The most popular materials used for FDM 3D printers are PLA, ABS and PETG.

ABS has superior mechanical properties but is harder to print with compared to PLA and requires the use of an enclosure.

PLA is ideal for 3D prints where aesthetics are important. Due to it's lower printing temperature it is easier to print with and therefore better suited for parts with fine details.

PETG is similar to ABS but without the need for an enclosure. It has a higher print temperature than PLA and is often used for parts that require strength over aesthetics.

There is generally no right or wrong diameter. Every 3D printer needs a different filament diameter. However 1.75mm is by far the most popular.

1.75mm Filament:
- Creality Ender 3/Pro/V2
- BIQU B1
- MakerBot
- Zortrax

2.85mm Filament:
- Ultimaker

There are many 3D printing databases found on the internet. Here are a few of the most popular:

- Thingiverse
- Thangs
- Cults
- GrabCad
- Turbosquid

This problem is one of the most common for newcomers to 3D printing and is therefore easy to solve!

Symptom:

The printer does not extrude filament on the first layer.

Possible causes:

1. Nozzle temperature set incorrectly
2. Nozzle too close to the build plate when printing starts
3. Extruder gears clogged by "filament grinding"
4. Hotend is clogged / blocked

3D prints can take as little as a few minutes to multiple hours. The amount of time it takes will depend on the size of the object you want to print, what kind of printer you choose, the type of printing material, slicer settings, and local settings on your printer. It's important to familiarize yourself with all aspects of the printing process to optimize your workflow.

You can print almost anything that you can create a 3D design of with a 3D printer. 3D printers are useful for a huge range of applications, from functional prints to artistic creations. If you use the right filament, you can even print food-safe items to use as kitchen tools.

Metal can be 3D printed using metal 3D printers. The process typically involves melting metal powder with a laser beam to construct objects.

If you want the look of metal, you can always try using metallic infused PLA filament. This has a shiny metallic look without the need of a metal 3D printer 👍

3D printable models can be designed with almost any 3D design software. As long as you can export the design to an STL file, you can slice it for printing.

If you're looking for an application to use, here are a couple of popular options to help your research:

- TinkerCAD
- Blender
- Fusion 360

3D printer nozzles will become clogged with filament over time as it continuously cools and heats with use. Eventually, you will need to clean it.

Remove the nozzle from the printer and soak it in acetone for 10 - 15 minutes. Wipe off the nozzle when done. If necessary, you can use heat to soften any remaining filament debris.

You can easily paint your 3D prints when they're completed. Most 3D printing materials can be painted, like PLA filament. It helps to sand your prints smooth before painting to help the paint adhere. Be sure to wear a mask or respirator when sanding to avoid inhaling any filament particles.

You can make money 3D printing through a variety of channels. You can sell things that you've printed, you can print things for people as a service, you can even use your prints as tools for another business.

A stereolithography (stl) file is a format that provides 3D printers the blueprint to print a part. The .stl file is created as an export option in many 3D software applications such 3D Studio Max, Maya, Google Sketchup, and Blender.