In this blog, we'll explain the benefits of additive manufacturing and owning large 3D printer regardless of your familiarity with 3D printing for some background information.


The phrase "3D printing" describes a range of methods and tools that offer extensive capabilities for producing parts and goods in different materials. The commonality among all the technologies and processes is that, unlike conventional production methods that rely on subtractive techniques or molding/casting procedures, production is carried out layer by layer in an additive process.

large 3D printer

Making a 3D model with the software is the first step in 3D printing. The digital file for the object is then transformed by the program into data that a 3D printer can understand. The printer then uses materials like thermoplastics, metals, glass, paper, or wood to transform a digital file into a physical form. The printer uses an additive printing technique, which involves adding layers of material until the object is fully printed.


As 3D printing gains popularity among artists, enthusiasts, professionals, and corporations, new career opportunities are opening up. Here is a list of some of the job titles you may encounter when looking for work in 3D printing. For each job title, we've included the average US salary (base pay + additional income from commissions, tips, cash bonuses, and profit-sharing), duties, and qualifications.

The Process of 3D Printing 

It is true that 3D printing is a form of printing, albeit not in the traditional sense. The definitions of "printing" that apply from Webster's are centered on the process of creating printed materials, publications, or images, as well as the process of creating printed matter through impression (pressure application). 3D printing is not well described by either term. But in terms of technology, 3D printing is just a development of conventional printing, which uses a layer of material applied (usually ink).

Although there are many different materials you can use to build these layers, as a hobbyist, you'll probably use UV resin and melted plastic. The desired result will dictate which type you use. Even though the best 3D printers automate a lot of the work, there is still a lot of trial and error involved in getting it right.

Why Choose 3D Printer?

One of the advantages of owning a large 3D printer is the flexibility it gives you.  One of my colleagues, Dan Ackerman, needed a mount for his iPhone to go on his MacBook. After a few hours and about $0.15 worth of material, he had one operational. Solving a problem like this right away is satisfying.

3D printer in the UK

3D printers are used by designers to quickly create product models and prototypes, but they are also being used more and more to make final products. Among the products made using 3D printers are toy designs, furniture, tools, shoes, trinket and novelty items, and wax castings for jewellery. Parts are produced by 3D printers for the automotive and aircraft industries. Artists can produce sculptures, and builders can construct architectural models. 3D printers are being used by archaeologists to replicate models of delicate artifacts, such as some of the antiquities that ISIS recently destroyed. Dinosaur skeletons and other fossils can be replicated by paleontologists and their students. Check out our assortment of practical and easy-to-use 3D printer items.

The majority of 3D printer in the UK include a software suite that can be downloaded or played on disc and has all the tools you need to get printing right away. Typically, the suites come with a printer management program and a slicer that separates the object file into layers according to resolution and other parameters before printing. 

A program that can "heal" an object file by resolving problems that might prevent it from printing smoothly is included in some suites. The open-source RepRap(Opens in a new window) movement gave rise to the programs, which are what allowed amateur 3D printing to flourish. Some printers don't rely on the programs that come with the suite; instead, you can download the individual components. In short, buying 3D printer in the UK can be worth a deal.