3D Printers A Beginner's Guide is an information rich primer for home users of 3D printers written and curated by Oliver Bothmann. Originally released in 2015, this second edition, released in Feb 2025 by Fox Chapel, is 168 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.

This is an introductory overview. The author explains the scope and processes involved in sourcing, choosing, acquiring, setting up, and first steps in learning and using a 3D printer for home/hobbyist users. He doesn't cover the necessary facility/learning involved with CAD/CAM which will be necessary for self-designed prints.

The first 20% includes a jaw-dropping array of amazing items (including articulated clothing, 3D printed food items (!!), furniture, and much more which will amaze and inspire readers. The chapters following the introduction cover accessing and using data (Thingiverse, etc), printing, trimming/finishing, and service access for printers. The author/publisher have also included an abbreviated sources and links list (heavily slanted toward readers in EU areas, but North American readers will find the same resources with an internet search), as well as an abbreviated bibliography and cross-referenced index.

Four stars. This book alone won't be sufficient for users who are trying to get started who are completely without other resources.. but it definitely gives a lot of good ideas and a general push in the direction of further instruction. It's absolutely mind-blowing what's possible with 3D printers and this book does give a good overview.

It would be a good choice for public, school, or home library acquisition, for makers' spaces or as a support text for classroom & workshop instruction.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

3D Printers: A Beginner's Guide (2nd Revised and Expanded Edition) by Oliver Bothmann is a clear and comprehensive introduction to the technical aspects of 3D printing. It's perfect for beginners who want to understand how 3D printers work, how to choose the right one, and how to get started using them. While it doesn't cover designing your own models, it's an invaluable resource for anyone looking to build a solid foundation in 3D printing. (I received an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.)

An informative book that helps guide the amateur (and even a bit more experienced) 3D printer owner through everything from purchasing the right device and filament to calibration and design of print files. Bothmann delves into the 3D printing space by providing great information but without overwhelming. There are illustrations and photos to help guide as appropriate, but this isn't a how to so much as a way to really dabble in the space without committing. I feel like, if you read this, you will get a feel for what 3D printing entails in order to decide if you want to take the plunge and buy a printer. And if you do go down that road, he definitely captures the basics and more so that you can really sink your teeth in. As an amateur 3D printer myself, I appreciated the information about calibration and all those details that most free designs assume you already know. Will I use them? I think I'm too lazy right now to adjust any prints that I download. But maybe in the future, and having read this book will help me with that. Also with designing my own print files if I ever get bold enough to try that. Or maybe it's creative enough because I definitely don't have any ahah moments that inspire me as much as seeing the prints of others.

Great reference guide for 3D printing and helpful tips for setting up your won device.

A great book to learn about the various facets of 3D printing. An excellent library source. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.