Zeltar Design

When people ask me what tool I use the most, my answer isn’t a drill, a saw, or even a computer — it’s my 3D printer. What started as a curiosity has become one of the most versatile, efficient, and game-changing tools in my entire workshop.

I began with a simple Ender 3 years ago, but the technology has evolved fast. Now I run a Bambu Lab X1 Carbon and a Prusa MK4, and the difference in print quality, speed, and reliability is night and day. Features like auto bed leveling, input shaping, multi-color printing, and remote control aren’t just convenient — they’re essential when you’re running projects on tight timelines.

3D printing lets me do more than just prototype. I’ve designed custom jigs, fixtures, tool holders, drone parts, camera gear, and even functional parts for machinery. And when something breaks at home — a hinge, a knob, a bracket — I don’t go to the store. I go to Fusion 360 and hit “print.”

The real value of 3D printing is that it compresses the design cycle. I can model an idea in the morning, iterate over lunch, and have a working version in my hands by dinner. That kind of speed is revolutionary, not just for hobbyists but for engineers, designers, educators, and small business owners.

Materials have expanded too. PLA is great for general prints, but I use PETG for outdoor parts, TPU for anything that needs flexibility, and nylon carbon fiber for strength and durability. Combined with modern slicers like Bambu Studio or PrusaSlicer, getting reliable prints is no longer a guessing game.

Most people still think of 3D printing as a toy for making figurines or keychains. And yes — it’s still fun to print a lightsaber or a miniature T-Rex. But the real power is in custom, on-demand production. It’s localized, it’s sustainable, and it’s incredibly empowering.

Pro Tip: Take time to dial in your first layer and learn how to tune your slicer settings. Once your printer is calibrated, you’ll spend far more time creating and far less time troubleshooting.

Favorite Recent Print: 2 foot flexi dragon!