What if I don't have a 3D printer? - Some advice!

The question I most often get asked regarding the things I publish here - "What if I don't have a 3D printer?" 

As many of you know, I don't take on commissions or sell physical prints. The primary reason is that my day-to-day obligations would not allow me to keep up! The effort and time required in doing 'part runs' or taking on commissions is often underestimated and I respect anyone that is able to do it right! This is why I've opted to publish files for fellow makers and builders here.

However, this does seemingly 'cut out' an audience that might not have a 3D printer or feel they don't have the skills to make their own stuff. If you are visiting this Patreon and feel you are in that group, maybe this post can help!

Setup Costs - It isn't as expensive as you may think...

When I first started looking into 3D printers some years ago, cost was the biggest deterrent. I'm a massive advocate for new technology but when I invest in new tools they need to meet my 'return on investment' threshold. My original perception after working with printers in a professional design setting was that printers cost thousands of dollars and material is expensive. This still holds true for higher-end professional printers...

BUT...

After doing some research into how people were making cool 3D printed costume props and accessories, I discovered that consumer-grade 3D printer costs have dropped dramatically in the last five years. I was absolutely floored to find that the Ender 3 printer (which I continue to use today after 2+ years!) retails for under $200 USD. Furthermore, a 1 KG spool of PLA or PETG material retails for between $18-30 USD depending on the material brand and type.

After working out a budget, I discovered I could get set up with a decent starter desktop printer and a few spools of material for under $300. Additionally, 'slicing' software like Cura is free!

Now - for some, this may still be a significant investment. For me, I also looked at what my expenditures had been for buying parts and kits off of Etsy to satiate my Ghostbusters hobby. $20 for a part here... $200 for a thrower kit there. It quickly adds up... to say nothing of   how expensive it is to procure a proton pack (even the Haslab one)

With 3D printing I felt I could offset most of my hobby expenditures and invest in tools to make my own things far more affordably.

Don't want to buy a printer? There are other options!

Before I purchased a 3D printer, I occasionally would have the need for 3D printing. I discovered an excellent community resource here in my own backyard: Omaha's Do Space. Among other services, they provide access to 3D printers, laser cutters, as well as modeling software. They have staff and volunteers on hand to help you get set up and learn about the tools.  If I needed a part printed, would take the STL file there, rent out time for using the equipment and print it there. It's an amazing resource!

The good news is that many metropolitan areas have similar resources and you may not even realize it. I often recommend that people do a search for "maker space" or "3D printing" in their city and see what comes up. You might be surprised!

Here are some common resources you might have in your community:

• Maker spaces: These community resources provide access to equipment and shop specialists. In addition to a variety of shop equipment, many have 3D printers. I have found that membership to maker spaces to be quite affordable - some even free! When I would visit the Do Space here in Omaha, my only expense was the material I used for my prints!
• Public libraries: Those 'old buildings with books' are becoming more modernized with a variety of resources. You might be surprised to find that public libraries are introducing many technology resources for their communities. Here in Nebraska, several public libraries have 3D printers for community use. For example, at this Lincoln public library, you are charged for material usage and time. You very well may find similar resources in your neighborhood!

Is there a place I can just send a part to?

3D printer services are quite common. You might be able to find a service provider locally - including sole proprietors. Additionally, you may also have luck with an online service provider where you upload files, get a quote, and have the part shipped to you. 

Admittedly, I am less familiar with these services and cannot give my recommendation for a specific service to use. However, it may be worth your own research here. A cursory Google search returned results for services like Stratasys, Xometry, PrintParts - Many of these services are designed for professional use cases but some seem to offer opportunities that might be more affordable for consumers.

In summary...

3D printing is an increasingly available capability. The technology has become more affordable to purchase especially when compared to costs often associated with collecting or purchasing prop kits. There are also numerous free resources for learning 3D printing. There are also many helpful communities out there to answer your questions and give you advice.

Additionally, there are a growing number of community resources - including maker spaces and public libraries - that offer access to the equipment and staff to help you print parts. Finally, there are commercial services for printing available to get parts made and delivered to you.

I hope this write-up was helpful to visitors that are wondering where they can get started!  For patrons that might have additional insights, feel free to leave a comment below!