To 3D print you need 3 things: a 3D printer (or a source to utilize High end 3D printers like TRIONTA) a computer aided design (CAD) software (like SOLIDWORKS or Inventor) & most importantly – an Idea. 

With 3D printers becoming more and more easily accessible, any hobbyist can jump straight into the 3D printing game – but in the world of 3D printing, you get what you pay for.  Due to the way a 3D printer works, by adding layer upon layer of plastic (or some other material) to form a part, the lower end printers tend to make your part look like an Aztec temple or a pixilated videogame from the 80’s.  The more expensive the printer, the smoother the part’s surface will come out (another plus, is that higher end printers tend to operate a lot faster than their cheaper counterparts). 

Generally, the average hobbyist cannot justify the cost of a higher end 3D printer (most big companies cannot justify it either) so the use of third party printers (such as TRIONTA) is key to getting access to quality parts. 

Having a 3D printer is just fine – there are numerous websites (such as www.GrabCad.com) which give you access to quality .stl files (to find out what .stl files are, read this article), but if you want to create your own projects, you’re going to need a CAD software. 

Unlike your typical inkjet printers that utilize word processing programs to create printable files – 3D printers require .stl files. 

To create .stl files, you need CAD software - 3D printers use the .stl files to create your part in a manner similar to a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan.   

Tomography is simply taking many 2dimensional images, and layering them in the correct locations to describe the object in 3dimensions.

Read this article to understand a couple of the big name CAD software systems out there. 

Closing Thoughts 

Before you go through all that investment of money, as well as, time you’re going to need an idea.  This is ultimately the most important part because it’s what allows us humans to still be in control - all this fancy technology is utterly useless without that beautiful organ between your ears.  So, keep your eyes and ears open to the world around you, and look for any way to solve a need – because getting your idea from head to hand is becoming more and more accessible to everyone, and not just the bigger corporations.  Happy Designing!