3D printing is one of the most exciting ways to turn imagination into reality. Whether it’s a small keychain, a model rocket, or a complex robot part, the ability to design and create something from scratch is both empowering and educational. For students, learning how to use a 3D printer builds valuable skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) while also encouraging creativity and problem-solving.
At Elevate STEM Tutoring in Colorado Springs, we introduce kids to 3D printing through hands-on projects that blend fun and learning. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk through the basics of how to use a 3D printer, what materials it uses, the most popular printer brands, and how you can start printing your own designs at home or in class.
What Is 3D Printing?
3D printing, also called additive manufacturing, is the process of creating three-dimensional objects by adding material layer by layer. Instead of carving or molding an item, a 3D printer builds it from the ground up, following precise digital instructions.
This technology is used in industries like aerospace, medicine, and architecture — but it’s also accessible to students. Kids can design and print models that help them understand math, physics, and engineering in a whole new way.
What You’ll Need to Start
To get started with 3D printing, you’ll need a few essential tools and materials:
- A 3D Printer: There are many types, but the most common for beginners is an FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printer.
- Filament: This is the “ink” of your printer. Most student-friendly printers use PLA, a safe, biodegradable plastic made from corn starch.
- Computer and Software: You’ll need design software (such as Tinkercad or Fusion 360) to create models, and slicing software (like Cura or PrusaSlicer) to prepare files for printing.
- Print Surface: A heated bed or glass plate where the object will be printed.
- Tools: Tweezers, scrapers, and small pliers to remove supports or help clean up finished prints.
Common Brands of 3D Printers
There are several reliable 3D printer brands perfect for classrooms, hobbyists, and home learning. Each printer has slightly different features, but most follow the same basic process.
1. Creality (Ender Series)
The Creality Ender series (Ender 3, Ender 5, etc.) is one of the most popular for beginners. It’s affordable, open-source, and easy to modify. Many teachers and hobbyists choose Creality because of its strong online support community and detailed tutorials.
2. Prusa Research (Prusa MK4 and Mini)
Prusa printers are known for their quality, reliability, and precision. They come with strong documentation, excellent print results, and great customer support. Prusa’s software — PrusaSlicer — is also one of the best slicers available.
3. Anycubic
Anycubic offers affordable and beginner-friendly printers, including resin and FDM models. Their Kobra and Photon series are widely used for home and educational projects.
4. Bambu Lab (P1P and X1 Series)
Bambu Lab printers are fast, precise, and capable of multi-color printing with AMS (Automatic Material System) attachments. They’re more advanced but great for students who want to explore complex designs.
5. FlashForge (Adventurer Series)
FlashForge printers are compact, reliable, and popular in classrooms due to their enclosed build design, which keeps printing safe for kids.
6. MakerBot
Once one of the pioneers of 3D printing, MakerBot printers are now used in many schools and libraries. Their Sketch Classroom system includes guided STEM lessons and dual printers for collaboration.
Before operating any 3D printer, always review the manufacturer’s instruction manual for setup, safety, and calibration procedures. Even though most printers follow the same general steps, small differences in hardware or software settings can affect your results.
Now for the step-by-step guide to using a 3D printer!
Step 1: Design Your Object
Every print starts with an idea. Maybe you want to create a name tag, a geometric shape, or a piece for a science project. You’ll turn that idea into a 3D digital model using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software.
For beginners, Tinkercad is one of the best free tools available. It’s easy to use, drag-and-drop based, and designed specifically for students and hobbyists.
When designing, it’s important to think about:
- Size: Will your print fit on the printer bed?
- Shape: Does your design need supports to stay stable?
- Thickness: Too thin and it may break; too thick and it may take too long to print.
Step 2: Export and Slice Your Model
Once your design is ready, it’s time to “slice” it. Slicing software converts your 3D model (usually an STL file) into G-code, which is a set of instructions that tells the printer exactly how to build your object layer by layer.
When slicing, you’ll choose settings like:
- Layer height: Thinner layers make smoother surfaces but take longer to print.
- Infill density: Determines how solid your object is inside.
- Supports: Temporary structures that hold up overhanging parts of your design.
- Print speed and temperature: Adjustments based on material type and detail level.
Step 3: Prepare Your Printer
Before printing, make sure your 3D printer is set up correctly.
Level the Print Bed:
The print bed must be perfectly level so the first layer sticks evenly. Many printers now include auto-leveling functions, but understanding how to manually level the bed helps kids learn how calibration affects precision.
Load the Filament:
Insert the filament spool and feed it into the extruder until melted plastic begins to flow from the nozzle.
Preheat the Printer:
Different materials melt at different temperatures. For PLA, the nozzle is typically around 200°C and the bed around 60°C.
Step 4: Start Printing
When everything is ready, press print. The printer follows the G-code instructions, moving layer by layer to create the object.
Watch closely during the first few minutes — if the first layer doesn’t stick well, the print might fail. Once you see the layers forming smoothly, the rest is patience and curiosity.
Step 5: Post-Processing
When your print is finished and the bed has cooled, carefully remove the object. You may need to remove supports, sand edges, or paint the surface depending on your design.
Post-processing adds creativity to the project and gives students a chance to evaluate what worked well and what to improve next time.
Understanding the Limitations of 3D Printing
While 3D printing is powerful, it’s not perfect. Beginners should keep these limitations in mind:
- Printing can take several hours, especially for larger models.
- Most printers can only make objects up to a certain size.
- Fine details require higher-quality printers or slower print speeds.
- Filament costs add up, and failed prints are common when learning.
But each challenge teaches problem-solving, patience, and resilience — key qualities for future engineers and inventors.
How 3D Printing Builds STEM Skills
3D printing helps students think critically and creatively. It connects design with science, problem-solving with patience, and innovation with hands-on learning. Kids learn that technology isn’t just about using tools — it’s about understanding how those tools work and how to make them work better.
At Elevate STEM Tutoring, students learn 3D printing through real projects that teach geometry, logic, and creativity all at once. The result? Confident learners who think like inventors.
Learn 3D Printing in Colorado Springs!
If your child loves technology, art, or building things, our 3D printing classes at Elevate STEM Tutoring in Colorado Springs are the perfect place to start. Students learn how to design, slice, and print their own creations — while exploring the fundamentals of STEM in a fun, hands-on way.
Ready to get started? Sign up for 3D printing classes with Elevate STEM Tutoring in Colorado Springs today and watch your child’s imagination take shape, layer by layer.
