Why 3D Printing?
I discovered 3D printing while working on my smart home system. The more equipment I bought to improve it, the harder it became to organize everything… Today, there’s a real enthusiasm for 3D printing, especially with the rise of the DIY (Do It Yourself) movement. Once reserved for laboratories and large industries, it’s now making its way into homes, schools, and creative workshops. But what exactly is 3D printing?
What is 3D printing?
Here is the definition of 3D printing from Wikipedia: « 3D printing or additive manufacturing includes manufacturing processes that create parts in volume by adding material in successive layers. » To put it simply, traditionally, to create parts, you remove material (milling), whereas with 3D printing, you add material layer by layer. As you can imagine, this requires great precision in the layering process to produce an object with as few defects as possible. Today, manufacturers offer high-precision machines at increasingly affordable prices, paving the way for mainstream use.
Why get into it?
3D printing offers unprecedented creative freedom. It allows you to create customized objects on demand and, in our case, will mainly be used to create custom supports for our equipments. Another advantage of 3D printing is rapid prototyping. When you have an idea, you can quickly bring it to life and test it. Beyond home automation, it’s also entirely possible to repair or improve everyday objects. In short, it’s a field that encourages creativity, independence… and the joy of making things yourself.
How to get started?
Today, you don’t need to be an engineer to get started. Printers are so easy to use that anyone can do it. By printer, I mean FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) models, which work by heating plastic (these are the most accessible printers) and depositing it layer by layer. There are several platforms where enthusiasts share their creations for free in most cases. I can mention platforms like Thingiverse, Printables, or MakerWorld. If you’re really motivated, you can even design your own objects using 3D modeling software like Fusion 360, FreeCAD, or Blender. However, 3D modeling requires a bit more skill and practice, but thanks to online tutorials, you can progress at your own pace. Once your 3D model is ready, you need to go through an essential step: slicing. Using software like Cura, PrusaSlicer, or Bambu Studio, you convert your 3D file into G-code, a language the printer understands to execute the print. Once the print is finished, you may need to do some post-processing, such as cleaning, sanding, etc.
Common mistakes
Like any learning process, 3D printing comes with its share of challenges. One of the most common problems I’ve encountered is poor bed adhesion. I have a Bambu Lab A1 mini, so even though the bed heating is controlled, sometimes the part doesn’t stick well enough to the bed. There are techniques to avoid this, like adjusting the first layer, using special glue, or a textured bed, but since the printer isn’t in a closed and controlled enclosure, the risk is always present. It can also happen that the nozzle gets clogged or the filament gets stuck, but just like with adhesion issues, there are always solutions available online.
Conclusion
Just like home automation, 3D printing is no longer a luxury reserved for a few enthusiasts. By combining it with home automation, you gain almost unlimited creative freedom and can turn your ideas into tangible, useful, and personalized objects.