One of the most enjoyable aspects of 3D printing culture is the devotion to the free flow of information. Whether through releasing STL files on Instructables or creating open source software and equipment, makers around the world are singularly dedicated to providing access to information, free of charge, to as large a segment of society as possible. This is a distinctly different model than advocated by protectionist sectors and, frankly, is a breath of fresh air during a time in which access to knowledge is increasingly only accessible at a higher and higher cost.
It was in this context that 3D Printing For Everyone (3DP4E) released their first 3D printing resource book last year. Their second version, only just released, has been updated to reflect the continued changes and exponential growth in 3D print. The founder and CEO of 3DP4E, Ron Rose, explained the reasoning behind the effort:
“It’s the manifestation of something I needed when I first started in 3D printing. There was so much information spread all over the Internet, that it was almost impossible to find my bearings. I needed just one resource I could consult with all of it,” said Rose. “I believe we’ve created that.”
The newest edition has over 220 sources for information in 3D printing ranging from fashion to services, from books to websites, and everything in between. And, of course, 3DPrint.com made an appearance as a superior news resource for the 3D printing and digital fabrication community (as well as an accessible point of entry for laypeople!)
Think of this ebook as a crash course in the state of 3D printing today; a way of getting your feet wet or solidifying your expertise:
“Over the past year, 3DP4E has researched and gathered more of the best and most useful tools, and added them into the updated 2nd Edition of our 3D Printing and Digital Fabrication Resource Guide. The updated guide features over 220 entries that connect readers to free and professional 3D modeling software, model uploading and sharing sites, 3D scanning and printing services, resources for kids, and more. The 3DP4E’s 3D Printing and Digital Fabrication Resource Guide is the most comprehensive reference material for 3D printing today.”
Since 3D printing and additive manufacturing as accessible to a wide audience is still so new, there are few who don’t remember the difficulties of gaining the necessary familiarity and expertise to smoothly maneuver through its day to day operations. As a result, those who have been pioneers in the field are dedicated to helping those who come after them to make the plunge. This resource guide is a bit like having an instructor to lead you through the deep waters rather than having to invent your own scuba gear and draw your own maps. There’s simply no good reason not to take advantage of it.
Also…it’s free.
There, now you have no excuse. So jump in!
Is this a resource you’ll use? If you read the first edition, do you think the updates are what 3DP4E needed? Let us know in the 3DP4E Resource eBook forum thread over at 3DPB.com.
