We would love to hear your advice for our friend - What do I need to get started with decent 3D printer? I have zero knowledge or experience with 3D printing. I now only have a Chromebook laptop computer. I am a retired mechanical
engineer and have used several 3D design packages in the past (Autodesk,
SolidWorks, and HP CoCreate) but never any 3D printing. What can you hook
we up with so I can make simple fixtures, brackets, small enclosures and
other useful items, NOT interested in toys, decorations, etc.
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Start with a reliable enclosed printer and PETG for strong, functional parts, then move to ASA when you need higher heat resistance. Look for an all-metal hotend, heated bed, and enclosure. Use PETG first since it is forgiving and tough; switch to ASA for heat and sunlight, with an enclosure and room ventilation. Make sure your printer’s hotend rating supports ASA temps.
On a Chromebook, you can use a browser-based slicer workflow or enable Linux to run a desktop slicer. Baseline settings for brackets and small enclosures: 0.2 mm layers, 4 walls, 5 top and 5 bottom layers, 30–40% gyroid or cubic infill. PETG: 230–245 °C nozzle, 70–85 °C bed, low fan. ASA: 245–260 °C nozzle, 90–105 °C bed in an enclosure. A small toolkit helps a lot: digital calipers, heat-set inserts with a tip, flush cutters, and a deburring tool. If you want materials shipped, browse filament here: Shop Filament.
If you are local, you can come by our Huntsville store and speak to one of our highly knowledgeable ambassadors in-person or register for a class at events.gigaparts.com.
The type of printer is dependent on the materials you intend to print. Open frame printers, like the A1 are good for most starters. The are easy to use and handle all PLAs, PETG, and TPU (bendable filament).
If you intend to print ABS, ASA, or engineering materials, you’ll need an enclosed printer, such as the Bambu Lab P1S, P1S Combo, X1C, or the H Series.
The print quality is largely the same regardless which way you go. GigaParts features the Bambu line of printers. All are relatively easy to set up and use. other than a little bit of regular maintenance, they need very little fixing or adjusting
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