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3D printers: What can you print and should you buy one?

Are 3D printers worth it?

22 March 2023
Bryan wall cnz

By Bryan Wall

Product Test Journalist | Kaipūrongo Whakamātautau Hautaonga

We take a look at in-home 3D printing, how easy is it, what can you print and can you use it to repair and augment products?

On this page

  • What is 3D printing?
  • Why would I want a 3D printer?
  • Our trial
  • Where do I find files and how do I print?
  • My prints
  • Augment your reality
  • Repair jobs
  • Where do we go from here?
3d printer width

Imagine being able to choose a product or object and have it magically appear out of a box on your desk. The stuff of science fiction movies, right? Well not any more, with the advent of home 3D printers.

While you can’t yet print a fully working product, you’d be surprised at the range of stuff you can create with minimal effort. Also, you might be surprised how cheap these printers are now.

We decided to find out what was possible and how easy it is for your average person to take themselves into another dimension.

What is 3D printing?

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Why would I want a 3D printer?

Our trial

Where do I find files and how do I print?

My prints

Augment your reality

Repair jobs

Where do we go from here?


Right to repair petition

Sick of wasting money on products you can’t repair? 

Learn about our campaign for a right to repair and help us demand a mandatory repairability label.

Learn more


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