What would you print if you had a consumer printer?

In this rapidly expanding world of 3D printed things there seems to be a new object to print each and everyday. There are even websites such as Thingaverse solely dedicated to just that. With all the CAD (Computer Aided Design) files available as free downloads it can be overwhelming and 3D printers are everywhere in the media. In short, limitless options are often more difficult to choose from, over A or B. A and B are simple, it’s one or the other. So here we are stuck in this fully customizable world where you can build whatever you like (within the parameters of your machine). That being said, here are some tips to help you decide where to begin:

Categorize: Do you like art? Are you practical? Do you want to be trendy?

Start Small: Print a die, make a napkin holder or make a kitschy ring.

Surf the Internet for Ideas:

•  Example for the Artist - Shapeways
• Example for Practical Applications – Ikea Hackers
• Early Adopters / Trend Setters – 3Ders

(Colour filaments are becoming more popular now. Base idea on utilizing them while it’s becoming the next wave of consumer 3D Printing. Ie. Print a Rubrics Cube)

Before you purchase a 3D printer it’s important to have an idea of what you’d like to print. If you are still iffy on the idea there are websites that help you test the water so to speak that allow you to design and print online. You can also check out the Toronto Public Library. They will train and certify on their machines in a one hour course. From then you are able to operate and print as you please. Check out their site for more details! 

Toronto Public Library Fort York Branch 3D Certification