3D PRINTING
Understanding Basic Printer Maintenance: Cleaning and Lubrication
Master 3D printer maintenance with this complete cleaning and lubrication guide. Discover schedules, products, techniques,…
The Function of Lead Screws in Z-Axis Movement
Learn how lead screws control Z-axis movement in 3D printers. Discover pitch, lead, anti-backlash nuts,…
What Are V-Slot Wheels and How They Enable Movement?
Learn how V-slot wheels enable 3D printer movement. Discover polycarbonate wheels, eccentric nuts, V-slot extrusion,…
Understanding Frame Materials: Aluminum Extrusion Basics
Learn about aluminum extrusion for 3D printer frames. Discover T-slot profiles, 2020/4040 sizes, rigidity, assembly,…
The Purpose of Filament Guides and PTFE Tubing
Learn about filament guides and PTFE tubing in 3D printers. Discover friction reduction, path management,…
What Is a Bowden Setup vs Direct Drive? The Basics
Learn the difference between Bowden and direct drive extruders. Discover speed, retraction, flexible filament compatibility,…
Understanding Print Cooling Ducts and Their Placement
Learn about print cooling ducts, airflow design, placement strategies, and how ducts improve overhangs, bridges,…
The Role of Bearings in Smooth Printer Movement
Learn about bearings in 3D printers. Discover ball bearings, linear bearings, idler pulleys, bearing maintenance,…
What Are Dampers and Do You Need Them for Quieter Printing?
Learn about stepper motor dampers and vibration reduction. Discover if dampers reduce noise, their benefits,…
Understanding Cable Management: Why Organization Matters
Learn why cable management matters in 3D printers. Discover strain relief, cable chains, routing best…
The Function of Strain Gauges in Some Bed Leveling Systems
Learn how strain gauge bed leveling works in 3D printers. Discover nozzle-as-probe systems, force sensing,…
What Are Probe Sensors Used For? Introduction to Auto-Leveling
Learn about 3D printer probe sensors and auto-leveling. Discover BLTouch, inductive probes, capacitive sensors, and…
Understanding Filament Sensors: Detecting Runouts and Jams
Learn how filament sensors detect runouts and jams. Discover mechanical switches, optical sensors, encoder types,…
The Purpose of Display Screens and User Interfaces
Learn about 3D printer displays and interfaces. Discover LCD screens, touchscreens, rotary encoders, and how…
What Does the Mainboard Control in Your Printer?
Discover what the 3D printer mainboard controls. Learn about microcontrollers, motor drivers, heater control, and…
Understanding Heating Elements: Hotend Heaters and Bed Heaters
Learn how 3D printer heating elements work. Discover cartridge heaters, PCB bed heaters, silicone mats,…
The Role of the Power Supply in 3D Printer Operation
Understand power supply role in 3D printing. Learn about voltage, wattage, efficiency, safety, and how…
What Is a Thermistor and How It Measures Temperature?
Learn how thermistors measure temperature in 3D printers. Discover NTC 100K sensors, resistance measurement, and…
Understanding Nozzles: Sizes, Materials, and When to Replace
Master 3D printer nozzles. Learn about sizes, materials (brass, hardened steel, ruby), flow dynamics, and…
The Function of Linear Rails and Guide Systems
Understand linear motion systems in 3D printers. Learn about linear rails, rods, V-slot wheels, and…
What Are Belts and Pulleys Doing in Your Printer?
Learn how belts and pulleys convert stepper motor rotation into linear motion. Discover tensioning, maintenance,…
Understanding Cooling Fans: Part Cooling vs Hotend Cooling
Learn the difference between part cooling and hotend cooling fans. Discover why both are essential…
The Purpose of Limit Switches and Endstops
Discover what endstops do in 3D printers. Learn about mechanical switches, optical sensors, homing, and…
What Does Firmware Do in Your 3D Printer?
Learn what 3D printer firmware does. Discover how Marlin, Klipper, and other firmware control motors,…
Understanding Print Bed Surfaces: Glass, PEI, and Textured Options
Compare print bed surfaces for 3D printing. Learn about glass, PEI, textured sheets, and which…
The Role of Stepper Motors in Precise 3D Printing
Discover how stepper motors enable precise 3D printing. Learn about stepping, torque, NEMA sizes, drivers,…
What Is an Extruder and How Does It Push Filament?
Discover how 3D printer extruders work. Learn about gear systems, tension, Bowden vs direct drive,…
Understanding Your Build Plate: The Foundation of Every Print
Master your 3D printer build plate. Learn about heating, surfaces, leveling, and how the bed…
What Does the Hotend Do? Breaking Down This Critical Component
Learn what a 3D printer hotend does, how it works, and why it’s critical. Comprehensive…
Anatomy of a 3D Printer: Understanding All the Main Parts
Discover every major component in a 3D printer. Learn how the hotend, extruder, build plate,…
