This page walks through the basic steps of turning a 3D file into a finished print. Each section gives a simple overview of one part of the process and links to more detailed tutorials for users who want step by step guidance.
The 3D Printing Process
1. Find the File
The first step in the 3D printing process is finding a file for the device or tool you want to print. A file can be selected from the device library on this site or from another online 3D model repository. Before downloading, it is helpful to review the file page for basic information, such as photos, creator notes, material suggestions, print instructions, and comments from other users who have printed the model.
User comments and shared print experiences can be especially useful because a model may look promising in photos but still have issues when printed. Other users may point out problems with the file, suggest a different print orientation, describe fit or durability concerns, or explain changes that improved the print's performance in their situation. The device library on this site is intended to organize practical information like this when available, but it does not replace the judgment of the person printing, modifying, or using the device. Reviewing this information can help users decide whether a file is appropriate to print, test, or adapt for their own situation.
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2. Choose the Material
After finding a file, the next step is choosing the material for the print. Most desktop 3D printers use a spool of filament, which is the plastic material fed into the printer to create the object. There are many different filament types, but some of the most common include PLA, PETG, and TPU. Each material has its own properties that can affect how rigid, flexible, heat-resistant, or impact-resistant the finished print is.
Choosing the material before preparing the file is important because the material can affect the slicer settings used in the next step. For example, different materials may require different temperatures, print speeds, cooling settings, or support settings. Users should review available file notes, printer requirements, and their own intended use before deciding which material is appropriate for a specific print.
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3. Prepare the File
After choosing the material, the next step is preparing it in a slicer before sending it to the printer. A slicer is the software that turns the 3D model into instructions the printer can follow. The 3D model shows what the object should look like, but the slicer creates the step-by-step directions for how the printer should build it by breaking the model into thin layers.
This is where users can check and adjust the model’s orientation, scale, support needs, infill, layer height, wall thickness, and placement on the build plate. The preview tool can also be used to look through the print layer by layer before starting. These settings can affect print quality, strength, print time, and how much filament is needed, so users should review the setup carefully and make adjustments based on their printer, selected material, and intended use.
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4. Prepare the Printer
After the file has been prepared in the slicer, the printer should be checked before starting the print. This step helps make sure the printer is ready to use the selected material and complete the print as planned. Basic checks may include confirming that the correct filament is loaded, that there is enough material for the print, that the build plate is prepared, and that the printer is ready to begin.
Printer preparation can also include checking that the build plate is positioned correctly, the nozzle is clear, and any required calibration or bed leveling has been completed. Build plate preparation may vary depending on the printer, material, and build plate surface used. Some users may only need to clean the plate, while others may use an adhesive or release agent depending on the print setup. These steps can vary by printer, but the goal is to reduce avoidable print issues before starting.
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5. Start and Monitor the Print
After the printer is prepared, the print can be started by sending the sliced file from the slicer to the printer. This may look different depending on the printer being used. Some printers allow users to send the file wirelessly, while others may use a USB drive, SD card, wired connection, or printer-specific software. Before starting, users should make sure the correct file, printer, filament, and print settings are selected.
Once the print begins, the first few layers are especially important because many print issues happen early in the process. Users should watch to make sure the filament is coming out correctly, the first layer is sticking to the build plate, and the print appears to be starting as expected. Monitoring the print does not mean watching the entire print from start to finish, but checking in at key points can help users catch problems early and avoid wasting time or filament.
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6. Finish and Check the Print
After the print is complete, the object should be removed from the build plate and checked before it is used or tested. This step may include removing supports, cleaning up rough edges, checking for loose pieces, and looking for visible print issues such as cracks, weak areas, sharp edges, or poor layer adhesion. A print may come off the printer looking perfect, but it still needs to be reviewed for quality, function, and safety before moving forward.
For assistive devices or tools, users should also consider whether the finished print appears appropriate for the intended use and stable enough for trial use. This may include checking how the device moves, attaches, grips, or interacts with the object or activity it was designed for. Users should use their own judgment, follow any relevant site policies, and determine whether the print is safe and appropriate for the intended use or whether additional testing, modification, or reprinting is needed before use.
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7. Trial, Modify, and Follow Up
After the print is checked, the device should be trialed with the person, task, and/or object it was made for. The OT observes how the person uses the device during the activity, checks fit and comfort, and looks for problems such as slipping, pressure areas, poor grip, sharp edges, limited control, or difficulty attaching the device to the intended object. A person may also need to use the device during a routine at home, at school, at work, or in another setting before providing useful feedback.
Feedback from the trial can guide the next step. The device may be too large, too small, too rigid, too flexible, hard to clean, hard to position, or mismatched to the activity. Some changes can be made without editing the original model. The OT or printer user may scale the file in the slicer, change the material, adjust the print orientation, change infill, increase wall thickness, or reprint the device with different settings.
Other changes require computer-aided design (CAD) software. CAD may be needed to widen an opening, change a handle shape, add texture, round an edge, adjust the angle of a part, or change how the device connects to another object. If the OT lacks CAD experience, they can work with an engineer, maker, student, or 3D printing specialist. The OT still guides the process by identifying the task demands, client needs, safety concerns, and functional problems the device is meant to address. This step may lead to another print, another trial, or a different device.