Richard Horne is an electronics engineer, product designer, technical salesman, and problem solver with more than 30 years of experience and innovation across industries. Known in the community as RichRap, his blog makes 3D printing easier for everyone to understand.

Introduction 1
 
Part 1: Getting Started with 3D Printing 5
 
Chapter 1: Seeing How 3D Printers Fit into Modern Manufacturing 7
 
Chapter 2: Exploring the Types of 3D Printing 19
 
Chapter 3: Exploring Applications of 3D Printing 31
 
Part 2: Outlining 3D-Printing Resources 47
 
Chapter 4: Identifying Available Materials for 3D Printing 49
 
Chapter 5: Identifying Sources and Communities for 3D-Printable Objects 67
 
Part 3: Exploring the Business Side of 3D Printing 83
 
Chapter 6: 3D Printing for Everyone 85
 
Chapter 7: Understanding 3D Printing's Effect on Traditional Lines of Business 97
 
Chapter 8: Reviewing 3D-Printing Research 107
 
Part 4: Employing Personal 3D-Printing Devices 119
 
Chapter 9: Exploring 3D-Printed Artwork 121
 
Chapter 10: Considering Consumer-Level Desktop 3D Printers 129
 
Chapter 11: Deciding on a 3D Printer of Your Own 157
 
Part 5: Understanding and Using Your 3D Printer 197
 
Chapter 12: Assembling Kits and Reviewing Machine Setup 199
 
Chapter 13: Understanding 3D Printer Control Electronics 219
 
Chapter 14: Understanding, Using, and Servicing 3D Printers 251
 
Chapter 15: Identifying Software and Calibrating Your 3D Printer 293
 
Chapter 16: Refining the Design and 3D-Printing Process 337
 
Part 6: The Part of Tens 371
 
Chapter 17: Ten Examples of Direct Digital Manufacturing and Personalization 373
 
Chapter 18: Ten Impossible Designs Created Using Additive Manufacturing 379
 
Index 385

Print out whatever you can dream up
3D Printing For Dummies is an easy reference for anyone new to the process of taking a digital file and turning it into an object in the real world. (Pretty amazing stuff, right?) It's also a handy guide for more experienced users looking to learn the latest and greatest in additive manufacturing. Updated for the latest generation of machines and materials, this book walks you through creating models and printing 3D objects. You'll get the scoop on the impact of these versatile machines in production and manufacturing, reuse and recycling, intellectual property design controls, and more. It's an exciting time to get into 3D printing, and this friendly Dummies guide is here to help you do it.
* Wrap your mind around the technology of 3D printing
* Understand how 3D printing is transforming industries
* Get an intro to making your own digital models
* Consider the pros and cons of 3D printing for your hobby or business needs
3D Printing For Dummies is a perfect resource for anyone interested in learning about and taking advantage of 3D printing technology.