3D Printing

Discover the limitless possibilities of 3D printing with our industry-leading range of 3D printer products and learning resources. Find everything you need in our new video series, or shop for all the best printers and supplies online and in-store at Jaycar.

What is 3D Printing?

3D printing is changing the way we produce things. Instead of buying a physical item from a store or having a professional manufacturer make a prototype of your idea, you can now print it in your home, office, workshop, etc. There's no tooling necessary which opens up a world of opportunity to the designer - or everyday Joe just wanting to make cool stuff. There's also an element of self-sufficiency and novelty: the notion that you not only sourced an item locally, but made it yourself! If you're not a designer, there's a number of 3D printing libraries online where you can download free CAD drawings which you can print, and at the same time interact with other fans on tips and processes. 3D printing is a fun, exciting and quickly evolving world.

How Does 3D Printing Work?

3D printing is an "additive production process". That means that it prints a 3D item in hundreds (or even thousands) of super-thin horizontal layers from the bottom up to form a solid object. Due to this layering process, the printer can create hollow objects, intricate internal components, and moving parts like hinges and wheels inside a solid case - which you cannot achieve with traditional manufacturing. The objects you're planning on 3D printing will determine what quality and capabilities you need your 3D printer to have.