If you want to learn more about 3D printing, whether you’re hunting for the best 3D printing book for some solid tips to get better prints or full step-by-step technical training to gain expert insights, you’re in the right place.
Quick Overview
- 3D Printing For Dummies by Richard Horne & Kalani Kirk Hausman
- The 3D Printing Handbook by 3D Hubs
- Make: Getting Started With 3D Printing by Liza Wallach Kloski & Nick Kloski
- 3D Printing: An Introduction by Stephanie and Jonathan Torta
- 3D Printing Made Easy For Newbies & Hobbyists by Natalie Guzman
- 3D Printing Failures by Sean Aranda
- 3D Printing Projects: Amazing Ideas To Design And Make
- The Zombie Apocalypse Guide To 3D Printing by Clifford Smyth
- The Future Is Faster Than You Think by Peter H Diamandis & Steven Kotler
- How To Make Money With 3D Printing by Jeffrey Ito
- Functional Design For 3D Printing by Clifford Smyth
- Make: Fusion 360 For Makers by Lydia Sloan Cline
- 3D Concrete Printing Technology by Sanjayan, Nazari & Nematollahi
- 3D Printing In Medicine by Deepak Kalaskar
- Quick Overview
- Best 3D Printing Books For Beginners
- 1. 3D Printing For Dummies – Richard Horne & Kalani Kirk Hausman
- 2. The 3D Printing Handbook – Collaboration from 3D Hubs
- 3. Make: Getting Started With 3D Printing – Best Book For Beginners
- 4. 3D Printing: An Introduction – Great, educational first step in 3D printing
- 5. 3D Printing Made Easy for Newbies and Hobbyists – The Casual 3D Printing Fan's Bible
- 6. 3D Printing Failures – For Troubleshooting
- Best For Project Ideas
- Best Books on the 3D Printing Industry
- Best Books For Learning 3D Modeling & 3D Printing
- Best Books Covering Advanced Applications of 3D Printing
Best 3D Printing Books For Beginners
1. 3D Printing For Dummies – Richard Horne & Kalani Kirk Hausman
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Year released: 2017
- Number of pages: 416 pages
- Author name: Kalani Kirk Hausman and Richard Horne
This is a fantastic overview, and a classic. The recognized ‘for Dummies’ format, co-written by a true expert in 3D printing, Richard Horne.
Richard Horne is well regarded as the ‘father of Reprap’ (Reprap printers can replicate, or print all their plastic parts themselves). We have also interviewed another founder of the RepRap movement, Dr Adrian Bowyer, here on 3DSourced.
3D Printing For Dummies is an ideal book if you’d like the basics of using a 3D printer and virtually all aspects of printing. However, due to its broad scope (it touches on almost every aspect of 3D printing), it doesn’t cover specific topics in immense depth. So, it’s less of an advanced technical tutorial on additive manufacturing techniques.
2. The 3D Printing Handbook – Collaboration from 3D Hubs
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Year released: 2017
- Number of pages: 304 pages
- Author name: Ben Redwood, Filemon Schöffer, and Brian Garret
A beautiful book, with excellent imagery and explanations. I owned a copy for over four years until recently (I’ll admit, I got it for free), and it provides a great overview of technologies like FDM, SLS, as well as metal printing technologies like DMLS and EBM.
It also nicely explains most design concepts relating to 3D design, and touches on the more advanced high-end industry machines.
It’s one of the best books to reference from quickly, but don’t expect to finish it being able to actually use it to fully grasp, troubleshoot, and improve your prints with a 3D printer. Though there are technical parts in the explanations for each technology, I still think it’s a great read to teach kids how these technologies work.
3. Make: Getting Started With 3D Printing – Best Book For Beginners
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Year released: 2021
- Number of pages: 264 pages
- Author name: Liza Wallach Kloski and Nick Kloski
Getting Started with 3D Printing is the perfect starting point in 3D printing and additive manufacturing without prior knowledge, who need a good, easy-to-understand, and simply worded introduction.
It’s written in a casual tone to be easy and informative to readers who may not have any technical experience, but it manages to still be very educational and cover everything from 3D printing projects to modeling software and even recommended resources for further learning.
It’s even got some recommendations for 3D printing services, making it an ideal book on 3D printing, even if you haven’t bought one yet.
4. 3D Printing: An Introduction – Great, educational first step in 3D printing
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Year released: 2018
- Number of pages: 370 pages
- Author name: Stephanie Torta and Jonathan Torta
While somewhat expensive for a guidebook, the titled 3D Printing: An Introduction is the perfect first step for people who need an in-depth and informative guide to 3D printing and a detailed and interesting overview of the industry and its applications.
This book is full of accompanying images and even resources for tutorial videos and apps to help you hit the ground running with your 3D printer. Overall, it’s the best 3D printing book for kids and people who want to learn not just how to 3D print, but about 3D printing in general.
5. 3D Printing Made Easy for Newbies and Hobbyists – The Casual 3D Printing Fan’s Bible
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Year released: 2021
- Number of pages: 164 pages
- Author name: Natalie Guzman
Any 3D printing hobbyist will want a copy of 3D Printing Made Easy on their bookshelves. It’s a fantastic and well-worded guide to ease you into your first 3D printing projects, and is a good book to teach you bits you’ve forgotten, even once you’ve got the hang of things.
With plenty of tutorials and guides, including choosing the best filament and even troubleshooting common issues, it’s full of helpful information, tips, and tricks that any casual 3D printer owner will be glad to have around.
6. 3D Printing Failures – For Troubleshooting
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Year released: 2021
- Number of pages: 338 pages
- Author name: Sean Aranda
The only thing worse than a failing 3D printer is not having the know-how to fix it. 3D Printing Failures should be on every printer’s bookshelf as a handy guide to fixing the most common 3D printer problems and malfunctions.
With over 35 different examples of failures, their causes, and their solutions, it’s a handy guide book to troubleshooting your 3D printer, and the tricks to fix the most irritating problems you may run into when 3D printing.
If this sounds like something you’ll need, then why not check out our own handy guide to troubleshooting your 3D printer?
Best For Project Ideas
7. 3D Printing Projects – Best For Creating 3D Printable Models
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Year released: 2017
- Number of pages: 96 pages
- Author name: DK
3D Printing Projects is the perfect 3D printing book for total beginners and even little ones to get started designing 3D printable models. You can create any of their practice designs in any 3D modeling software, and by following the clearly written instructions and tutorials, you’ll have no trouble making increasingly intricate projects.
For a more practical exercise in learning to 3D model, you can also check out this book of 200 practice designs to further expand your skills. However, some basic experience with 3D modeling software is recommended.
For more ideas on cool projects you can make, even if you’re a beginner, you can check out our top picks for the coolest things to 3D print and other awesome 3D printer projects to get your imagination soaring.
8. The Zombie Apocalypse Guide to 3D Printing (For Functional Designing & Useful 3D Prints)
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Year released: 2016
- Number of pages: 188 pages
- Author name: Clifford T Smyth
3D printing practical tools and useful objects is a great way to use your 3D printer for more than just decoration. The Zombie Apocalypse Guide to 3D Printing is the perfect guide to printing handy tools and functional everyday objects.
Unlike other books, it’s written in the style of an actual zombie apocalypse guide. This makes this 3D printing project guide an enjoyable look at how you can harness your creativity with your 3D printer to make practical tools.
If you’re looking for more ideas for useful things with your printer, then we recommend checking out our picks for the best useful 3D printer projects as well as the best 3D printed tools.
Best Books on the 3D Printing Industry
9. The Future Is Faster Than You Think
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Year released: 2020
- Number of pages: 384 pages
- Author name: Steven Kotler and Peter H. Diamandis
From the authors who brought you Abundance and Bold comes an equally insightful book on how the increasingly rapid evolution of technology is beginning to impact businesses, lifestyles, cultures, how we interact online, and the world as we know it.
While not strictly about 3D printing, The Future Is Faster Than You Think includes the 3D printing industry in its analyses. If you’ve been watching the march of progress with as much awe as those of us here at 3DSourced, this book should find its way to your nightstand.
If you are interested in the development of 3D printing, you can learn everything from our article on the history of 3D printing from 1980 to 2023.
10. How to Make Money with 3D Printing – Ideal If You Want To Start A Business
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Year released: 2014
- Number of pages: 138 pages
- Author name: Jeffrey Ito
Despite the abundance of books on the 3D printing industry and its history, there are very few tutorials to help the average 3D printing hobbyist start a home business with their printer. How to Make Money with 3D Printing is the best of these guides, as it’s written to turn any casual 3D printing enthusiast into a professional designer and seller of 3D printed works from and to anywhere in the world.
With great advice, money-conscious tips on starting and running your business, and even software recommendations, it’s the best book for starting up your own 3D printing business.
It’s a realistic tutorial, too, with case studies. It’s less about reinventing the wheel and more about finding something that works in an area with demand, and meeting that demand. It’s one of the best 3D printing books because of this actionable and sound business advice. And it links out to other resources and online tutorials for more information.
For a far more concise and savvier guide to earning with your printer, you can check out 3D Printing For Money as well. Or, alternatively, we have our own handy guide to setting up and maintaining 3D printing business too.
If you’re interested in making money with your 3D printer but need help figuring out where to start, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in our list of top 3D printer projects that sell, which also includes a handy guide to succeeding in e-commerce!
Best Books For Learning 3D Modeling & 3D Printing
11. Functional Design for 3D Printing
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Year released: 2017
- Number of pages: 236 pages
- Author name: Clifford T Smyth
Modeling functional 3D prints can be tricky. They need to be well-designed to be both useful and durable, so there’s more know-how of technical aspects needed than printing standard miniatures or decorative figures. Functional Design for 3D Printing is a fantastic book for anyone who wants to learn how to efficiently design, model, and print useful tools and gadgets that will withstand daily use.
Before you get started following this guide, you will need good and reliable 3D modeling software. If you don’t have one yet, or are looking to upgrade, we recommend checking out our articles on the best free modeling software, the best 3D modeling software for all skill levels, and our top picks for modeling software for product design.
12. Make: Fusion 360 for Makers
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Year released: 2021
- Number of pages: 328 pages
- Author name: Lydia Sloan Cline
Fusion 360 for Makers is a simple but detailed guide to designing 3D models for both 3D printing and CNC machining. It’s perfect for either beginners looking to learn good design skills or even veterans looking to expand their repertoire and create more complex projects.
Written by architect and designer Lydia Sloan Cline, the book features valuable information and easy to follow instructions for designing professional-quality models with intricate detail, for people of all skill levels.If Fusion 360 is too expensive or otherwise not to your liking, then fret not. We’ve put together a helpful list of great Fusion 360 alternatives for your design files toady.
Best Books Covering Advanced Applications of 3D Printing
13. 3D Concrete Printing Technology
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Year released: 2019
- Number of pages: 448 pages
- Author name: Jay G Sanjayan, Ali Nazari, and Dr. Behzad Nematollahi
3D printing for construction is a very advanced and complicated process. Using modern technology in architecture is as fascinating as it is complex, and those of you wishing to learn more about this process would do well to add this book to your carts, or at least your wish lists.
3D Concrete Printing Technology features information on the printing and construction process as well as all the work that goes into printing materials for large, stable structures that any building enthusiast will find enthralling.
If the price tag on this informational tome is a little too high for your liking, you can find a good overview of 3D printing for construction in our articles on concrete 3D printing and even 3D printed houses.
14. 3D Printing in Medicine
- Where to buy: Amazon
- Year released: 2022
- Number of pages: 422 pages
- Author name: Deepak M. Kalaskar
The potential for 3D printing in medicine is as fascinating as it is exciting. With constant developments and tireless work in using 3D printing to improve healthcare, this is an interesting read for any medical students or students looking to learn how 3D printing will impact the new world.
3D Printing in Medicine covers a wide variety of 3D printing biomaterials for use in various medical fields, with case studies. It also explores the regulations, recent developments, and research into using 3D printing in different areas.
3D printing biomaterials have seen plenty of amazing developments over the years, including skin,a liver, and potentially even hearts! For more general information on how 3D printing is being used in medicine, you can find plenty of fascinating insights in our article about 3D printing in dentistry too!