Rethinking how I approach 3D printing next year

[ChiakiYosuga]

I’ve been thinking ahead to 2026 and realizing I want to change how I approach 3D printing. I printed a ton this year, probably more than any year before, but most of it stayed safely in my comfort zone. Same settings, simple projects, stuff I already knew would work.

Nothing went wrong, but it also didn’t feel like I was really improving much.

Next year I want to slow things down and focus more on why prints succeed or fail instead of just fixing issues as they show up. Actually understanding what’s happening, dialing things in better, and wasting less filament in the process sounds more satisfying than just hitting print more often.

I’m also finally thinking about learning CAD properly instead of relying almost entirely on downloaded models. Cleaner, more consistent prints feels like a better goal than just higher print counts.

Anyone else setting personal 3D printing goals for 2026, or areas you’re finally ready to work on?

 

[PrintingPredator]

I've been running a 3D printing business from home with my brother for a couple of years now, and have been having a hard time keeping up with all of the needs of running a business as opposed to just designing and printing things
for nexy year, I really want to finish building the tool I'm working on. I need it to help me manage the business side of things like accounting, capacity management, work orders, etc...

 

[Alan]

Getting into CAD is such a good next step. Even simple stuff like making your own brackets, spacers, organizers, and little fixes changes the hobby fast. Curious what you want to learn first, functional parts, more precise fits, or just remixing models without guessing?

 

[ScreamingMantis]

I like the idea of “waste less filament” as the real flex. My 2026 goal is build a small calibration set I trust, like temp tower, retraction test, and a bridging test, and run it when I change filament brand. And yeah learning CAD changes everything because you stop forcing prints to fit. What kind of stuff do you want to design first, functional parts or hobby models.