{"id":41,"date":"2024-08-26T09:54:01","date_gmt":"2024-08-26T07:54:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tuliponthemountain.com\/?p=41"},"modified":"2024-09-10T21:19:21","modified_gmt":"2024-09-10T19:19:21","slug":"my-first-useful-object","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tuliponthemountain.com\/index.php\/2024\/08\/26\/my-first-useful-object\/","title":{"rendered":"My first useful object"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I started 3D printing a few years ago after receiving an Ender 3 for my birthday. Like most people who started 3D printing at that time, I tried using it, quickly got discouraged, and set it aside for 6 months or so. I guess with the new generation of 3D printers, the adoption might be a bit smoother!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Initially, I mainly printed other people\u2019s designs, but at some point, I spotted my first use case for a useful object. We recently moved into a new house and installed a small border in the garden. You might know the type, the ones out of metal that rust. It has quite a sharp edge and I soon got nervous that someone would get hurt when passing by. I decided to try and design a cover for the corner. Since my printer only printed PLA, I decided to ignore most people saying it\u2019s not a suitable material for the outdoors and use it after all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you can see below, the object is extremely simple, but what a satisfaction to make something that has a use! And PLA in the garden? Turns out it’s more durable than I imagined, as it lasted four full years before showing signs that it needed to be replaced. (Aka holes) However, just to be safe, I recently re-printed a new one out of PETG, hopefully, it will last a bit longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re new to 3d printing, trying simple projects around the house is an easy way to stay motivated along the (sometimes steep) learning curve that this hobby entails. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Materials and tools<\/h2>\n\n\n\n