Hear from Everyday Folks Who Jumped Into 3D Printing
Chuck:
Many years ago I read about 3D printers but concluded they were expensive and complicated devices that were difficult to use. I figured I had no use for one so I never considered buying one. This is coming from someone with a mechanical background since childhood. I enjoy repairing things on my own and finding ways to modify something to make it a little more user friendly.
Then for Christmas 2024, my wife gifted me a Bambu Lab A1 mini 3D printer and a couple spools of PLA filament. Wow, what a wonderful surprise! Before the unboxing I watched a number of videos and was amazed by the small size, ease of use, and things that could be printed.
I installed the Bambu Handy app on my mobile device and started scrolling through the endless pictures of models shared by the creators. I quickly learned there were a number of things that I had no idea that could be printed, especially the practical parametric models that I found potentially useful for my projects and repairs. On these models you simply change numbers to adjust the size/shape on various locations on the part to meet your needs.
I finally unboxed the A1 mini, easily assembled it following the instructions in the box, and set it on a small rolling rack in my home office.
Printing has been almost too easy. Load the filament, pick a model in Bambu Handy or Bambu Studio, and let it go. My first prints were accessories for the printer itself, plus some toys and decorations for the family.
In the beginning I would stare in awe at the printer doing the calibration, filament purge, and model being printed layer by layer, watching it come to life from nothing to completion. I noticed hot PLA filament gives off a strong maple syrup like smell so I bought a cheap soft enclosure with windows and a light. It holds in most of the fumes, decreases the printing sounds, and keeps dust off when I’m not using it. I leave the window zipper slightly open at the top while printing so the printer doesn’t get too hot.
The Bambu Handy mobile app is great for a lot of things, but it has its limits. The Bambu Studio app on the computer is where I can really rework a model. I can change the size, texture, infill density, internal support structure, and layout, or add and remove parts. If I can't find something on Bambu Handy, I can usually find a free or paid model (STL file) on another website and download the file to use in Bambu Studio.
These days most of what I print is practical stuff for repairs around the house and the pool. I started with PLA but switched to PETG for most things because it's stronger and holds up better when a part takes some force or sits outside.
A number of the practical models happen to be parametric. Some of these models are quick to size up, like hooks and simple brackets. Parts that have to fit against something else take longer because the measurements need to be right, and that's where the Bambu Studio computer app benefits over the Handy mobile app. I measure with calipers, print a thin test version that's quick and uses hardly any filament, and keep adjusting until it fits. Then I print the real one. I can't think of anywhere else I could design and make a custom part this cheap, right when I need it.
The printer does need some upkeep, but I don't hold that against it. After a lot of hours it reminds me to lubricate certain parts and plays a video on the screen showing exactly how. I've also had a couple prints come loose from the plate halfway through. If I'm not there to catch it, I come back to a pile of spaghetti. That's usually on me for not cleaning the plate after several prints. A good scrub with strong dish soap and a wipe with isopropyl alcohol on a clean microfiber cloth takes care of it.
When I first got it I was printing for fun a few times a week. Now I print when something needs fixing or improving, which ends up being a few times a month. At this point it's a necessity. Going without it would feel like giving up my car and taking the bus everywhere.
Here's some of what I've made.
For the printer itself: a spool clip (a must, since it keeps the filament from unwinding and tangling), a purge poop deflector, a bed scraper, a filament guide (entangle free), and a build plate handle.
Parametric parts sized in Bambu Studio on the computer: a handle for a drink tumbler, a replacement cap for a proprietary bottle cap that broke, S hooks in different sizes, brackets and wall mounts, shims, spacers, washers, nuts and bolts, soap drip trays, cabinet shelf dowels, funnels for car fluids, pipe fittings, and hose adapters for the pool. Most of those are PETG, and the pool adapters had to be since they deal with chemicals and sun all day.
From Bambu Handy on my phone: a wall mount for our wireless router, Meta Quest 3 accessories, an Apple Watch charging stand, an adjustable phone stand, ceiling fan pull chain charms, Philips OneBlade attachments, GoPro mounts and a floating handle, dresser drawer track guides, a knob, cord wrap and handle for our KitchenAid mixer, an ergonomic base for my Logitech M575 trackball, an Apple TV remote case, light switch locks, a reflection guard for my XREAL AR glasses, and PETG tire valve caps for the car. I also printed clamps (Tent Rope Clip) that keeps the flat bed sheet in place on our really thick mattress. I had to reprint that one in PETG because the PLA version kept cracking.
