When you're done, simply download the design file generated by the app, upload it to the printer, and get printing. Step 2. Choose Your Materials The first 3D printers produced only plastic parts.

Makers will likely come across numerous STL files as they explore the various forums dedicated to the craft. They're frequently posted on print-sharing sites like Thingiverse and MyMiniFactory.

When you're done, click Design > Download for 3D Printing and you'll immediately get an STL file you can load into your printer.

Before we get into where you can play with one, let's step back and look at what 3D printing is, exactly, and what you can use it for today. What Is 3D Printing?

Homo naledi fossil scans are now available to 3D print at home. But what other hominin fossils can you download for your collection?

Like many people, I have been preparing files for 3D printing using 3D modeling programs or downloading them from 3D model repositories like Thingiverse. While this is an excellent and well-known ...