Thinking About 3D Printing? Here’s the Best Beginner Course to Get Started
3D printing is revolutionizing industries—and hobbyists are taking advantage of this exciting technology like never before. If you’re a beginner looking to dive into the world of 3D printing, you might be wondering: Where do I start? What equipment do I need? How do I create quality prints?
Choosing the right beginner course can save you hours of frustration and costly trial and error. In this review, we’ll break down “3D Printing for Beginners” by Kevin Volo on Udemy—one of the best online courses designed to help complete newbies understand and master 3D printing without any prior experience.
By the end of this post, you’ll know whether this course is worth your time and money, how it stacks up against competitors, and where you can grab it at the best price.
What is “3D Printing for Beginners” on Udemy?
3D Printing for Beginners is a 5.5-hour Udemy course covering the fundamentals of FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printing. Whether you want to create functional parts, prototypes, or artistic prints, this course walks you through hardware, software, and finishing techniques, so you can start printing right away.
📍 What You’ll Learn
The course is broken down into easy-to-follow sections:
- – Understand how this technology has evolved.
- Choosing the Right 3D Printer – Learn how to pick the best FDM printer based on your needs and budget.
- How FDM Printers Work – Breakdown of the mechanics of 3D printing from filament to final object.
- Using Slicing Software – Discover how to prepare 3D models with slicers like Cura.
- Printing Like a Pro – Tips on optimizing print settings for the best results.
- – Sanding, painting, and polishing your 3D prints for a pro finish.
- Where to Find 3D Model Files – Access free STL files to start printing immediately.
With a practical, step-by-step approach, this course removes the guesswork from learning 3D printing.
Who is This Course For?
This course is best suited for:
- ✅ Absolute beginners – No prior knowledge required.
- ✅ – Those interested in DIY projects and 3D design.
- ✅ Aspiring small business owners – If you want to turn 3D printing into a profitable skill.
- ✅ Makers with a new 3D printer – Learn how to use and troubleshoot your machine effectively.
If you want to learn 3D printing without getting lost in overwhelming YouTube tutorials, this Udemy course provides a structured journey to mastery.
✅ Pros: Why You Should Take This Course
- ✔ Designed for beginners – Starts from absolute zero.
- ✔ – No tech knowledge needed.
- ✔ Real-world printing techniques – Avoid common mistakes.
- ✔ – Learn at your own pace.
- ✔ Affordable with discounts – Often available for $15-$20 during sales.
❌ Cons: What Could Be Better
- ❌ Mainly focused on FDM tech – Doesn’t cover resin or SLS printing.
- ❌ Some video quality issues – A few users reported occasional blurriness.
- ❌ Could go deeper – More advanced users may find it too basic.
Bottom line: This course delivers strong fundamentals for beginners but may not be enough if you’re looking for advanced 3D printing techniques.
Student Reviews: What Are People Saying?
This course has received thousands of enrollments on Udemy, along with mostly positive reviews. Here’s what real students have to say:
💬 “Perfect course to introduce 3D printing to an absolute beginner. Great overview, without getting too technical.” – S.M. (Udemy Review)
💬 “The course content is solid, but I wish the video quality was better. Some sections were slightly blurry.” – Anonymous (Udemy Review)
💬 “I liked the practical explanations and step-by-step approach. Great starting point for anyone new to the hobby.” – u/3DPrintNewbie (Reddit Review)
Overall consensus: Excellent for beginners, but could use a few refinements in video quality and depth.
How Does It Compare to Other 3D Printing Courses?
If you’re wondering how “3D Printing for Beginners” stacks up against other courses, here’s a quick comparison:
| Course | Best For | Platform | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Printing for Beginners | Absolute beginners | Udemy | 5.5 hours |
| 3D Printing and Design (University of Illinois) | Beginners + Engineering Focus | Coursera | Flexible |
| Beginners Guide to 3D Printing Bootcamp (Fusion 360) | 3D Modeling + Printing | Udemy | 12 hours |
| Blender Creator Course | Learning 3D Design (Less Printing) | Udemy | 50+ hours |
This course is listed at $84.99 on Udemy but is frequently discounted to $15-$20, making it a great value for hobbyists and beginners.
🔥 Pro Tip: Udemy Discounts
- Udemy runs frequent promotions.
- New users can often grab courses at $10-$20.
- If not on sale, wait a few days—Udemy discounts happen almost weekly.
At $15, this course is an absolute steal! Even at full price, it delivers more value than a few costly mistakes with your 3D printer.
Final Verdict: Should You Take This Course?
✅ YES! If You’re a Beginner Who Wants to Learn 3D Printing Fast
- ✔ Learn how to choose a 3D printer
- ✔ Master slicing software for better prints
- ✔ Avoid the most common beginner mistakes
- ✔ Create polished, finished 3D-printed objects