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Master the Craft of 3D Printing

Our practical advice, backed by real world experience. From first prints to advanced materials, we’re here to help every step of the way.
XT60 male and female power connector pair for RC batteries
XT60 vs XT30 vs XT90 vs MT60: Choosing and Soldering RC Power Connectors
XT30, XT60, XT90 and MT60 compared: what the numbers in the names mean, Amass continuous current ratings, matching wire gauge, which half goes on the battery, and how to solder... Read more...
OzFDM PETG+ 3D printing filament, 1.75 mm 1 kg spool
PETG Basic vs PETG+ vs PETG-HS vs Transparent: Choosing the Right PETG
PETG Basic, PETG+, PETG+ Transparent and our high-speed PETG lines compared on heat, strength, finish, print speed and AMS fit using our data sheets, with starting settings and a pick... Read more...
OzFDM PLA+ 3D printing filament, 1.75 mm 1 kg spool
Which OzFDM PLA Should You Buy? Basic, PLA+, Matte, Silk and High Speed Compared
OzFDM PLA Basic, PLA+, Matte, Silk and High Speed PLA compared on price, toughness, finish, listed print speed and AMS spool fit using our data sheets, with a clear pick... Read more...
OzFDM ASA-CF carbon fibre ASA filament, 1.75 mm 1 kg spool
ASA-CF Filament: Settings, Hardware and When Carbon Fibre ASA Is Worth It
Starting settings, hardware and honest trade-offs for OzFDM ASA-CF. We compare it with standard ASA and ASA-GF using our data sheet figures and explain when carbon fibre ASA is worth... Read more...
OzFDM Matte PLA filament, supplied on a 200 mm AMS-compatible spool
Using OzFDM Filament in the Bambu AMS: Spools, Presets and Custom Profiles
How OzFDM filament runs in the Bambu AMS, AMS lite, AMS 2 Pro and AMS HT: spool sizes, setting slots without RFID, building a custom Bambu Studio preset, drying limits,... Read more...
Knurled brass heat-set inserts for 3D printed parts
Heat-Set Inserts for 3D Printing: Sizes, Hole Dimensions and How to Install Them
Heat-set insert sizes and hole dimensions for every OzFDM insert from M2 to M8, plus soldering iron temperatures by material, step-by-step installation, fixes for common mistakes and bulk pricing. Read more...
The Ultimate Beginner's Supply Checklist for Australian Makers - OzFDM
The Ultimate Beginner's Supply Checklist for Australian Makers
Getting into 3D printing can feel overwhelming when every accessory online seems "essential". This beginner focused guide breaks down what actually matters when starting out: the tools worth buying on... Read more...
Printing for Agriculture: Australian Farm Applications - OzFDM
Printing for Agriculture: Australian Farm Applications
3D printing is changing Australian agriculture, allowing farms to produce replacement parts, custom fittings, and repair tools on demand. From the Wheatbelt to the Murray Darling Basin, this guide explores... Read more...
Over Extrusion and Blobs: Diagnosis and Fix - OzFDM
Over Extrusion and Blobs: Diagnosis and Fix
Over extrusion causes blobs, poor surface finish, and inaccurate dimensions. This guide breaks down the real causes and how to fix them through flow rate, e steps, and pressure advance... Read more...
Multi-Colour Miniature Painting with 3D Printed Guides - OzFDM
Multi-Colour Miniature Painting with 3D Printed Guides
3D printing is becoming a powerful tool for miniature painters, from custom masking templates to colour reference boards. Learn how to improve consistency, speed up batch painting, and achieve cleaner... Read more...
Your First Print: Bed Levelling Made Easy - OzFDM
Your First Print: Bed Levelling Made Easy
Bed levelling is the foundation of reliable 3D printing, directly affecting first layer adhesion, print consistency, and overall success rates. This guide explains manual bed levelling using the paper method,... Read more...
PLA vs PETG vs ABS: Which Filament Should You Actually Use? - OzFDM
PLA vs PETG vs ABS: Which Filament Should You Actually Use?
PLA, PETG, and ABS are the three most commonly used 3D printing filaments, but choosing between them is not always straightforward. Each material offers different strengths when it comes to... Read more...
Top 5 Benefits of Using PLA Filament - OzFDM
Top 5 Benefits of Using PLA Filament
New to 3D printing? Discover why PLA is the go-to filament for beginners and professionals alike. Affordable, reliable, and eco-friendly, PLA delivers smooth, high-quality results without the hassle. From easy... Read more...
Why choose OzFDM Filament ? - OzFDM
Why OzFDM Filament: Local Stock, Real Data Sheets and Tested Settings
What OzFDM can show rather than claim: filament stock in Melbourne and Perth, published specifications and data sheets, settings tested on our own printers, automatic volume pricing, trade accounts and... Read more...
Which filament type should I use for my project ? - OzFDM
Which filament type should I use for my project ?
PLA, PETG, ASA, ABS, Polycarbonate or Nylon? A practical guide to matching filament to the job, based on strength, heat, UV exposure and print difficulty. Read more...
OzFDM PLA+ filament roll, an easy material for printing CAD prototypes and fit tests
Free CAD Software for 3D Printing: Fusion, Onshape, FreeCAD and Tinkercad Compared
Fusion, Onshape, FreeCAD and Tinkercad all have a free way in, but the licence limits differ. Compare cost, platforms and learning curve, pick the right tool for your projects, and... Read more...
OzFDM PLA Marble - OzFDM
OzFDM PLA Marble
Recommended settings for OzFDM PLA Marble, plus layer height and finishing tips that bring out the stone-like speckle instead of flattening it. Read more...
OzFDM PLA Silk Rainbow - OzFDM
OzFDM PLA Silk Rainbow
Print settings and colour-transition tips for OzFDM PLA Silk Rainbow, including layer height and speed choices that show the gradient at its best. Read more...
OzFDM Heat Deflection Temperature Chart - OzFDM
Filament Heat Resistance Chart: HDT for Every OzFDM Material
Heat deflection temperature for every OzFDM filament, from PLA at 53°C to PPS-CF at 245°C, with what HDT means, why printed parts soften sooner, and which materials suit cars, outdoors... Read more...
OzFDM ABS Filament - OzFDM
OzFDM ABS Filament
What OzFDM ABS is good for, how to print it without warping, and why an enclosure and near-zero cooling matter more than any slicer setting. Read more...
Annealing 3D Printed Parts, why? - OzFDM
Annealing 3D Printed Parts, why?
Annealing improves the strength and heat resistance of FDM parts. Temperatures, hold times and shrinkage to expect for PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA and nylon. Read more...
OzFDM PA6 (Nylon) Deep Dive - OzFDM
OzFDM PA6 (Nylon) Deep Dive
A close look at OzFDM PA6 Nylon: recommended print settings, drying requirements, bed adhesion, and the demanding jobs this filament is built for. Read more...
OzFDM TPU95A: More Than Just Filament - A Workshop Essential - OzFDM
OzFDM TPU95A: More Than Just Filament - A Workshop Essential
How we use TPU95A in our own workshop — jigs, bushes, seals and race car parts — and what flexible filament is genuinely good at beyond phone cases. Read more...
Safety First: Essential Precautions for 3D Printing with Filament - OzFDM
3D Printing Safety at Home and Work: Fumes, Fire, Heat and Handling
How to 3D print safely at home, school and work: ventilation and filtration for fumes, fire and thermal runaway protection, electrical checks, burns and sharp tools, material-specific precautions and a... Read more...
High-Temp Materials: PEEK and PEKK for Extreme Applications - OzFDM
High-Temp Materials: PEEK and PEKK for Extreme Applications
PEEK and PEKK represent the highest tier of FDM materials, delivering extreme heat resistance, chemical stability, and mechanical performance. But their processing requirements place them firmly in industrial territory. Read more...
Calibrating a New Printer from Scratch: The Complete Checklist - OzFDM
Calibrating a New Printer from Scratch: The Complete Checklist
Take your printer from acceptable to excellent with a complete calibration workflow. This step by step guide covers mechanical checks, firmware tuning, and per filament calibration for consistently high quality... Read more...
Miniature and Figurine Printing: A Complete Guide - OzFDM
Miniature and Figurine Printing: A Complete Guide
FDM miniature printing pushes your printer to its limits. This guide covers hardware upgrades, optimal settings, and material choices to improve detail, surface quality, and paint ready results for tabletop... Read more...
Bambu Lab P1S vs X1C: Which One Should You Buy? - OzFDM
Bambu Lab P1S vs X1C in 2026: Which to Buy, and Where the P2S and X2D Fit
Bambu Lab P1S or X1C? With the X1 Carbon retired in 2026, we compare what both printers share, what the X1C adds, and where the newer P2S and X2D fit... Read more...
Environmental Impact of 3D Printing: Making Sustainable Choices - OzFDM
Environmental Impact of 3D Printing: Making Sustainable Choices
The environmental impact of 3D printing is more nuanced than many people expect. This guide explores the sustainability benefits and challenges of FDM printing, including repair part production, waste reduction... Read more...
Bambu Lab X1 Carbon: The Complete Australian Review - OzFDM
Bambu Lab X1 Carbon: The Complete Australian Review, Updated for 2026
Our Bambu Lab X1 Carbon review, updated for 2026: the X1 series retirement and support dates, how the P2S and X2D replace it, who should still buy one, and a... Read more...
Printing with Metal Fill Filaments - OzFDM
Printing with Metal Fill Filaments
Metal fill filaments bring real metallic weight, texture, and finishing potential to FDM printing. Learn how to print, post process, and achieve convincing bronze, copper, and iron effects with standard... Read more...
Firmware Updates: Keeping Marlin and Klipper Current - OzFDM
Firmware Updates: Keeping Marlin and Klipper Current
Firmware updates improve safety, fix bugs, and enhance print performance. This guide explains when to update and how to manage Marlin and Klipper updates without breaking your printer setup. Read more...
Dealing with Stringing in PETG: Advanced Techniques - OzFDM
Dealing with Stringing in PETG: Advanced Techniques
PETG is strong and heat resistant, but stringing can be frustrating. This guide covers advanced tuning techniques like temperature balancing, wipe settings, and travel optimisation to reduce stringing and improve... Read more...
Colour Theory for 3D Printing: Choosing Palettes That Work - OzFDM
Colour Theory for 3D Printing: Choosing Palettes That Work
Choosing the right filament colour can completely change how a 3D print looks and feels. This guide breaks down practical colour theory principles for 3D printing, including complementary colours, analogous... Read more...
Print Profiles: Managing Multiple Materials Efficiently - OzFDM
Print Profiles: Managing Multiple Materials Efficiently
A well organised profile system turns calibration work into long term results. Learn how to store, name, and manage filament profiles so every test improves future prints instead of being... Read more...
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE: Still the Best Budget Printer in Australia? - OzFDM
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE: Still the Best Budget Printer in Australia?
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE modernises one of the most popular beginner 3D printers ever made with a direct drive extruder, automatic bed levelling, and improved out of box... Read more...
Should You Build a Voron? An Honest Assessment for Australian Makers - OzFDM
Should You Build a Voron? An Honest Assessment for Australian Makers
The Voron represents the ultimate DIY 3D printing experience. Built from the ground up and powered by Klipper, it offers unmatched control, reliability, and performance for makers willing to invest... Read more...
Voron TAP: Contact-Based Probing Deep Dive - OzFDM
Voron TAP: Contact-Based Probing Deep Dive
Voron TAP redefines Z probing by using the nozzle itself as the probe, removing offset errors and improving first layer consistency across different materials and temperatures. Read more...
Multicolour Prints Without an AMS: The Manual Method - OzFDM
Multicolour Prints Without an AMS: The Manual Method
You do not need an expensive AMS or MMU system to create impressive multicolour 3D prints. This guide explores practical techniques like filament swaps, paint on model tools, and post... Read more...
Resonance Compensation: The Maths Behind Input Shaping - OzFDM
Resonance Compensation: The Maths Behind Input Shaping
Input shaping reduces ringing by controlling how your printer moves. By understanding vibration and how Klipper compensates for it, you can achieve cleaner prints at higher speeds. Read more...
Adaptive Infill: Smarter Internal Structure - OzFDM
Adaptive Infill: Smarter Internal Structure
Adaptive infill creates stronger, more efficient prints by placing material where it is actually needed. Learn how tools like Adaptive Cubic improve strength, reduce print time, and optimise material use... Read more...
Maker Spaces and FabLabs in Australia: Your Community Hub - OzFDM
Maker Spaces and FabLabs in Australia: Your Community Hub
Makerspaces are one of the most valuable resources in the Australian maker community, giving members access to shared tools, fabrication equipment, and experienced people who enjoy teaching and collaborating. This... Read more...
Elephant's Foot: Fixing That Base Bulge - OzFDM
Elephant's Foot: Fixing That Base Bulge
Elephant’s foot is a common 3D printing defect where the base of a print flares outward, affecting dimensional accuracy and part fitment. This guide explains what causes elephant’s foot, how... Read more...
Layer Separation and Delamination: Causes and Fixes - OzFDM
Layer Separation and Delamination: Causes and Fixes
Layer separation can ruin an otherwise perfect print. This guide explains the real causes of delamination and how to fix them through temperature, cooling, speed, and material control. Read more...
G-code Basics: Understanding What Your Printer Actually Does - OzFDM
G-code Basics: Understanding What Your Printer Actually Does
G-code is the language every 3D printer uses to control movement, temperatures, extrusion, and cooling. This guide breaks down the most important G-code commands, explains how start and end scripts... Read more...
The Bambu Lab Ecosystem: A Comprehensive Overview - OzFDM
The Bambu Lab Ecosystem in 2026: Printers, AMS, Software and MakerWorld
A 2026 guide to the Bambu Lab ecosystem: current A, P, X and H series printers, AMS lite, AMS 2 Pro and AMS HT, Bambu Studio, Bambu Handy, MakerWorld and... Read more...
Klipper Timelapse: Setting Up Beautiful Print Videos - OzFDM
Klipper Timelapse: Setting Up Beautiful Print Videos
Timelapse videos turn your prints into engaging visual content. Learn how to capture clean, professional footage using Klipper, consistent toolhead parking, and simple camera setup. Read more...
Printing Functional Kitchen Items: Food Safety Considerations - OzFDM
Printing Functional Kitchen Items: Food Safety Considerations
FDM prints are not automatically food safe. This guide explains what actually matters, from material choice to nozzle type and surface sealing, so you can safely use 3D printing for... Read more...
Buying Filament on a Budget: What to Look for in Australia - OzFDM
Buying 3D Printing Filament in Australia: What to Check Before You Order
What to check before you order 3D printing filament in Australia: diameter tolerance, moisture sealing, spool and AMS fit, colour batches, data sheets, cost per print, local stock, volume pricing... Read more...
The Best Beginner Prints to Test Your New Printer - OzFDM
The Best Beginner Prints to Test Your New Printer
Calibration prints are one of the fastest ways to understand how your 3D printer is actually performing. This guide covers the five most important beginner test prints, including the calibration... Read more...