3D printing continues to get bigger and better as time goes by. 3D printing has since revolutionized the world and changed so much of what we do because of all the applications it offers across countless industries. Resin 3D printing alone has since been used in everything from healthcare and jewelry to model prototyping—and now, advancements like LCD 3D printing take things further by allowing for more intricate yet more affordable and efficient designs.
So even if you've been into 3D printing for a while, there will always be something new to learn. However, expanding your 3D printing knowledge can be easier said than done if you're busy at work or school. If that's the case, audiobooks and podcasts offer the perfect solution.
Why Audiobooks and Podcasts?
There are plenty of ways to learn about 3D printing. YouTube channels like Maker's Muse and CNC Kitchen offer helpful videos for both beginner and intermediate audiences alike, while tons of free online courses can teach you everything from digital manufacturing to how to use 3D modeling software like Blender. However, these are things you need to dedicate time to—so if you're on a busy schedule, they may not be the best options. That's where audiobooks and podcasts come in.
For one, they're convenient. Doing chores? Commuting? You can learn more about 3D printing while multitasking. More importantly, they're accessible. If you want to build your foundational knowledge, a digital library Everand exemplifies how you can listen to countless 3D printing audiobooks for a flat monthly fee—whether you have internet or not.
You can find almost everything you want with a wide range of options from All About 3D Printing to the more advanced Industrial 3D Printing: a Clear and Concise Reference. And if you want to stay up-to-date on the latest news, you can tune in to podcasts like Making Awesome and 3D Printing Today for free. Listening platform Apple Podcasts even takes things a step further with transcription features, which you can use to search episodes for specific terms or concepts.
If this appeals to you and your schedule, you're probably wondering where to get started. Here are some of the best titles to check out.
The Best 3D Printing Audiobooks
3D Printing: Modern Technology in a Modern World by Raymond T. Reeves, Jay Prichard, and r26boutique
Credit: RIT Libraries
New to 3D printing or need a quick refresher? Listen to 3D Printing. It'll take you through the history of 3D printing and how the process has evolved to capture a variety of applications, techniques, and materials. With each listen, you'll pick up more solid knowledge of how to use it in all aspects of your life, whether at home, in school, or at work.
The G-Code of 3D Printing by Zeamie Emanuel
If you are playing with an FDM 3D printer, you can sharpen your skills by learning more about the programming language that communicates 3D model designs to 3D printers. With The G-Code of 3D Printing, you'll discover what exactly G-Code is, how it instructs 3D printers, and how its syntax and structure work. More advanced listeners can learn how to adjust it for specific printing applications—and if you've been stuck on how to fix some bugs in your code, the book has some troubleshooting tips you can try.
How to Make Money with 3D Printing by Jeffrey It
Credit: TCDC Resource Center
Interested in creating a 3D printing farm as a side hustle? Take your 3D printing knowledge further with How to Make Money with 3D Printing. Entrepreneur Jeffrey Ito will go beyond teaching you how to print products by offering advice on ways you can build a 3D printing business. That includes tips on the best software and hardware to use, how to ideate your products, and even how to market your offerings once you launch them.
The Best 3D Printing Podcasts
Perfect First Layer with Guy, JJ, and Nathan
Credit: Perfect First Layer on WordPress
If you're into 3D printing as a hobby, Perfect First Layer is the best podcast to learn more about the technology. Everyday 3D printing enthusiasts Guy, JJ, and Nathan can tell you all you need to know for your fun side projects. In each episode, they take in listener questions and answer them in depth. Topics range from the merits of resin printers to filament storage tips for fire safety, making this podcast great for adding even more "perfect layers" to your library of 3D knowledge.
3D Hangouts with Noe and Pedro Ruiz
Credit: @videopixil on Instagram
Want a casual way to learn about the latest news in the biz? Join brothers and Adafruit Industries project creators Noe and Pedro Ruiz on 3D Hangouts for key industry updates and riveting discussions on innovative projects. With their approachable take on 3D printing, tuning in to this podcast will feel just like talking with friends.
3DPod with Joris Peels and Maxwell Bogue
Credit: Joris Peels on LinkedIn
For more professional insights, look no further than 3DPod. Having 3DPrint Editor-in-Chief Joris Peels and 3Doodler co-founder Maxwell Brogue at the helm means you can listen to analyses of the various factors affecting 3D printing's market performance and insights on how it's being used for novel applications in various industries. One of the podcast's latest examples, for example, features an interview with the head of 3D printing initiatives at the Mayo Clinic and gives a great overview of all the new ways the technology is being used in healthcare.
Audiobooks and podcasts are a great way to learn more about 3D printing, even if you're always on the go. Check out the ones above to get started and let us know which is your favorite in the comment below!
