Diving Into 3D
Julien Cordeiro, the tech guru at Think Concepts, is always ahead of the game when it comes to the latest gadgets and innovations. His smart home is set up with a responsive ambient lighting system, a robot vacuum, and even a washing machine that sends him notifications. His latest obsession? A home 3D printer. It might surprise you to learn that the first prototype for a 3D printer was developed back in the early 80s! Fast forward a few decades and 3D printers have evolved from a cutting-edge concept to a practical household tool. They've even been used to print entire houses!
We caught up with Julien to get some tips on using a 3D printer and how he's been having fun with this new tech.
First up, tell us about the cool things you’ve been printing. Anything exciting?
Right now, I’m really just having fun with it. Although it came in handy when I needed to fix some window latches – it was cool to be able to print those out. I’ve also made some nice vases, pen pots, a wall hanger for my headset, that sort of thing.
What materials do you need for printing?
There are a bunch of cool materials you can use for 3D printing at home. Mostly, I stick with PLA (polylactic acid) filament. It's awesome because it's biodegradable and made from renewable resources like corn and sugarcane. It’s probably the most commonly used filament for people printing at home. There are also specialty filaments, including some that contain fragments of wood or metal. So, for example, when you print with the wood filament, your creations look and feel like actual wood.
How big can you make your prints?
My printer has a build area of 25 cm x 22 cm. It’s not the biggest, but it’s perfect for most of the stuff I want to create. If you wanted to create something larger, you could just print it in parts and assemble them. There are some fancier 3D printers with bigger build areas or cool features like continuous printing on a conveyor belt, which is awesome for longer prints or batch jobs.
How about the design process? Can you create your own designs?
So far, I’ve been using designs I find online. There are tons of free files available you can download. And you can adapt them if needed, then just print away. I haven’t tried designing my own yet, but I’m excited to give it a shot in the future. And if you need ideas, there are plenty of forums and websites where people share their designs and ideas. It’s a great way to find inspiration and see what others are creating. There are even contests that encourage people to come up with new designs based on themes, which is really fun.
We’ve heard 3D printing for cosplay costumes is popular – can we expect to see you sporting a unique creation at the next Xmas party?
Oh, I’ve definitely thought about it! Last year, I didn’t have my printer set up in time, but maybe this year I’ll go all out. 3D printing could make for some creative costume pieces!
How about the costs involved?
The cost can vary quite a bit, but you can get a good 3D printer at the moment for around $300. Then there’s the filament, which typically ranges from $20 to $50 per kilogram, depending on the material and quality. If you want to switch things up and use a different type of filament—like going from PLA to woodgrain filament—you'll need a different nozzle, but those are just a few dollars each.
What if someone doesn’t want to buy a 3D printer? Are there other options?
Absolutely! You don’t need to own your own 3D printer to start creating. There are plenty of services where you can send your designs and have them printed locally. In Wellington, for example, places like The Hive offer 3D printing services. You can even rent a 3D printer if you want to try it out before buying one.
Any tips for someone just starting with 3D printing?
I’d suggest starting with simple projects and using free model files to get a feel for the process. There are tons of websites where you can download ready-made designs, which is a great way to learn the ropes without diving into complex stuff right away. Definitely join some online communities and forums. The 3D printing community is super supportive, and you can learn a lot from other people’s experiences. Plus, you’ll get loads of inspiration for your own projects. And don’t be afraid to experiment—that’s where the fun really begins! Try different materials, tweak the settings, and see what works best for you. It’s all about learning and having fun with it.
What’s next on your 3D printing journey?
I’m looking forward to trying my hand at designing my own models. There are also some new materials I want to experiment with. The possibilities are endless, and I’m excited to see what else I can create!
So, about that cosplay idea for the Xmas party … here’s our suggestion to get you started!
