Easy 3D Printing for Beginners Using Free Software

Steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Introduction to 3D printing and software

   I often use 3D prints in my home battery setup, such as for BMS enclosures and replacement Victron screens. Because viewers frequently ask what printers and software I use, I made this guide for absolute beginners with zero experience. I use the free Microsoft app Windows 3D Builder for designing models and a Bambu Lab X1C printer to print them.

   What I used

   Item	Amount	Notes
   Windows 3D Builder	1	Free design software app
   Bambu Lab X1C	1	3D printer

2. 2

   Step 2: Designing the fuse placeholder model

   To start designing the mega fuse storage box, I first create a model representing the metal fuse itself. I measure the metal lip as 69 mm long, 16.5 mm wide, and 1 mm thick, but add slight clearances to make the dimensions 70 mm long, 17.5 mm wide, and 2 mm thick. Next, I add a middle section cube scaled to 30 mm long, 20 mm wide, and 10 mm thick to account for extra spacing.

   I group these shapes together using Ctrl A and group, rotate the complete fuse model 90 degrees, and copy it so I have three fuses for the box.

   What I used

   Item	Amount	Notes
   Kubus	2	Basic cube shapes in 3D Builder

3. 3

   Step 3: Creating the box base and hollow cutouts

   I want the three fuses to sit 15 mm deep inside the box so they leave 5 mm of space above for easy removal. I add an extra cube scaled to 80 mm wide, 45 mm deep, and 15 mm high to form the main block. After copying this block, I select the three grouped fuses, group them, and click subtract to carve out hollow spaces matching the fuses.

   I paste the copied block back, set its height to 1 mm to form the bottom plate, select everything, and group it into one solid piece.

   What I used

   Item	Amount	Notes
   Kubus	1	Base block for the box

4. 4

   Step 4: Building the lid frame components

   To build the lid that fits over the box, I insert a block, set its thickness to 4 mm, match its length to 80 mm, and set its height to 6 mm to leave a small extra margin. I copy and paste this piece to create matching front and back walls. Then I make another block scaled to 45 mm long to form the side walls.

   I paint the base red and the lid parts in another color so I can easily tell them apart.

   What I used

   Item	Amount	Notes
   Kubus	1	Block for lid frame walls

5. 5

   Step 5: Adding the lid top cover and hinge axle

   I open up the middle section of the lid frame to 60 mm wide to make room for a hinge mechanism, leaving 9.5 mm side blocks. I add a top cover plate measuring 80 mm by 45 mm and 1.5 mm thick, snapping it onto the frame. To create the hinge, I flip the lid assembly upside down, add a 2 mm wide and high cylinder scaled to 90 mm long, and center it.

   After measuring the back wall as 4 mm thick using the measure tool, I position the axle at 28 mm height and 8 mm inward. Finally, I select the axle and click subtract to create an open hinge hole through the lid.

   What I used

   Item	Amount	Notes
   Kubus	1	Top cover plate
   Cilinder	1	Hinge axle shape

6. 6

   Step 6: Adding radius cuts for the hinged lid

   Because the pointed edge of the lid would otherwise bind against the frame when opened, I need to add a radius curve. Since the wall is 6 mm from the edge, I need a 3 mm radius. I create a cutting tool using a cube and a cylinder, align them to the center, and use the subtract tool to cut a 3 mm radius curve into the back of the lid and frame.

   This ensures the lid can rotate smoothly open and closed without catching.

   What I used

   Item	Amount	Notes
   Kubus	1	Cutting tool block
   Cilinder	1	Cutting cylinder for radius

7. 7

   Step 7: Takeaways

   • Windows 3D Builder is a free and simple tool for beginners to create custom 3D models.

   • Adding small clearances to measurements ensures printed parts fit together properly.

   • The subtract tool allows you to carve out precise hollow shapes and hinge holes.

   • Radius cuts prevent moving parts like hinged lids from binding against the frame.