Maker SHED

The 3D printing revolution is well upon us, with new machines appearing at an amazing rate. With the abundance of information and options out there, how are makers to choose the 3D printer that's right for them? MAKE is here to help, with our Make: Ultimate Guide to 3D Printing.

We brought 15 of the top printers to our headquarters and hosted a weekend-long printer shootout staffed by the editors of MAKE and a number of luminaries in the field. We documented out-of-box experiences and subjected the printers to a number of print and torture tests. This issue presents our findings for you in a clear, concise manner.

To further demystify the landscape, this issue offers comprehensive articles on:

• Choosing a printer that's perfect for you
• Getting started once you have a printer
• Software choices for CAD, CAM, and printer control
• Options for 3D printing without a printer
• Gallery of coolest and most useful prints
• Detailed list of materials options
• Options for scanning objects to print
• Inspirational 3D printing applications in medicine
• 3D printed objects that are on the market today
• Tons of resources