What is 3D Printing? Complete Beginner's Guide 2025
Everything you need to know about 3D printing, from how it works to getting started with your first print.
Updated: February 2025
Table of Contents
- What is 3D Printing?
- How Does 3D Printing Work?
- Types of 3D Printing Technologies
- What Materials Are Used?
- What Can You Use 3D Printing For?
- How to Get Started
- 3D Printing Costs Explained
- Pros and Cons
What is 3D Printing?
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a revolutionary technology that creates three-dimensional objects by building them layer by layer from a digital 3D model. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods that remove material (subtractive manufacturing), 3D printing adds material to create objects, making it highly efficient and versatile.
The process starts with a digital 3D model (typically an STL file), which is sliced into thin horizontal layers by specialized software. The 3D printer then follows these instructions, depositing material layer by layer until the complete object is formed.
How Does 3D Printing Work?
The 3D printing process involves four main steps:
- Create a 3D Model: Design your object using 3D modeling software (like Fusion 360, Blender, or Tinkercad) or download a ready-made STL file from online repositories.
- Slice the Model: Use slicing software (like Cura, PrusaSlicer, or Bambu Studio) to convert your 3D model into thin horizontal layers and generate printer instructions (G-code).
- Print the Object: The 3D printer heats the material (filament or resin) and extrudes it layer by layer according to the sliced instructions.
- Post-Processing: Remove support material, sand, paint, or finish the printed object as needed.
Types of 3D Printing Technologies
FDM/FFF (Fused Deposition Modeling)
Most common and affordable. Uses thermoplastic filament (PLA, ABS, PETG) melted and extruded through a nozzle. Best for beginners and general-purpose printing.
SLA (Stereolithography)
Uses UV-curable resin and a laser to create highly detailed objects. Excellent for miniatures, jewelry, and high-detail models.
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)
Uses powdered material and a laser. Professional-grade technology for strong, functional parts. More expensive.
Metal 3D Printing
Uses metal powders and lasers to create metal parts. Used in aerospace, automotive, and medical industries.
What Materials Are Used in 3D Printing?
3D printing materials, also called filaments (for FDM printers) or resins (for SLA printers), vary widely in properties and costs. Learn more about material comparisons in our guides: PETG vs PLA and PLA vs ABS Cost.
PLA Filament
Most popular for beginners
PETG Filament
Strong and flexible
ABS Filament
Durable functional parts
| Material | Cost per Gram | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | ~£0.0128/g | Beginners, decorative items, prototypes |
| ABS | ~£0.017/g | Functional parts, durable items |
| PETG | ~£0.016/g | Waterproof items, food-safe applications |
| TPU | ~£0.020/g | Flexible parts, phone cases |
| Resin (SLA) | ~£0.05-0.10/g | High-detail models, miniatures |
Use our cost per gram calculator to determine the exact material cost, or check out our complete pricing hub for comprehensive pricing guides.
What Can You Use 3D Printing For?
🏭 Prototyping
Rapidly create prototypes for product development and testing.
🎨 Custom Products
Create personalized items, gifts, and custom designs.
🔧 Replacement Parts
Print replacement parts for appliances, tools, and equipment.
🎭 Cosplay & Props
Create detailed costumes, props, and figurines.
🏥 Medical Applications
Prosthetics, surgical guides, and custom medical devices.
🏗️ Architecture Models
Create detailed architectural models and scale replicas.
How to Get Started with 3D Printing
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choose a 3D Printer: Popular entry-level options include Creality Ender 3, Prusa Mini+, and Bambu Lab A1. Budget ranges from £150-£500 for beginners.
- Select Your Material: Start with PLA filament - it's the easiest to print and most affordable (~£0.0128/g).
- Download 3D Models: Find free STL files on Thingiverse, Printables, or MakerWorld.
- Install Slicing Software: Download Cura, PrusaSlicer, or Bambu Studio (free).
- Slice and Print: Import your STL file, adjust settings, slice, and send to your printer.
- Calculate Costs: Use our cost per gram calculator or profit calculator to estimate material, electricity, and profit margins before printing.
3D Printing Costs Explained
Understanding 3D printing costs helps you budget effectively. For detailed pricing strategies, check out our pricing hub and how to price 3D prints guide. The main cost factors include:
- Material Costs: Filament prices range from £0.012-0.020 per gram depending on material type
- Electricity: Typically £0.01-0.05 per hour depending on printer power consumption
- Printer Cost: Entry-level printers start around £150-£300
- Maintenance: Occasional replacement parts (nozzles, build plates) - minimal ongoing costs
- Time: Print times vary from minutes to days depending on object size and complexity
💡 Tip: Use our free 3D printing cost calculator to get accurate cost estimates, or explore our pricing hub for comprehensive guides on material costs, pricing strategies, and profit calculations.
Pros and Cons of 3D Printing
For a detailed analysis, read our complete guide on the pros and cons of 3D printing.
✅ Advantages
- Rapid prototyping and iteration
- High customization and personalization
- Cost-effective for small batches
- Complex geometries possible
- Accessible technology (affordable printers)
- On-demand production
- Reduced waste compared to traditional manufacturing
❌ Disadvantages
- Limited material selection vs traditional manufacturing
- Slower than mass production methods
- Post-processing often required
- Size limitations (build volume constraints)
- Material costs (£0.012-0.020/g for filaments)
- Learning curve for software and settings
- Not economical for large-scale production
Ready to Calculate Your 3D Printing Costs?
Use our free calculator to estimate material costs, electricity, labor, and total pricing for your 3D prints.
Try Free Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions - What is 3D Printing?
What is 3D printing?
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process that creates three-dimensional objects by building them layer by layer from a digital 3D model. Unlike traditional manufacturing that removes material, 3D printing adds material to create objects, making it highly efficient and versatile.
How does 3D printing work?
3D printing works in four main steps: 1) Create a 3D model using CAD software or download an STL file, 2) Slice the model into thin layers using slicing software, 3) The printer follows these instructions to deposit material layer by layer, 4) Post-process the finished object by removing supports and finishing as needed.
What materials are used in 3D printing?
Common 3D printing materials include PLA (Polylactic Acid) at ~£0.0128/g, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) at ~£0.017/g, PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) at ~£0.016/g, and TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) at ~£0.020/g. Resins are used for SLA printers, and metal powders for industrial metal 3D printing.
How much does 3D printing cost?
3D printing costs depend on material type, print weight, print time, and electricity. Material costs range from £0.012-0.020 per gram for filaments. A typical 100g PLA print costs approximately £1.28 in material plus £0.05-0.20 in electricity. Use our free calculator to get accurate cost estimates for your specific prints.
Is 3D printing worth it?
3D printing is worth it for rapid prototyping, custom products, small batches, complex geometries, and educational projects. It's cost-effective for low-volume production (1-100 units) but not economical for mass production. Entry-level printers start around £150-£300, making it accessible for beginners.