3D printing guides

Step-by-step answers to the questions people ask before they print a photo, a map or a puzzle: which settings, where the filament changes go, and what to do when it doesn't come out right. Every guide uses the real numbers from the maker it belongs to.

• How to change filament at a layer without an AMS

  Add a filament change or pause at a layer in PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio, OrcaSlicer or Cura, swap the filament by hand, and fix colours that start too early, streaks and blobs.

• How to 3D print a photo in colour without an AMS

  Print a photo in colour on any FDM printer without an AMS: thin layers of a few filaments, changed at set layers. A real four-colour filament plan, TD values, and the steps for PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio, OrcaSlicer and Cura.

• Lithophane print settings that work

  Lithophane print settings that work: white PLA, 0.12 mm layers, 100% infill, flat or upright, brim and seam, with an example from the maker and fixes for dark, striped or washed-out prints.

• How to 3D print a map of your own street

  Print a 3D map of your street or town from OpenStreetMap: which area and scale to choose, the colour heights for filament swaps, print settings and tips.

• How to 3D print a spiral portrait from a photo

  Print a spiral line portrait from a photo in two colours with one filament swap: settings, line thickness for your nozzle, turns and line weight, with a worked example.

• 3D printed photo puzzle: gap, tolerance and settings

  How to 3D print a jigsaw puzzle from a photo: the gap between the pieces, elephant foot compensation, layer heights and filament swaps, with a worked 20-piece example.