This page lists resources for many aspects of 3D printing, from printers to software to model repositories to printing options and more.
3D Printers | 3D Printer Buying Guides | 3D Software | 3D Printing Services | 3D Models | 3D Glossaries | 3D in Classroom Websites
3D Printers
Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) Printers
These printers tend to cost less and use rolls of thin filament material to build objects layer by layer.
Compact Printers
Bukito
http://deezmaker.com/bukito-portable-3d-printer/
http://deezmaker.com/store/
fabbster for makers
http://shop.fabbster.com/product_info.php?info=p89_fabbster-for-makers.html
http://www.fabbster.com/
Printerbot Simple
http://printrbot.com/shop/simple-makers-kit-2/
http://printrbot.com/compare-printers/
Mid-Sized Printers
3DPrinter4U Builder
http://3dprinter4u.com/
Afinia
http://www.afinia.com/3d-printers/h480
http://www.afinia.com/3d-printers/h800
http://www.afinia.com/
Airwolf 3D
http://airwolf3d.com/
Bukobot v2
http://deezmaker.com/bukobot/
http://deezmaker.com/store/
Cube 2
http://cubify.com/en/Compare/Printers
Ditto+
http://www.tinkerine.com/
Felix 2.0
http://shop.felixprinters.com/
Leapfrog Creatr
http://www.lpfrg.com/
Lulzbot TAZ
https://www.lulzbot.com/printers
https://www.lulzbot.com/products/lulzbot-taz-4-3d-printer
Printerbot Plus
http://printrbot.com/shop/assembled-metal-printrbot-plus/
http://printrbot.com/compare-printers/
Type A Series 1
http://www.typeamachines.com/products/series1-3dprinter
http://www.typeamachines.com/
Up Mini
Up Plus 2
http://www.up3dusa.com/
Professional Consumer Printers
Makerbot Replicator 2x
http://store.makerbot.com/replicator2x
http://www.makerbot.com/
Ultimaker 2
https://ultimaker.com/en/products/ultimaker-2-family
RepRap Printers
RepRap is an open source hardware project whose goal is make 3D printing available to everyone. You can buy and build kits that meet the RepRap specifications.
Lulzbot TAZ
https://www.lulzbot.com/printers
https://www.lulzbot.com/products/lulzbot-taz-4-3d-printer
MakerGeeks RepRap Mini Kossel
http://www.makergeeks.com/prpak.html
RepRap Project
http://reprap.org/
http://reprap.org/wiki/RepRap_Options
Resin Printers
These printers cost more but their print accuracy is better than other printers.
Form1
http://formlabs.com/en/products/form-1-plus/
B9 Creator
http://b9creator.com/product-category/printers/
3D Printer Buying Guides
If you are serious about buying a 3D printer, definitely find and read these guides with detailed test results. While the Make guide costs money, it’s the most comprehensive with lots of articles to provide context for purchase of any 3D printer.
Make: Ultimate Guide to 3D Printing 2014
http://makezine.com/volume/guide-to-3d-printing-2014/
http://makezine.com/magazine/guide-to-3d-printing-2014/3d-printer-overview-how-they-compare/
PC Magazine: Best 3D Printers
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2470038,00.asp
Tom’s Guide: Best 3D Printers 2014
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-3d-printers,review-2236.html
3D Software
3D software includes tools to create models and convert (slice) model files into STL files which 3D printers can read to print a model.
Software to Create 3D Models
Blendr
http://www.blender.org/
Maya
http://www.autodesk.com/products/maya/buy?mktvar002=612306&src=OMSE
OpenSCAD
http://www.openscad.org/
SketchUp
http://www.sketchup.com/
https://extensions.sketchup.com/en/content/sketchup-stl
Software to Convert (Slice) 3D Models
MeshLab
http://meshlab.sourceforge.net/
Netfabb
http://www.netfabb.com/
3D Printing Services
You can print 3D models by uploading files to a printing service or in person at a local 3D print shop, hacker collective, or some local libraries.
Local
Also research online, or ask around, to find out if there is a neighborhood 3D print shop like 3D Heights in New York City or a hacker collective like NYC Resistor, as well as your local library or schools. Some local print shops also provide both walk-in and online upload capabilities.
3D Heights
http://3dheights.com/
NYC Resistor
http://www.nycresistor.com/
UPS Store
http://www.theupsstore.com/small-business-solutions/Pages/3D-printing.aspx
http://www.stratasys.com/3d-printers/idea-series/uprint-se-plus
Staples
Staples doesn’t appear to have a website page dedicated to 3D printing services You’ll have to call or visit your local Staples to see if they offer 3D printing. They do sell 3D printers and supplies.
http://www.staples.com/3D-Printing-Center/cat_BI878929
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-04-10/staples-wants-to-bring-3-d-printing-to-the-masses
FedEx Store
FedEx Office also has no dedicated website page for 3D printing. You’ll need to call or visit a FedEx Office location to find out if they offer this service.
http://www.fedex.com/us/office/
Online
Shapeways
http://www.shapeways.com/
i.Materialise
http://i.materialise.com/
Ponoko
https://www.ponoko.com/
Sculpteo
http://www.sculpteo.com/en/
Kraftwurx
http://www.kraftwurx.com/
MakeXYZ
http://www.makexyz.com/
3D Models
You can find online a number of 3D models to try out 3D printing, as well as print useful objects.
SketchUp 3D Warehouse
https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/
Thingiverse
3D Glossaries
3D printing has a lot of new words and acronyms. Here’s are articles which explain the 3D printing process and terms used.
What is 3D Printing?
https://kidscodecs.com/what-is-3d-printing/
Make: Ultimate Guide to 3D Printing 2014
This is a paid Acrobat PDF book but worth the price.
http://makezine.com/volume/guide-to-3d-printing-2014/
3D in Classroom Websites
These websites provide articles and other resources to help individuals, teachers, and students use 3D printing.