Articles and Resources for 3D Printing Projects

[Linzee_1029]

Digi-Key has articles located across our site to assist you in all stages of your 3D Printing needs. Here is a compiled list of topics that I found interesting:

Introduction to 3D Printing:

• Practical Uses for 3D Projects
• What is 3D Printing and How Does It Work?

Design Resources:

• TechForum Discussion: How to get started with 3D Modeling
• Free and Easy CAD/3D Modeling Software for Makers
• Designing for 3D Printing: Tips and Tricks
• Cura software: Selecting the Correct 3D Printing Infill Pattern
• Popular 3D Printing Materials and When to Use Them
• Using Dissolvable Support Structures
• Lulzbot 3D Printing Materials Guide

Trouble shooting

• Tech Tip to Overcome Small Detailed Parts Not Sticking to the Print Bed
• Methods to tackle Warping Problems with your 3D Print

Projects:

• Business Card Holder
• 3D Printed Face Mask Strap
• 3D Printed Ice Fishing Rod Grips
• 3D Printer Filament Holder
• Mini Digi-Key Parade Float Model
• Cubicle Wall Name Plaque Holder
• Cup Holder for Crutches

Products:

3D Printers and Related Products are located in Digi-Key’s Prototyping, Fabrication Products category.

• 3D Printers
• Printing Filaments
• Accessories including enclosures, printing surfaces, heat beds, extruders and more

[richard.g.engle]

i work at an auto repair facility. is it common to use 3d printing for car repair parts?

[Jay_Hox]

I wouldn’t say that it is common but you definican use a 3DP for that. What you will probably want is a stronger material like Nylon ¶ if it is going to be a functioning part.

What kinds of parts were you looking to make?

Bigger parts like a (plastic) bumper for example you would have to dove-tail smaller piecestogether over multiple prints. So it would take some time. Then I imagine you would want to weld them or glue them together bondo and sand/paint to get a finished part. It is all easily doable apart from the design work on Fusion 360 or the like that would be challenging once but then when you have the model you could just reprint and reprint after that.

Lmk if you have any more questions.

It could be a useful tool for you if you had the right printer.

[bidrohini]

Here is another one that 3D printing enthusiasts Common Problems When Making 3D Printing-2 - 3D Printing - Justway
The article outlines common problems 3D‑printer users face and how to solve them. It discusses over‑extrusion — when too much filament makes blobs — and recommends reducing flow rate or verifying filament diameter. It warns of prints not sticking to the bed, suggesting checking the bed level, cleaning the bed, adjusting the initial layer height, or using adhesives. It covers nozzle blockage and advises regular cleaning and clearing clogs. It notes inconsistent extrusion, fixable by tuning extruder tension and calibration. Finally, it describes Z‑axis wobble causing layer distortion and recommends tightening lead screws or adding anti‑wobble hardware.