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3D Printing FAQ

3D Printing FAQ

  1. What is 3D printing?
  2. Which filament is best?
  3. Which filament diameter do I need?
  4. Where can I download 3D models for free?
  5. What 3D printing technologies are there?
  6. What materials can an SLA/DLP/MSLA printer use?
  7. How do I get better bed adhesion?
  8. Do I need an enclosed printer?
  9. Can I print in multiple colors?

1. What is 3D printing?
A 3D printer builds objects layer by layer. It starts with a 3D model (usually an STL or 3MF file) that you design yourself or download.
A slicer (e.g. PrusaSlicer) cuts the model into individual layers and generates G-code, which the printer then executes. In the slicer you set parameters such as layer height, temperature, speed, infill or supports. Ready-made profiles are available for most printers and materials.
Modern printers can also be controlled and monitored remotely via Wi-Fi or app, for Prusa printers e.g. via Prusa Connect.

2. Which filament is best?
It depends on what you want to print. Every material has its pros and cons:

  • PLA: easy to print, hardly any odor, ideal for beginners, prototypes and decorative items. Downside: low heat resistance (from approx. 55–60 °C).
  • PETG: tougher and more heat-resistant than PLA, great for functional parts, still easy to print. Today the standard for many everyday parts.
  • ASA / ABS: high heat resistance and (for ASA) UV resistance, good for outdoor and technical parts. Recommended: enclosed build chamber and good ventilation.
  • TPU: flexible and rubber-like, e.g. for seals, bumpers, phone cases.
  • Engineering filaments: e.g. nylon (PA), PC or carbon-fiber-reinforced materials (PA-CF, PETG-CF) for particularly strong parts. Some require a hardened nozzle.

Our recommendation for getting started: PLA or PETG.

3. Which filament diameter do I need?
There are two diameters: 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm. Which one you need depends on your printer.
1.75 mm is the standard today. Almost all current printers, including all Prusa models, use it. 2.85 mm is mainly found on older machines or some industrial printers.

4. Where can I download 3D models for free?
The most important platforms:

Check each model's license. Not every model may be used commercially.

5. What 3D printing technologies are there?
The most common technology for desktop printers is FDM/FFF (Fused Deposition Modeling / Fused Filament Fabrication): plastic filament is melted and deposited layer by layer. Printers and materials are affordable and versatile.

Other common technologies:

  • MSLA (Masked Stereolithography): resin is cured through an LCD screen. Today the standard for home resin printers.
  • SLA (Stereolithography): resin is cured by a laser.
  • DLP (Digital Light Processing): resin is cured by a projector.
  • SLS (Selective Laser Sintering): powder is fused by a laser, mainly used in industry.
  • MJF / Multi Jet: industrial process for series production.

6. What materials can an SLA/DLP/MSLA printer use?
These printers use liquid resin. Besides standard resin, there are tough, flexible, heat-resistant and water-washable resins as well as special resins for dental or casting applications.
Important: wear gloves when handling resin and ensure good ventilation. Prints must be washed and post-cured after printing.

7. How do I get better bed adhesion?

  • Use a heated bed at the right temperature for your material
  • Use a spring steel print sheet (smooth or textured PEI). Prints come off easily after cooling by gently flexing the sheet.
  • Keep the print sheet clean and grease-free (dish soap and water or isopropyl alcohol)
  • Make sure the first layer is set correctly. Current printers calibrate this automatically.
  • For large or critical parts: enable a brim in the slicer
  • For PETG on smooth PEI: use a release agent so it doesn't stick too strongly

8. Do I need an enclosed printer?
Not necessarily for PLA and PETG. For ABS, ASA, nylon or PC, an enclosed build chamber is highly recommended, e.g. a printer from the Prusa CORE One family or an enclosure. It keeps the temperature stable, prevents warping and allows exhaust air to be filtered.

9. Can I print in multiple colors?
Yes. Modern printers can use several colors or materials in a single print, including soluble supports. Prusa offers two systems for this:

  • Prusa XL: up to five print heads (toolchanger), each with its own material
  • INDX for the CORE One family: multi-color and multi-material system for CORE One printers