Free 3D Printing Path: From Zero to Your First Listing

A free, self-paced course built from the MakerPrice 3D guides. There are five modules, each with a goal and a hands-on task to apply what you learned. No sign-up: your progress is saved on this device.

14 core lessons · about 101 min of reading · 155 min of practice

Already printing? Start at module 3, Know the cost.

1. 1

   Module 1

   Get started

   Pick the printer and the material, and get the first layer to stick.

   1. How to choose a 3D printer: quick quiz and comparison 9 min
   2. PLA vs PETG for outdoor 3D prints: which handles heat and sun? 7 min
   3. First layer not sticking or stuck too hard? Causes and fixes 9 min

   Go deeper (2)

   • 3D printing beginner mistakes that cost money, with the math 10 min
   • Resin vs filament 3D printer: which one should you get? 7 min

   Hands-on task · about 30 min

   Print a first-layer test

   Slice a thin one-layer square almost the size of the bed, print it and run a finger over it: the lines should be joined, with no gaps and no ridges. Adjust the nozzle height until it looks like that.

   Mark the task as done
2. 2

   Module 2

   Slice and print well

   Understand the slicer settings that change each part's quality, time and filament.

   1. 0.12 vs 0.20 layer height: print time, quality and strength 6 min
   2. 3D printing supports: when to use them, settings and removal 14 min
   3. 15% vs 30% infill: strength, print time and filament 5 min

   Go deeper (7)

   • Tree vs normal supports: filament, print time and finish 6 min
   • Which 3D printer nozzle size to use: 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 or 0.8 mm 8 min
   • PLA warping: how to fix corners lifting off the bed 13 min
   • PETG stringing: how to fix it, step by step 8 min
   • Rough tops on letters and keychains: find the cause and get it smooth 10 min
   • How to dry wet PETG filament: temperature, time and method 9 min
   • Bambu Studio ironing settings for PLA: values and print time 5 min

   Hands-on task · about 20 min

   Slice your first real part

   Pick a part, slice it with the default profile and write down the time and grams the slicer shows: you will use both in the calculator in module 3. Then change the layer height from 0.20 to 0.12 mm and see how much the time goes up.

   Mark the task as done
3. 3

   Module 3

   Know the cost

   Know what each part costs: filament, electricity, printer wear, failures and your time.

   1. 3D printing cost per gram: the math, an example and a table 5 min
   2. 3D printer cost per hour: electricity, wear and depreciation 7 min
   3. Bambu Studio cost estimate vs the real cost of a print 6 min

   Go deeper (5)

   • 3D printer electricity cost per hour: the math and a table 8 min
   • 3D printing failure rate: how to price in failed prints 7 min
   • AMS multicolor printing cost: how much goes to purge waste 8 min
   • Resin 3D printing cost per print: the math and an example 6 min
   • How much filament is left on a spool? 4 ways to tell 7 min

   Hands-on task · about 15 min

   Work out the cost of the part you sliced

   Open the calculator, drop in the slicer file and check each part of the cost. Replace the example values with yours: your filament price, your electricity rate and what your hour is worth.

   Open the calculator

   Mark the task as done
4. 4

   Module 4

   Set the price

   Reach a price that pays for the cost and your time, and still leaves a profit.

   1. How much to charge for 3D printing: from cost to price 8 min
   2. 3D printing profit margin vs markup, with a conversion table 6 min
   3. How to price 3D print finishing, packaging and shipping 6 min

   Go deeper (3)

   • How much to charge for 3D printed keychains: minimum price 7 min
   • 3D printing in batches: how to work out the cost per part 7 min
   • 10 Best STL File Sites and What You Can Legally Sell 8 min

   Hands-on task · about 45 min

   Pick something to sell

   Check that the model's license allows selling, read the channel's rules, compare three similar listings and test in the calculator whether the price they charge leaves you a profit.

   Mark the task as done
5. 5

   Module 5

   Sell

   Choose where to sell and list knowing what's left after the fees.

   1. Where to Sell 3D Prints: Etsy, eBay, or Direct Sales? 6 min
   2. How to price 3D prints on Etsy and eBay after fees 7 min

   Go deeper (1)

   • How to Publish and Sell 3D Models: Licenses and Pricing 7 min

   Hands-on task · about 45 min

   Build the listing and simulate the order

   Take the photos, write down size, handling time and shipping, and see in the Price on each channel block what's left on each one. In the Sales tab, fill in the sale as if it were real and check the profit, but stop before saving: a test sale doesn't belong in the Balance.

   Open the calculator

   Mark the task as done