Home » Misc » Books 3d printing

Books 3d printing


The 8 Best 3D Printing Books in 2021 (Including Introductions to 3D Printing)

Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best 3D printing books 2021. Thomas has been connecting North American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. When you purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The best place to really dig in deep about a subject is a book. If 3D printing has piqued your interest, our lineup of the best 3D printing books will help wrap your head around this concept, teach you to apply it to everyday work, and learn helpful hints, tips, and tricks.

Books on 3D printing are an excellent foray into the world of additive manufacturing

At first glance, 3D printing (or additive manufacturing) can be an intimidating field to get into. The intersection of science, technology, and mathematics may appear to be overwhelming, but with the right resources and tools, anyone who’s serious about learning the inner workings of 3D printing can.

What is 3D printing?

It may sound like a futuristic practice, but 3D printing has been around since the ’80s. In essence, 3D printing is the art and science of producing tangible materials, models, and objects out of digital files on a 3D printer. There are a lot of moving parts that go into it between the creation of the files, the uploading of them, and the actual printing and implementing of the object.

This method can be used in numerous applications, from at-home science projects or creating a jamb for a door to constructing artificial organs in the medical field or building parts for the aircraft industry. The beauty of additive manufacturing is that it can be adapted for both minuscule projects and large-scale inventions, and many industries are beginning to understand this. In fact, one survey found that nearly 75% of those who participated are looking to invest in 3D printing in 2021. If you’re curious about how things work in this sector, these books are a great place for getting started or brushing up on your knowledge about all-things printers, filaments, software, and uses.

Thomas’ Top Picks for the Best 3D Printing Books

Whether you’re just starting out in the world of 3D printing or are familiar with the processes and endless breadth of projects, these books will provide inspiration, instructions, and important details.

  • Best 3D Printing Book for Troubleshooting: 3D Printing Failures
  • Best General 3D Printing Guide: The 3D Printing Handbook
  • Best 3D Printing Book for Everyday Objects: Functional Design for 3D Printing
  • Best 3D Printing Book for Kids: 3D Printing Projects
  • Best 3D Printing Book for Beginners: Getting Started with 3D Printing
  • Best 3D Printing Book for Essentials: The Zombie Apocalypse Guide to 3D Printing
  • Best Introductory 3D Printing Book: 3D Printing: An Introduction
  • Best 3D Printing Book for Learning Software: Fusion 360 for Makers

Browse through our selection of the best 3D printing books to kickstart your journey to learning about this fascinating science.

1. Best 3D Printing Book for Troubleshooting—

3D Printing Failures

The best way to learn is through mistakes, whether you’re the one making them or you have the privilege to learn from someone else’s. In 3D Printing Failures: How to Diagnose and Repair All Desktop 3D Printing Issues, the author, Sean Aranda, delves into problems you may run into with materials or the machinery itself. This is an update from the original version and includes seven new chapters that are more relevant to today’s 3D printing processes and conundrums. “While it is geared primarily to newbies to 3D printing, I found material helpful to me and my three years of experience,” wrote one happy reviewer.

BUY NOW:

$18.99, Amazon

2. Best General 3D Printing Guide—

The 3D Printing Handbook

The pages of The 3D Printing Handbook: Technologies, Design and Applications by Ben Redwood, Filemon Schöffer, and Brian Garret pulls insight from additive manufacturing experts and forms it into digestible chapters. It goes into detail about how the equipment works, how to choose the right technology for your specified sector or projects, and outlines industry standards. It’s a great read for those who have a background in 3D printing, but with a bit of dedicated attention, beginners can utilize this book, too. “If you need an all-in-one guide on 3D printing as a whole, this is an invaluable resource,” described one customer.

BUY NOW:

$32, Amazon

3. Best 3D Printing Book for Everyday Objects—

Functional Design for 3D Printing

For knowledgable hobbyists, or those further along in their additive manufacturing careers, there is plenty of useful information in Clifford T Smyth’s Functional Design for 3D Printing: Designing 3D Printed Things for Everyday Use. It provides readers with techniques and guidance on how to configure different materials, set up proper support structures, improve workflow, and handle concerns surrounding problems like warping and adhesion. This third edition has not only expanded textually, but it has included additional instructive illustrations. “This book hits the middle ground just right,” explained one buyer. “It focuses on pragmatic advice for designing useful parts that are strong enough to work in real-world applications.”

BUY NOW:

$22.95, Amazon

4. Best 3D Printing Books for Kids—

3D Printing Projects

If you have the equipment at the ready but are unsure where to start, the compilation of ideas and tutorials in 3D Printing Projects by DK is the perfect place to start. While it’s ideal for kids and teens who are testing the waters with 3D printing, it’s a fantastic resource for adults who are just breaking in, too. Of the projects listed, you’ll find guidance on how to make desk caddies, phone stands, and even fridge magnets to try your hand at 3D printing. The book also offers a nice overview of the topic, a glossary of terms, and some light reading on troubleshooting. “My teen boys and I are working our way through the projects and having so much fun,” wrote one customer. “There is plenty of room for adding your own artistic flair to each project and my boys are really proud of their creations.”

BUY NOW:

$12.73, Amazon

5. Best 3D Printing Book for Beginners—

Getting Started with 3D Printing

Getting Started with 3D Printing: A Hands-on Guide to the Hardware, Software, and Services Behind the New Manufacturing Revolution provides a basic yet comprehensive blueprint for people who are easing their way into this science. In the book, authors Liza Wallach Kloski and Nick Kloski discuss the history as well as the supplies and tools needed. It also offers guidance on how to select the right materials and technology (i.e. the printers and filaments) that’ll suit you and your needs best. The book also contains a few project tutorials to start out with. “This book covers everything and helped me a lot when I couldn't figure out how to fix my prints,” wrote one beginner. “I'm not very tech-savvy and found other books harder to follow. I found this book the easiest to understand.”

BUY NOW:

$13.99, Amazon

6. Best 3D Printing Book for Essentials—

The Zombie Apocalypse Guide to 3D Printing

It’s hard not to be intrigued by the title of this guide to 3D printing, another book written by Clifford T Smyth. While the subjects may seem incongruent, the context of The Zombie Apocalypse Guide to 3D Printing: Designing and Printing Practical Objects makes sense; it gives an in-depth guide to being as self-sufficient as possible with a 3D printer. While you’ll learn how to make certain objects, it takes a more interesting angle. It’ll teach you how to make replacement parts, items, and hardware that fit in certain spaces (like bolts and jambs), and integrate 3D printed prototypes into already existing objects. “It covers expert topics… and the ‘Appendices’ are actually full-blown chapters, with more examples of how to meet your design constraints,” wrote one reviewer. “It's a solid handbook to mark up and keep by your printer.”

BUY NOW:

from $14.99, Amazon

7. Best Introductory 3D Printing Book—

3D Printing: An Introduction

To stay on track and set yourself up for success, you’ll want to turn to 3D Printing: An Introduction by Stephanie and Jonathan Torta. Not only does it present you with the history and basic parts of a 3D printing configuration, but it’ll lead you in setting up your printer and how to get started without relying solely on beginner’s luck. The chapters also contain tips on avoiding mistakes and fixing mishaps, how to follow safety protocols, and how to start the actual printing procedure. “I found the book so helpful that I marked off several pages for quick reference,” wrote one customer. “I was able to follow the steps in the book to start printing some real decent quality models.”

BUY NOW:

$34.04, Amazon

8. Best 3D Printing Book for Learning Software—

Fusion 360 for Makers

Fusion 360 for Makers: Design Your Own Digital Models for 3D Printing and CNC Fabrication gifts readers with a detailed look at this popular program that many turn to for their 3D printers and other computer numerical control machinery. The author, Lydia Sloan Cline, is a teacher on the subject and has authored eight other books in a similar vein, and many reviewers found her writing to be easy to implement. Aside from the projects in the book, readers will be educated on how to solve problems, apply this tech in a real-life work environment, and get a well-rounded grasp on understanding the software. “Excellent primer on getting up to speed with Fusion 360,” wrote one happy consumer. “Combined with the many online tutorials, it makes the program approachable.”

BUY NOW:

$18.59, Amazon

Best 3D printing Books 2021—Summary

No matter where you are in your 3D printing career or passion project, there’s a book out there to help. Beginners will enjoy Getting Started with 3D Printing while those further along will appreciate the brush up that Functional Design for 3D Printing provides. We hope our review of the best 3D printing books has been helpful. For more similar suppliers, including suppliers of plastic filaments, direct energy deposition additive manufacturing, and 3D photographic printing, consult our additional guides or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.

*Prices listed in this article were as shown on Amazon.com as of April, 2021.

Sources

  • https://amfg.ai/industrial-applications-of-3d-printing-the-ultimate-guide/
  • https://3dinsider.com/3d-printing-history/
  • https://www.designnews.com/automation/predictions-future-3d-printing

Other 3D Printing Articles

  • The 7 Best 3D Printers for Miniatures
  • The 7 Best 3D Printers for Cosplay
  • The 10 Best 3D Printers under $200
  • The 9 Best 3D Printers under $300
  • The Best 3D Printers under $500
  • The 8 Best 3D Printers under $1000
  • The 11 Best 3D Printer Filament Spools in 2021

Other Best Product Articles

  • The Best Cordless Impact Wrenches
  • The Best Portable Generators
  • The Best Portable Band Saws
  • The Best Electric Space Heaters
  • The Best Mini Milling Machine
  • The Best Attic Ladders
  • The Best Air Purifiers for Smoke
  • The Best Circuit Breaker Locator
  • The Best Engine Hoists and Accessories
  • The Best Drywall Lifts
  • The Best Whole-House Generators
  • The Best Home Automation Systems
  • The Best Quietest Portable Generators
  • The Best Uninterruptible Power Supply Systems
  • The Best Commercial Patio Heaters
  • The Best Electric Bikes
  • The Best Electric Pressure Washers
  • The Best Keyless Door Locks
  • The Best Electric Lawnmowers
  • The Best Electric Hand Warmers

More from Custom Manufacturing & Fabricating

The 3D printing books you should read this year!

Published on April 22, 2021 by Carlota V.

Today is World Book Day and so we thought there was no better occasion to present to you some of the must-read books about 3D printing, updated for 2021. From a fictional children’s story to designing your first 3D printable model, everyone should be able to find some insightful knowledge about a 3D printing topic of interest. We made sure to cover books for all levels (and ages!) so take a look and see what takes your fancy!

Children’s Books

Peter And Pablo The Printer: Adventures In Making The Future

Together with Peter, who received a 3D printer as a gift from his father, children can playfully discover the value and potential impact of the technology. Pablo the Printer can print Peter not only all the toys he wants, but also his new best friend, the blue dog Rocky. However, Peter also learns that although Pablo can print anything, he shouldn’t print everything. Even though technology has brought us amazing things, it will not be able to replace social interaction and communication in the modern world.

 

‘Build a Better Book’ Project

Build a Better Book from the University of Colorado Boulder is a project about the collaboration between schools and library maker spaces to develop and produce integrative media for children and young people, such as picture books, games and graphics. Using tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and handicraft materials, children create books, games, and STEM graphics (STEM includes, similar to MINT, the subjects of science, engineering, and mathematics) with tactile and acoustic functions. These products have been developed by and for young people with visual impairments and other physical and mental disabilities. Through the project, middle and high school students develop technological skills while simultaneously making books and other products for the blind.

3D Printing Projects

3D Printing Projects is a step-by-step guide to 3D printing that was created for both children and adult beginners who want to learn how to design and 3D print. The book not only covers  topics such as how a 3D printer works and the different types of 3D printers but will give readers instructions to walk them through the 3D design process, digital modeling and sculpting, slicing, printing and even painting the final objects. Additionally, it is cheap to use as all the projects in the book were selected because they could be made using free online modeling and CAD software. With the beautiful and simple instructions, it is ideal for a child just learning 3D printing or an adult who wants inspiration for easy-to-follow projects or to learn more about 3D printing in general. 

3D Printing Books for Adults

3D Printing for Dummies, 2nd Edition

3D Printing for Dummies by Kalani K. Hausman and Richard Horne has been revised and a second edition published! It provides you with all the information you need to immerse yourself in the world of 3D printing. You will learn what are the different types of 3D printers and which methods of modeling you can use, depending on the software. You will learn more about 3D scanners and photogrammetry, but also materials such as plastic, concrete, wax, glass, metal or even chocolate. Get to know the many applications of 3D printing, whether in the medical field for artificial organs or prostheses, in the manufacture of things such as clothing, toys and furniture or even in the food industry. Print prototypes of your product to perfection before production and build your own self-printing 3D printer are all things you can learn in 3D Printing for Dummies!

3D Hubs’ 3D Printing Handbook

3D Hubs is a recognised player in the 3D printing industry and has made it its mission to network various local 3D printing services with users looking to develop their project. This way, they can offer a multitude of additive manufacturing technologies at a better price and with better accessibility. To get closer to users in 2018, after months of work and research, the 3D Printing Handbook offers a comprehensive guide for students, engineers, architects, designers, etc. and helps anyone who wants to enter the additive manufacturing world. It contains more than 300 pages of photos, real-world examples, industry data, and more to make you an expert in 3D printing.

3D Printing Failures, 2020 Edition

The incredibly popular book on how to diagnose and repair all desktop 3D printing issues has been updated for 2020! The new version has been fully revamped and rewritten to ensure that it is up-to-date with a rapidly changing sector. The 2020 version is nearly 50% longer than the previous (2019) edition with 7 new chapters and new photographs. As can be expected from the title, the book contains practical advice from writers Sean Aranda and David Feeney who both have tremendous experience of successful 3D printing.  It is designed for people with no experience or a good degree of experience in 3D printing to continuously achieve consistent clean prints!

Make: Getting Started with 3D Printing

One of Make Community’s various guides on everything from drones to robots to any DIY project you can imagine, Getting Started with 3D Printing: A Hands-on Guide to the Hardware, Software, and Services Behind the New Manufacturing Revolution is a practical book introducing 3D printing to the average person. The book contains everything you would need to understand the fundamentals of 3D printing including a short history of the topic, the best hardware and software choices, hands-on exercises for readers to practice at home and how 3D printing can be applied in someone’s life or profession. Liza Wallach Kloski and Nick Kloski, the authors, wanted to create a book that would allow the general population to understand what 3D printing is as they believe it will affect our lives much more in the years to come. Note that a new edition of the book will be coming out in May with even more information. You can also check out Make’s other books such as their guides to Fusion 360, design for 3D printing and more.

How to Make Money with 3D printing

Many people know what 3D printing is, however not many people know how to create 3D models or use a 3D printer. Just like many growing and innovative technologies, as the quality, speed and costs are optimised, the adoption and potential uses start to spread and flourish. In his book “How to make money with 3D printing”, Jeffrey Ito develops on the idea of ‘hacking the 3D printing ecosystem and becoming a world-class 3D designer’. He goes into detail about all you need to know to become an expert in 3D printing technologies and monetise from this expertise. Jeffrey is a graduate of the University of Southern California in Industrial & Systems Engineering and young entrepreneur who has a passion for 3D printing and is keen to share the keys to making it successfully in this growing industry.

3D Printing Design

The 3D Printing Design book has been written to give both designers and industry leaders access to the conceptual and practical knowledge needed to participate in the cultural and social transformation of the fashion industry. It is organised around three key topics: materials/production technologies; computational geometry/simulation; and design methodologies. 3D Printing for Fashion will provide both design students and industry professionals with the know-how, skills and confidence needed to critically engage with a rapidly evolving design landscape of tools, materials and software applications. The book is full of project-driven step-by-step tutorials and aims to explain in simple terms complex design and manufacturing processes through interviews with leaders in the design and 3D printing industries

The Zombie Apocalypse Guide to 3D printing: Designing and printing practical objects

Did you watch The Walking Dead and wonder whether you yourself would be able to survive a zombie apocalypse? If you did (and you own a 3D printer!), this might be the book for you. According to the author, the book was written for someone who wants to make practical, durable items for everyday use, the first chapter is even titled “Designing and Printing stuff that won’t break when you need it to work.” The easy-to-read book has been created as a one-stop place for everything you might need to do for 3D printing. The tongue in cheek nod to zombies also makes for a more entertaining read, combining practical advice and technical subjects with levity.

Did one of these books spark your interest? Let us know in a comment below or on our Facebook and Twitter pages! Sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox!

Read Free Book “3D-Primet in Small Business” Dmitry Gorky completely online-MyBook

3D-Plot

In the Small Business

Examples of Practical Application ,0002 9000 3D-PRIVE 9000 9000

Gorkov Dmitry

2015

About the author

My name is Dmitry Gorkov and I will tell you a little about

myself. I have been actively working in the field of 3D printing since 2013.

Initially started doing 3D printing on order.

As a result, I built a system on how to start this business from scratch.

At the moment I am developing and

conducting various training programs, both for working on a

3D printer, and building my own business in this area.

You can find a list of training programs

in the appendix to this book.

I cooperate with a large number of manufacturers

and sellers of equipment and consumables, and I can learn from

first hand and convey all the information to you.

I publish articles in the magazine for professionals

publishing activities Publish.

Acted as an invited expert at

conference 3D Print Expo 2015 in Moscow.

All methods of printing and working on 3D printers

this is my personal experience passed through myself, my

rake, my discoveries. In this book, I even more

rethought some points so that more

it is accessible and with a great end result to transfer my knowledge

9. This is not a retelling of other people's articles from the Internet

and you understand the value and uniqueness of

our country similar knowledge and skills.

Introduction

Have you heard that 3D printing is

the technology of the new millennium and promises huge benefits

to those who use it?

Is it true?

In what areas is its use justified, and where

is not? Is it true that this technology can replace

classical manufacturing techniques?

Find answers to these and other questions in this

book.

In order not to be unfounded, I will give you examples

of practical use in the work of many small businesses

.

I would really like 3D printing in Russia

to develop rapidly. I believe that thanks to

to us, this will happen faster and better.

Opportunities and niches for 3D printing

More and more information is coming in about the introduction of 3D printing into all areas of our

life.

Is everything so simple and easy?

How can we apply 3D printing to reality?

Let's start with the fact that this technology is not a magic wand

for all problems.

No, is a VERSATILE tool.

In

first

for

manufacturing

non-standard/small series

products

made of

plastic/resin/plaster etc. The

technology itself is of interest to a not very large group of people,

present here.

Other people are interested in solving their problems.

Can we solve their problems with 3D printing?

Many yes!

Everything that we will tell further will be

refers to the use of a printer that prints using FDM-

technology. Technology of layer-by-layer deposition of plastic.

This is the most versatile and budget option for

starting a business. The main thing is to come to an understanding that a 3D printer

is a universal machine for manufacturing

small non-standard plastic parts.

And you have to “dance” from this.

The main areas of application in which

3D printing is mainly used are:

Modeling of architectural, engineering projects.

Design.

Manufacture of various artistic creations

Decoration, bijouterie.

If you are engaged in one of these areas,

you still yesterday needed to purchase a printer and bring your work to a new level

.

In addition to the customers in the above areas, there are

many more niches for 3D printing applications.

In the CIS countries, a unique situation has developed due to

which the use of 3D printing can be used in

many areas.

What are these factors?

1. The exchange rate of local currencies to world currencies, resulting in

the price of the printer, positions it as equipment ,

and not a toy for printing gnomes.

2. The same exchange rate makes many plastic

things/parts vehicles/equipment from abroad

have a fairly high cost , which allows

much more expensive 3D printing technology

compete with cast parts.

3. Destroyed or built inefficiently

economic relations of enterprises of the former USSR

led to the fact that there is a demand for the manufacture of

plastic parts. Production of parts by casting

is theoretically cheaper, but it is economically justified for large batches

. In the field of small business

injection molding technology ultimately fails

justify.

4. At

West

Problems

small

companies-

manufacturers

decides

large

number

engineering companies . In the countries of the former USSR

this niche is practically not developed . For various

reasons.

What do we get? 3D printing services are in demand. This,

is exactly the niche of engineering firms that

are needed in the field of small-scale production of

plastic parts.

They are also in demand in the public services sector . But

here I have to warn you that it is very difficult to promote such services

directly against the backdrop of the current informational

noise.

It is much easier to communicate this to future customers through

companies that already provide services or

sell consumer goods. For it to be

economically justified, it is necessary to focus on

the execution of small-scale orders from various organizations

. Such as car repair shops, household appliances repair shops or clubs

for people who are engaged in some kind of hobby.

In general, at the moment there is still

the opportunity to enter the market from scratch with the offer of 3D printing services and

work on third-party orders.

Many do not yet see 3D printing in their workflow

or are not financially ready to implement this

equipment. The purpose of this book is to convey the full benefits of

3D printers in the manufacturing and service industries.

Some misconceptions

Unfortunately, one of the factors hindering the introduction of

3D printing into business is the incorrect positioning of equipment

. That is, we all hear

that the scope of application is huge, but in fact at exhibitions and from

TV screens we see only "gnomes".

Yes, they can look spectacular, but a person, unfortunately,

does not perceive such presentation of information. He

does not want to think out how he can implement this

technology into his work.

A person does not want to draw an analogy between a

printed dog with an engine on its back and a banal

plastic gear that he uses in his

equipment.

You can understand the manufacturers and sellers - such

products look quite impressive at exhibitions, but they

attract a limited audience of designers and

artists.

Such pictures are empty words for an engineer. I'm not

trying to prove here that the artistic use of 3D printing is not correct

. It's just one of the many

facets of technology application.

And just a huge mistake would be to drive all the 3D-

Printing in narrow frames for the production of decorative items.

In the book you will learn about some practical niches

The first book about 3D printing in Russian "Affordable 3D Printing for Science, Education and Sustainable Development" (Low-cost 3D Printing for Science, Education and Sustainable Development) is ready!

Hooray! This moment has come!

The first book about 3D printing and 3D printers in Russian

The book has been translated and laid out! It took almost a year, but I assure you, the information in the book is more than up to date. I recommend the book to anyone who wants to learn more about budget 3D printers and wants to get to know them better.

The book is currently the most complete, up-to-date, detailed and rich source of knowledge about budget / personal 3D printers and 3D printing. The book talks about the history of 3D printing, about the types of printers (and the advantages of budget over industrial ones), printing methods, 3D CAD modeling programs (and the advantages of paid and free programs), gives basic definitions for 3D printing, talks about a variety of methods for using personal 3D printers , talks about how recycling plastic waste can improve the environment and create useful things, about how to teach 3D printing to children. I dare say that with the help of this book, a representative of any profession will understand and find the advantages of 3D printing for himself and feel all the potential that it contains!

Book contents

  • Affordable 3D printing for science, education and sustainability
  • 3D printing - glossary
  • A practical guide to your first 3D printing
  • The role of free software and hardware in the 3D printing revolution
  • Plug and play, build kits and ready-made 3D printers
  • RepRap, Slic3r and the future of 3D printing
  • 3D Modeling with OpenSCAD - Part 1
  • 3D Modeling with OpenSCAD - Part 2
  • Visualize math using 3D printers
  • Science and art - periodic mosaics
  • Printed model of the ALICE detector from CERN
  • Large Scale 3D Printing - From the Deep Ocean to the Moon
  • Cancellous bone modeling by 3D printing of physical copies
  • Using 3D printers at school - 3drucken. ch experiment
  • Prehistoric collections and 3D printing for education
  • 3D printing in art installations
  • From math to jewelry - example
  • 3D printing in developing countries: Lessons learned from Techfortrade 3D4D
  • 3D printed anatomical copies
  • Endless Plastic Project

Thanks

I thank all the translators for their interest and effort, especially I want to note aks_id - Oksana Solovyova and alex_itz - Alexander Kuznetsov - the guys devoted themselves to the translation to the end, sparing no time and effort. Alexander also laid out the book and gave it a finished, neat and comfortable look. Serious work has been done, I ask readers to treat possible inaccuracies with understanding, please send all comments and suggestions for translation to the address: [email protected]

Translation team

Alexander Kuznetsov (alex_itz), alex_itz@mail.

Learn more