No doubt that 3D printing is a game-changer in technological evolution.
Open the doors to your kid’s innovations and imaginary thinking by introducing the necessary skills of 3D printing. 3D printers are new generation machines that can create different objects from ceramic cups to plastic toys.
It is not possible to explain this massive topic in one blog, but you can have an overview of 3D printing mentioned below.Also have a look into best 3D printer for kids, beginners, home users, we have listed below.
What is 3D printing, and how does it work?
3D printing is a process of creating three-dimensional objects from a digital file with the help of desired computer software
To explain in simple words, the computer software used for the 3D printing process can scan the existing object, or it allows you to create your own design.
Then the software takes the scanned objects and then slices them to abundant horizontal layers.
In the next step, the printer reads each sliced layer and prints it together(the plastic filament) to make a complete physical 3D object. The whole process is simply amazing, finally converting the 2-dimensional object into a physical 3-Dimensional object.
What are the materials used for 3D printing?
There are a wide variety of materials used for 3D printing, it depends on the printer, you choose the appropriate material/filaments for printing.
For example, plastic, powders, resins, paper, graphite are some raw materials used for this 3D printing process.
Plastic is the most commonly used material among all of them in 3D printing, mostly by FDM printers.
It is flexible to use, available in a wide range of bright colors, and affordability is making plastic stand out among the other materials. But, we have to choose the material according to what we want to create.
PLA (polyastic acid) is often preferred because it is considered as eco friendly that sourced from the natural products.
ABS plastic is also another filament type used commonly.
Advantages of 3D printing for kids
3D printing has an immense impact, especially in education. Learning 3D printing exposes children to new innovative approaches.
The benefits of 3D printing are unlimited and have a wide range of applications in the virtual fields of education like
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Graphic design
- Geography
- Automobiles
- Math and sciences as well
Kids can enhance their spatial thinking and imaginary skills by getting exposed to this revolutionary technology to make their future.
So using 3D printers can help them to understand the process of 3D printing along with the basic construction of a 3D printer as well.
Even if your kids are not age-appropriate to operate the 3D printers yet they can enjoy and participate in creating various toys and objects.
Also, check-out Best 3D Pens For Kids- What You Need To Know Before Buying
We have rounded up some of the best 3D printer for kids and beginners and home users. Even professionals using some of them.
Recommended for: Home users, hobbyists, tinkerers
Compatible with: PLA filaments
Extruder type: Single
Software used: Dremel slicer software
The printer comes fully assembled. A quick start guide with detailed instructions helps you begin to start your initial projects (printing) right out of the box.
They have also provided with an option that allows customers to download and print free models available on the web that helps to make your first print with no long waiting.
It comes with a colored LCD touch screen and easy to use.
This 3D printer is safe for kids due to its fully enclosed design creates a stable temperature inside that avoids kids from sticking their hands into the work area during prints.
Using PLA filaments makes it suitable for home 3D printers to start with as PLA filaments are non-toxic, recyclable and Eco-friendly as well.
This 3D printer would be an excellent gift for kids to improve their imagination and learning skills. Also allows them to gain knowledge about 3D printing and the basic construction of 3D printers as well.
Semi assembled printer is delivered with clear instructions, and it takes less time to assemble at home
Also included with features like:
Open-source system: Allow users to improve their printer upon the source code and share the changes within the community, resulting in an improved experience for all.
Resume print function: This feature allows you to resume printing if any power outages or lapse.
The advanced extruder technology reduces clogging avoids lousy extrusion.
Overall it’s one of the best 3D printers with a quick heating bed, noiseless and durable, and safe to use as well.
High Precision Printing: Allow you to print top precision models, create your own world.
Ideal for STEM Projects: Invite imagination and innovation to students, help them discover the wonders of all the STEM fields.
Extruder type: single
Compatible with: PLA
Software used: It comes with Flashpoint, which is a software you download for free.
TINCERCAD which is free and cloud-based software.
Another option is Thingiverse from which you can download free designs.
Recommended for: 3D printer for Beginners, Teens and home users, and 3D printing experts as well.
This 3D printer is easy to use, Slide-in build plate allows you to draw it out of the printer and then remove the finished 3D prints more efficiently.
The intelligent assisted leveling system helps you get more precise prints and to make easier calibrations.
It have Wi-Fi, USB and flash drive connectivity.
Quiet during operation: provides a quiet printing experience for colleagues and family!
It has a Wi-Fi, USB and flash drive connectivity which makes easy to connect to the printer.
Recommended for: Beginners, and professionals and home users
compatible with: PLA Filaments.
Software: It comes with the latest version of CURA slicing software. It is a fast slicing software.
Extruder: LABISTS 3D printer comes with advanced extruder technology that avoids clogging and smooth extruding.
This 3D printer is great for kids to make their own STEM projects and to enhance their innovative skills.
It is easy to assemble and carry because of its portable design.
It includes sample PLA filament and a micro SD card with pre-installed sample files. You can start printing without lag.
The equipped three silent motors avoid noise and remain quiet while printing.
The low power consumption option helps in energy-saving.
It does not harm children’s health because it is compatible with PLA filaments which is eco friendly and does not produce any toxic fumes while melting.
It also has a safely protected power supply during the quick bed heating.
This 3D printer is compatible with Both basic and advanced filament materials.
It supports commonly used PLA and ABS materials, as well as materials, such as conductive PLA, wood and metal composites, or dissolvable PVA.
Its compact small footprint design allows you to place it on any desktops and easy to carry.
Software : Compatible with CURA and REPETIER, and other software as well.
Supported Operating Systems – Windows 7 and later, Mac OS X, Linux
Unlike most other 3D printers, this printer delivered fully assembled. It has already been calibrated before shipping.
It includes sample filament.
You can quickly try and print the sample objects provided in the micro SD card.
As mentioned above, it is compatible with more variety of filament materials due to its heated build plate and wide range of extruder temperatures.