How to Get Started with 3D Printing (Without Spending a Fortune)

If you've heard the hype around 3D printing, you may think that we're in for a new boom in high-tech manufacturing, or that Star Trek-style replicators are on their way to becoming real any day now. Well, a lot of that is true, but what exactly is 3D printing, and how can you—without a million dollars—use it right now? Here's what you need to know. 3D printers aren't out of reach. Sure, if you want one at home, you're looking at spending between $500 to $2000 and up, depending on the features you want. But if you don't want to buy one, your local hackerspace likely has a 3D printer for use by paying members (membership fees vary, but $50-$100/mo is common). In some places, you can even find them at community colleges, vocational schools, or your local library. Before we get into where you can play with one, let's step back and look at what 3D printing is, exactly, and what you can use it for today. -What Is 3D Printing? -Are 3D Printers Useful to Ordinary People Yet? What Can I Do With One? -How Can I Try 3D Printing and Make My Ideas Real Things?