explain that not all Blender blog posts on here are related to slicing, but are often on modelling, rendering and even lighting such as demonstrated on our Blender HDRI lighting setup scene. I feel this assists with visualizing what you might want your final printed object to look like.
On that note, even though this may not be the biggest or most informative site on the web, I hope that even if you discover something new (no matter how small), then that can only be a bonus.
🙂
Wishing you all the best.
Apm Designs