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getting-started-3d-printing

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10 prints, one skill at a time. Each step builds on the last — start at #1 and work down. Skip ahead if you already know the skill; come back if a later print fails for a reason an earlier one would have caught.

  1. XYZ 10mm Calibration Cube

    XYZ 10mm Calibration Cube

    beginner · ~20m

    Skill: Measure XYZ dimensional accuracy with calipers

  2. 3DBenchy — The Jolly 3D Printing Torture Test

    3DBenchy — The Jolly 3D Printing Torture Test

    beginner · ~1h 40m

    Skill: Set a print-quality baseline against the most-printed model on Earth

  3. Low Poly Dog

    Low Poly Dog

    beginner · ~1h

    Skill: Think about orientation before adding supports

  4. Simple Cable Clip

    Simple Cable Clip

    beginner · ~15m

    Skill: Print a functional part where dimensional accuracy is tactile

    Non-commercial
  5. Storage Box with Snap-Fit Lid

    Storage Box with Snap-Fit Lid

    intermediate · ~2h 3m

    Skill: Tune snap-fit tolerance across two separately-printed parts

    Non-commercial
  6. Flexi Rex with Stronger Links

    Flexi Rex with Stronger Links

    intermediate · ~2h 20m

    Skill: Print articulated joints in place — FDM's superpower

  7. Spiral Vase Rose

    Spiral Vase Rose

    beginner · ~3h 16m

    Skill: Use vase mode — a slicer setting that prints one continuous spiral

  8. Cute Mini Octopus

    Cute Mini Octopus

    intermediate · ~1h 30m

    Skill: Generate, print, and remove tree supports cleanly

    Non-commercial
  9. Nameplate

    Nameplate

    beginner · ~45m

    Skill: Drop layer height for sharper fine detail

    Non-commercial
  10. Dual Extrusion Calibration Coin

    Dual Extrusion Calibration Coin

    intermediate · ~30m

    Skill: Swap filament mid-print to produce a two-tone object

Not sure where to dive in? Read the first guide topic first; the curriculum makes more sense once you know the vocabulary.