Quick note: I am not affiliated with any of the below companies and do not receive compensation for my recommendations. I recommend them based on my experience as well as the experience of experts in the field of 3d printing that I have personally worked with.
Free Available Files for Printing
CAD and 3d Design Programs
TinkerCad is an excellent starter CAD software and includes many useful functions like modeling simple shapes and importing existing files.
Fusion 360 is an excellent software that will fulfill most needs in a CAD software. Similar to drawn drafting and blueprint based design, useful features.
MeshMixer is an excellent tool for cleaning up models and making changes when needed. Great for 3d scanning applications to round out models.
Blender is a powerful free tool that is excellent for modeling more free form shapes, similar to modeling with clay. Great for organic designs.
Sculpt GL is a browser based modeling software, similar in spirit to Blender. Great for small simple projects that use organic shapes.
Open Scad is a code based CAD software. With some practice it can be an extremely powerful tool for creating objects and scaling models.
Free Slicer Programs
Prusa is an excellent all-around slicer. I particularly like their supports on prints and have had overall good success using it. Most advanced options are easy to edit within the profile.
Cura was the first slicer I started with, and for good reason. It’s a great slicer with a ton of community support. Some printers will update their firmware using Cura as well.
There are a few different slicers that you can use for resin printers, but I’ve had the most success with Lychee. While the slicers is free and has community profiles, it does display ads.
Find a Local MakerSpace
If you are just getting started learning to 3d Print, I highly recommend looking into any Maker Spaces that might be local to you. Maker Spaces are often run by educational institutions and offer a low cost and low stakes entry to 3d printing.
3D Print Troubleshooting
- How to level your printer’s bed
- Troubleshooting poor quality prints (both resin and FDM printers)
Recommended Printers
- Best Option on a Budget: Ender 3 / Ender 3 Pro
- Best for Beginners: Prusa Mini
- Best all around: Prusa I3
- Best All Around Resin Printer: Anycubic Mono X
- Best Resin Printer on a budget: Elegoo Mars
Recommended Materials
- PLA, PLA+: Hatchbox, Overture, SunPLA
- ABS: Hatchbox, Overture
- PETG: Overture, Hatchbox
- TPU: Overture Black
- Resin: SIRAYA TECH (The ‘fast gray’ resin has great reviews)