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Getting Started

Top Ten Calibration Prints for Your 3D Printer

Top Ten Calibration Prints for Your 3D Printer

  • MatterHackers
  • Apr 10, 2023
Get the most out of your 3D printer with these calibration tests which are designed to reveal small adjustments you can make to get your 3D prints to really shine.
With this set of 3D models, you can fine-tune your 3D printer to optimize your it's capabilities and get the best 3D printed parts possible. Let's dive in!  (More)
Getting Started With 3D Printing Basics

Getting Started With 3D Printing Basics

  • Ryan Lutz
  • Oct 5, 2015
Join the 3D printing revolution! This quick overview will familiarize you with the important concepts of fused filament fabrication.
3D printers look like fun, and you can't wait to join the party-- right? If you've been waiting for the opportune moment to dive head-first into this exciting world of new technology, wait no more; your time has come. This article will walk you through taking your first steps into the wide world of 3D printing. (More)
How to Print in Multi-Color with a Single Extruder

How to Print in Multi-Color with a Single Extruder

  • Erica Derrico
  • Jan 14, 2016
Want to print in multi-color but only have one extruder? Fear not! With just a simple trick using MatterControl, you can print with all the colors of the rainbow.
When I first started working at MatterHackers all of my friends were so intrigued by the concept of 3D printing, I would often get the question, "What does something 3D printed look like?". So I decided to make myself a key chain I could put on my car keys; something I could easily grab out of my bag when people asked me. The trouble was, I am a very colorful person. I did not want my key chain to... (More)
How to Customize Your Presets in MatterControl

How to Customize Your Presets in MatterControl

  • MatterHackers
  • May 21, 2014
Presets are an incredibly powerful tool for getting exactly what want out of your 3D print. With a little bit of knowledge under your belt, you'll be printing more efficiently than ever before. --------------- Updated 6/12/15
Hey there, stranger! I hear that you’ve been using MatterControl lately. I also hear that you're ready to start creating and customizing your own presets! Don't know where to start? Not to worry my fine friend, guides like this exist for a reason. So settle down into your favorite pair of pants, it's time to learn about presets.... (More)
How To Calibrate Your 3D Printer's Extruder

How To Calibrate Your 3D Printer's Extruder

  • Taylor Landry
  • Mar 3, 2015
This quick and informative guide will help you calibrate your extruder perfectly, resulting in accurate, quality prints.
Your 3D printer extrudes and retracts precise amounts of filaments in order to create your printed masterpieces. Well, it does if it’s properly calibrated. Calibrating your extruder is one of the most important, as well as one of the most overlooked, things you can do to your machine. If you’ve been unhappy with your printing results or have noticed either under or over-extrusion, thi... (More)
How To Succeed When 3D Printing With PLA Filament

How To Succeed When 3D Printing With PLA Filament

  • MatterHackers
  • Jun 27, 2022
Discover the best practices for 3D printing with PLA filament - from finding the right temperature, to which surfaces to 3D print on, this step-by-step guide will help you succeed with 3D printing PLA.
For years PLA 3D filament has been the top dog in the 3D printing industry; it prints easily, is available in a huge variety of colors and effects, and can be printed on virtually any 3D printer. Being successful with PLA is an essential skill to develop as you are likely to stick with PLA for most of you're projects until you find yourself working on more demanding use cases. PLA is great for dem... (More)
A Guide to the Tolerances of Your 3D Printer

A Guide to the Tolerances of Your 3D Printer

  • Scott Cahoon
  • Jun 29, 2016
Understanding your 3D printer’s limitations and how these may influence the design and production of 3D printed parts will guide you along the path of producing the highest quality products.
Most users of Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printing technology understand that the resolution on finished prints / parts is typically 100 microns or greater with some manufacturers claiming printer resolution of 50 microns. (More)
Is MatterControl Compatible With My 3D Printer?

Is MatterControl Compatible With My 3D Printer?

  • MatterHackers
  • Jun 29, 2016
An in-depth look at MatterControl, MatterHackers' open source 3D printer-controller software, and how you can ensure success when connecting your 3D printer.
Compatibility with MatterControl is a topic that we are often addressing, so we will take some time to delve into exactly what type of technology MatterControl uses to communicate with the 3D printers for which it is designed. (More)
Learn to Design; Design to Learn

Learn to Design; Design to Learn

  • Scott Cahoon
  • Apr 26, 2016
The iterative design framework is key to any outstanding overall product design. Learn how to utilize this process for your next design project.
So you have all of your product specifications nailed down (or at least 80% finalized) and you are ready to begin your design. Where do you start and how will you know that your design, or at least your concept of the design, is what the customer wants or needs? The answer to this and many other questions posited by like-minded designers may be found in the realm of iterative design.... (More)
MatterControl - Getting Started

MatterControl - Getting Started

  • MatterHackers
  • Apr 19, 2013
A brief guide to managing your 3D prints with MatterControl.
MatterControl is a free, open source 3D printing software provided by MatterHackers that lets you organize and manage your 3D prints. This is a quick how-to guide to help you get started. (More)
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