Minimal 3DP

01/18/2026

Want the "Brick Wall" strength for your 3D prints without messing with Python scripts?

If you’ve seen the "BrickLayers" technique (popularized by CNC Kitchen), you know that offsetting your layers like a masonry wall can significantly improve part strength and reduce delamination.
The problem? Until now, using it meant installing Python, managing dependencies, and running local scripts on your G-code. It was a high barrier for many makers.

I fixed that.

I’ve ported the BrickLayers logic into a free, browser-based tool.

No Python installation.
No command line.
Runs locally in your browser (secure).

Does it slow down your print? I tested it on a Benchy.

Standard print: 29m 49s
BrickLayers print: 30m 14s
Difference: +25 seconds.

You get a structurally superior part with almost zero time penalty.
Check out the video to see how it works and verify the results yourself:

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/JO715l7r6Js

Try the Free Tool: https://go.minimal3dp.com/tools/bricklayers/

BrickLayers Without the Code: Get 3D Printed Brick Wall Strength in Your BrowserHere is a draft YouTube description optimized for SEO and click-throughs, inc...

01/12/2026

Is the Sovol SV08 the best way to enter the large-format CoreXY market for under $500?

I finally picked one up (shipped from a US warehouse via AliExpress), and I have to admit—the value proposition here is wild. In my latest video, I take this thing from the shipping box to a fully functional Klipper instance in under 2 hours.

It’s not a perfect machine, though. If you are coming from the Voron world, there is one critical habit you need to break immediately: Do NOT pick this printer up by the top frame. Unlike the 2020 extrusion builds, the top panel is made of thin aluminum. I explain why (and how to handle it safely) in the build guide.

We are just getting started with this series. Next up: Rooting, cooling upgrades, and speed tests.

Check out the full build here: https://youtu.be/hsgLm3M-2gk

Step-by-Step Sovol SV08 Build: From Box to Klipper in Under 2 HoursIs the Sovol SV08 the best entry point for a large-format CoreXY? In this first installmen...

01/02/2026

🫀 Post-Surgery Reality Check: Is Your 3D Printer Poisoning Your Air?

After my open-heart surgery in October, I had to get serious about what I was breathing in my 200 sq. ft. office. I didn't just want anecdotes—I wanted data.

So, I utilized AI to synthesize 56 scientific articles on 3D printing emissions and put that research to the test.

📉 In this video, I break down:

The truth about Ultrafine Particles (UFPs) vs. VOCs.

Real-world sensor testing inside the Creality K2 Plus printing ASA.

The data behind why enclosures are non-negotiable (95% reduction!).

Stop guessing about your health. Look at the numbers.

📺 Watch the full deep dive here:

12/29/2025

Raise your hand if you’ve ever hit "Update" on your 3D printer and immediately regretted it.

Last night, I wasn't paying attention and updated my Creality K2 Plus. Instead of new features, I got instant errors and a printer that wouldn't print. To make matters worse, finding the right firmware to roll back to was surprisingly difficult because Creality hides newer stable versions under the "Old Versions" tab on their site.
If you are stuck in the same boat, I put together a quick walkthrough on how to fix it.
In this video, I show you:
✅ Where to find the actual firmware file you need.
✅ How to format your USB drive to ExFAT so the printer can read it.
✅ The "Upgrade" trick to force the downgrade.
✅ How to recalibrate and get back to printing fast.
You don't need Creality Print for this—just a USB drive and a few minutes.

Watch the fix here:

Don't Panic: Rolling Back Firmware on the Creality K2 Plus 3D PrinterHey everyone, this is Mike from Minimal3DP. If you’re watching this, you probably did ex...

12/26/2025

I have been working for a while to add a Patreon to my channel. As part of the benefits of membership, I have added some "extras" to my various web applications designed for 3D printing enthusiasts. I hope you can find value in what I have developed. As always, I appreciate your support and feedback.

For $5 a Month, You get the following:

Export Settings as OrcaSlice Profiles on "Orcaslicer Settings Recommender" - https://go.minimal3dp.com/settings/

AI-based analysis on the "Printer Reviews and Analysis" - https://go.minimal3dp.com/reviews/

Ability to save invoices on the "FDM Cost Calculator" - https://go.minimal3dp.com/fdm-cost/

Get more from Minimal 3DP on Patreon

11/21/2025

I have been working on several development projects. My latest web application enables users to select properties, and the app then lists 3D printing filament that matches the specified criteria. This is an app that I needed because I never seem to remember which filament is best for a particular situation. I pulled the information I am using from the Filament TDS and journal articles. I look forward to your feedback.

3d Printer Filament Types: Find the Perfect Material with My New Free AppOne of the biggest challenges I face is remembering which filament is best suited fo...

08/24/2025

This week, a new alpha for Orcaslicer 2.3.1 has dropped. The new version includes several new features. In this video, I give a brief overview of Orcaslicer 2.3.1 Alpha and take an in-depth look at the updated YOLO Flow calibration test.

OrcaSlicer 2.3.1 Alpha Flow Calibration: Old Method vs. New Concentric Pattern TestIn this video, we're taking a deep dive into the brand new OrcaSlicer 2.3....

08/16/2025

I have updated my various OrcaSlicer playlists to more easily learn the Slicer. I hope someone finds it helpful. Let me know if I am missing any topics.

My OrcaSlicer Learning Playlists:

▶️ 1. OrcaSlicer Quick Start: From Zero to First Print Hero
Perfect for novice users, this playlist covers the absolute basics. We'll go through installation, getting your printer set up, deep dives into the settings, and basic calibration to get you going.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcVv43EZh9CCDKCB15oIZG2CJzF4ghsb&si=VWOnCsIX-14LiH2F

▶️ 2. The Complete OrcaSlicer Calibration Guide
This one is for the intermediate user who wants a more detailed look at the calibration process. Instead of one long video, I've given each calibration its own dedicated tutorial for a deeper dive.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcVv43EZh9D3vXHoB9nUJHKsSd3fhNpt&si=pxT7PI0lJcjr12_4

▶️ 3. OrcaSlicer Deep Dive: Mastering Process Settings
For intermediate to advanced users, this playlist focuses on the settings that make a real difference. We explore what makes a print stronger, the best infill for speed and strength, and how to improve bed adhesion using the slicer.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcVv43EZh9BJMeM9ZM6p7VdySu_WjCRB&si=v3lRXIkXkpVqvOqP

▶️ 4. Advanced OrcaSlicer: Klipper, G-Code & Printer Integration
This playlist is for tutorials that don't quite fit elsewhere, like the bricklayer post-processing script and how to set up adaptive purge.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcVv43EZh9Bk7xv4dkj9vI7eTy502dFg&si=EBB-p3Had9FL3csX

▶️ 5. OrcaSlicer Updates & New Features
Stay on the cutting edge! In this playlist, I take a look at upcoming betas and other new features as they are released.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcVv43EZh9C4u2R0Tb8N1GQ8hseOnjDz&si=7-zy8wqx5TZl-vt4

Stay on the cutting edge of 3D printing with Minimal 3DP's coverage of all the latest OrcaSlicer updates! This playlist is your go-to source for release high...

07/28/2025

I put together a quick video for the various checks when first booting Klipper. I hope you find it helpful.

From Fresh Install to Flawless Printing: The Only Klipper Configuration Guide You Need for First BootMy Basic Klipper Calibration Spreadsheet (featured in th...

07/06/2025

https://youtu.be/vYII6IzW5sU

I have been testing out various settings on my Creality K2 Plus for printing ASA. Overall, I am pleased with the results. As I was doing my research, I noticed that the OrcaSlicer wiki has a lot of great (and recently added) tips and recommendations. To help myself keep track of the recommended defaults, I created a spreadsheet with all the info consolidated.

OrcSlicer Recommendations Spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YIsJzkACAeje7s3TidYCOfzjT805xmkcEjPGK8TsfX8/edit?usp=sharing

As I find more settings and recommendations, I will add additional values to the sheet. I hope you find it helpful.

Let me know if there are other great references I should add.

06/29/2025

https://youtu.be/Viwv79GFLZ4?si=V_B9BeMwNj-UxUxV

GitHub: K2 Powerups - https://github.com/minimal3dp/k2_powerups

My observations revealed that the default "force leveling" setting within the printer's configuration, coupled with a sequential heating process, significantly prolongs chamber warm-up. For instance, achieving a target chamber temperature of 50°C for ASA prints often took over 40 minutes, with the chamber barely reaching 39°C. The printer's default behavior involves waiting for the chamber to reach its set temperature before initiating bed or extruder heating, contributing to these delays.

To address this, I've modified the print_start G-code. My revised code now simultaneously activates the bed, extruder, and chamber heaters, strategically leveraging the bed's heat to accelerate chamber warm-up. This optimization has reduced the chamber's heat-up time to approximately 15 minutes, significantly decreasing the overall print preparation time from potentially 45 minutes to about 25 minutes.

I have based my changes on the work of others.

References

- K2 Firmware Extracts - https://github.com/Guilouz/Creality-K2Plus-Extracted-Firmwares
- K2 Improvements - https://github.com/jamincollins/k2-improvements
- K2 Leveling - https://github.com/DnG-Crafts/K2-Leveling/blob/main/bl_macros.cfg

Optimize Creality K2 Plus Heating: Faster Prints, Less Waiting!K2 Powerup Repo: https://github.com/minimal3dp/k2_powerupsIn this video I dive into the frustr...

04/18/2025

I posted a new video today, looking at Orca Slicer's Extrusion Rate Smoothing settings. I hope it's helpful to you.

Ready to take your Orca Slicer skills to the next level? This comprehensive and advanced tutorial explores the intricacies of "Extrusion Rate Smoothing." We'...