3D Printing Projects

This is a short but very well illustrated book about 3D printing.  It includes a good working explanation of the parts of a 3D printer, the tech behind it and the supporting tools and software to successfully utilize a 3D printer to design and produce useful items.

The first part of the book (roughly 20% of the content) introduces tools and materials and moves on to a short explanation of designing including 3D geometric (based on geometric shapes) and organic modeling (curved surfaces with complex 'natural' outlines).  The book discusses interface software and various settings and how to use them in the design process.

There's a troubleshooting section as well as a short tutorial on 'slicing' (using the design software to created the structural filling inside the printed design which supports it and provides stability). The troubleshooting section includes a 'fix it!' guide with good illustrated advice for fixing inevitable imperfections in printed projects.

Next come the project tutorials, well illustrated and photographed.  There's a desk organizer and dinosaur (or whatever design you desire) stamp, coat hooks and customized photo frames, a treasure box with fitted lid, a phone/tablet stand (pictured on the cover), and a lamp.  There are also cute fridge magnets and some little hanging plant pots in addition to several others (I want the printed chess set for myself!).

The book has a simple glossary and index.  It's aimed at younger readers, but perfectly usable as an introduction to anyone wondering what all the fuss is about and what exactly 3D printing is.

Four stars
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.