3D Printing Projects by

3D Printing Projects

From a simple desk tidy to an elaborate castle, this step-by-step guide to 3D printing is perfect for children and beginners who want to learn how to design and print anything even if they do not own a printer.

3D Printing Projects provides an introduction to the exciting and ever-expanding world of 3D designing and printing. Learn how a 3D printer works and the different types of 3D printers on the market. Understand the basic 3D printing and designing terms, how to create and prepare files for printing, and also how to scan things to create a 3D model! You will also find out the common troubles faced while 3D printing and simple tricks to fix them. 

All the projects included in the book can be made using freely available online 3D modeling/CAD programs. Each project has a print time, details of filament or material needed, and a difficulty rating – from "easy" for beginners to "difficult" for those looking for a new challenge. Step-by-step instructions walk you through the 3D design process, from digital modeling and sculpting to slicing, printing, and painting so that children can make their own shark-shaped phone stand, customized lamps, and much more. The book also gives inspiration to further enhance your projects once you’ve mastered the basics. 

Join the 3D printing revolution today with DK's 3D Printing Projects book.

Reviewed by annieb123 on

4 of 5 stars

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This is a short but very well illustrated book about 3D printing. It includes a good working explanation of the parts of a 3D printer, the tech behind it and the supporting tools and software to successfully utilize a 3D printer to design and produce useful items.

The first part of the book (roughly 20% of the content) introduces tools and materials and moves on to a short explanation of designing including 3D geometric (based on geometric shapes) and organic modeling (curved surfaces with complex 'natural' outlines). The book discusses interface software and various settings and how to use them in the design process.

There's a troubleshooting section as well as a short tutorial on 'slicing' (using the design software to created the structural filling inside the printed design which supports it and provides stability). The troubleshooting section includes a 'fix it!' guide with good illustrated advice for fixing inevitable imperfections in printed projects.

Next come the project tutorials, well illustrated and photographed. There's a desk organizer and dinosaur (or whatever design you desire) stamp, coat hooks and customized photo frames, a treasure box with fitted lid, a phone/tablet stand (pictured on the cover), and a lamp. There are also cute fridge magnets and some little hanging plant pots in addition to several others (I want the printed chess set for myself!).

The book has a simple glossary and index. It's aimed at younger readers, but perfectly usable as an introduction to anyone wondering what all the fuss is about and what exactly 3D printing is.

Four stars
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 25 August, 2017: Finished reading
  • 25 August, 2017: Reviewed