While I’m confident in my ability to spend lots of money on a 3D printer to kickstart a new obsession, knowing what you’re getting yourself into before you pull the trigger is probably a good idea. Thankfully, there are some good ways to try out 3D printing before you buy.
These are perfect for anyone who is curious about the hobby or wants to print an item as a one-off or proof of concept, and they’re often free to use with a small cost for materials.
Try 3D printing before you buy
3D printing allows you to produce your own real-world items from filament or resin. It’s a marvel of modern engineering, empowering you with the ability to create a physical item from relatively cheap materials that only a few decades ago would have required an expensive and difficult production process.
You can buy your own 3D printer for a few hundred dollars, or you can go all-out and spend thousands. Before you do, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the practice, what’s involved, the many confusing terms you’ll encounter, and what the results will look like.
Depending on where you live, accessing a 3D printer might be simpler than you expect. A nearby public library should be your first port of call, since many are equipped with printers that you can use completely free of charge. Even if your closest library doesn’t have one, there may be other libraries in your area that do.
You may also be lucky enough to have a “makerspace” in your local area. These are community-driven workspaces that exist within public and private spaces, including community centers, schools, and businesses. These spaces provide access to equipment that makes it possible to sharpen skills and discover new hobbies. This ranges from woodworking equipment to engravers, laser cutters, and even 3D printers.
These spaces sometimes exist within educational establishments like universities, colleges, and schools. Beyond makerspaces, many of these institutions have their own equipment that you may be able to use (especially if you’re studying there). 3D printers are increasingly finding their way into schools, which could be a great way to kickstart a child’s interest in the world of computer-aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM).
Lastly, some workplaces even have 3D printers available. I say this from experience as my partner recently started a new job in an office, and there’s an office 3D printer to make use of.
Finding 3D printers local to you
It might seem redundant to say “search the web,” but finding local printers you can use will depend a lot on where you live and what’s nearby. Your regional or state library service should have a website detailing the facilities available, so that’s a great place to start.
For example, in my city here in Australia, the state library has 3D printers that are available for use with free PLA printing “within reason.” Nearby regional libraries in different council areas also have similar facilities. There’s an incredibly popular induction course at the state library, which seems to be perpetually sold out, that uses the same machines.
Some libraries have dedicated makerspaces that include even more equipment. In order to use these facilities, you need to register for free at the very least. Most require some sort of safety induction, with a minimum age limit also enforced.
Libraries are a great way to dabble with 3D printing for free, though you’ll usually need to pay for the materials you use. The same is true for educational establishments, where print facilities may be limited to students, faculty, and staff. Some (like the University of Arizona) are open to all community members.
A makerspace or hands-on library experience is best suited to those who are looking to learn more about the process of printing. Some services are aimed purely at getting objects into your hands, allowing you to submit an STL or OBJ model file along with your instructions and desired material types. This could be perfect if you just wanted to print a new shell for a gaming mouse, for example.
For a broader range of makerspaces in the U.S., check out Makerspace Directory. You can filter by city or the services you require, though be aware that many listings are for coworking spaces that aren’t necessarily free to use.
You can also pay per print
If all you’re interested in is getting an object made and you’re happy to pay for prompt and easy service, you can make use of a number of privately-owned 3D printing businesses.
These include online print farms like Shapeways and 3D Printing Hub. There are other services like Makexyz, and Print a Thing, which connect you with printing services that are local to you. Last of all, even some UPS Store locations have 3D printers you can use for a fee.
Lastly, if you know anyone with a 3D printer who would be happy to show you the ropes (or filament, rather), why not ask them directly? You can always offer to pay for any material costs, and the hands-on experience you’ll gain will serve you well if you go on to buy a printer.