Easton 3D

A Friendly Introduction to the Burtyverse

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 07:45:00 +0000

We’re two creators in our 50s, running this entire project ourselves as well as the website, the designs, the social media, the writing, the printing, everything.

One of us is severely sight‑impaired and designs through magnifiers, zoom tools and patience.

We’ve tried lots of creative paths over the years.

Eventually we realised we needed a project that was truly ours -something we could build slowly, honestly and without pressure.

It’s a five‑book sci‑fi series with a warm, funny tone and a storyline we genuinely believe in.

Alongside the books, we’re creating STL toys, characters and artefacts from the universe.

We’re sharing the journey early because we want people to see how a universe grows when it’s built by two normal humans, not a big studio.

We hope people enjoy what we’re making.

Thanks for being here at the start.

Community & Social

Join our Facebook group to share prints, ask questions, post pics/videos and give feedback.

Instagram: X/Twitter: Linkedin:

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 10:28:00 +0000

The "FREE" Problem No One Wants to Talk About

The problem with the 3D printing industry didn’t begin with MakerWorld, Bambu Lab.

Thingiverse launched in October 2008 as a fully free, open‑sharing STL repository created by Zach Smith at NYC Resistor.

That early culture shaped everything that came after it.

Thingiverse was the first major place where people could publish 3D models without any expectation of compensation and it created the cultural baseline that modern platforms still follow.

Many designers were hobbyists who didn’t rely on sales, didn’t need compensation and didn’t see their work as part of a business.

That culture is exactly why designers struggle now.

The public doesn’t see the person behind the computer - the hours of CAD work, the engineering, the testing, the talent, the time, the cost.

They see a download button.

Original platforms created that expectation - now many have simply amplified it.

MakerWorld is the clearest new example.

Yes, MakerWorld has its faults.

MakerWorld is not the entire root of the problem.

The real issue is the people who expect everything for free.

The truth is simple: Free isn’t the problem.

Designers should have the right to choose whether they give their work away or not.

The 3D printing industry needs to remember that behind every original model - free or paid is a person.

Until the culture changes, designers will continue to struggle and platforms will continue to profit from a problem they created and have absolutely helped to accelerate.

The Hidden Cost of Free: Why 3D Designers Deserve Better

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 01:12:00 +0000

The Hidden Cost of Free: Why 3D Designers Deserve Better

The 3D printing community is one of the most creative, passionate, and generous spaces online.

Designing a 3D model isn’t “just clicking download.

Designing isn’t “just a hobby.

So why do so many people expect it for free?

A 3D printer can cost hundreds of pounds.

One of the biggest misconceptions in the community is the idea that resizing, AMS colouring, or changing infill counts as a “remix.

Another harmful myth is the idea that “it’s from a game, so it’s not your design.

Licensing exists for a reason.

Free model sites are notoriously full of stolen work and downloading from them - even unknowingly - supports the problem.

Supporting designers doesn’t always mean spending money.

Designers aren’t asking for much.

If you love 3D printing, support the people who make it possible - not the thieves, not the resizers, not the AMS recolourers and not the people who claim ownership of work they didn’t create.

The Most Reputable 3D Model Sites — Why They Matter

In a world where “free” has become the default expectation, not all 3D model platforms are created equal.

If you’re a designer - or someone who genuinely wants to support designers - choosing the right platform matters more than most people realise.

MyMiniFactory

MyMiniFactory remains one of the most reputable platforms for designers.

Thangs

Thangs is one of those platforms nobody realises is powerful until they actually use it properly.

Cults3D

Cults is another platform that takes designer rights seriously.

Printables (Prusa)

Printables is a community-driven platform with a surprisingly strong stance on attribution and licensing.

MakerWorld

MakerWorld is popular - but popularity comes with a cost.

Thingiverse

Thingiverse is the oldest example of what happens when a platform stops moderating.

Free Social Media and 3D‑Print Sites

Social media absolutely trained people to be entitled.

Social media taught people to expect free entertainment.

People still haven’t learned.

Free files generate massive traffic and traffic generates revenue through sponsorships, affiliate links, printer companies, slicer partnerships and SEO dominance.

SELLERS

The 3D‑printing world has a serious problem: most designers publish their work under clear licences, yet sellers routinely ignore them.

This entitlement means creators who sell their own items can’t safely release their files without being undercut by thieves and large print farms, forcing them to constantly monitor platforms like eBay, Vinted and Etsy, which are notorious for reselling stolen designs.

3D Printing Guide For Beginners

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:49:00 +0000

EASTON3D - BEGINNERS 3D PRINTING GUIDE (2026 EDITION)

This is a general guide.

What Is a Slicer?

A slicer is the software that prepares your model for printing.

Modern Slicers

The most popular slicers today are

PrusaSlicer

OrcaSlicer

Simplify3D

1.
3D printing starts with an STL file.

2.
Once you have your STL, open it in your slicer.

3.
For basic settings, use a layer height of 0.

4.
When you are ready, click Slice.

5.
Printers accept files through SD card, USB cable or WiFi depending on the model.

6.
When the print finishes, let it cool before removing it.

Happy Printing!

Choosing the Right 3D Design Software

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:30:00 +0000

If you’re new to 3D modelling and want to create your own designs, the first step is choosing software that suits the type of models you want to make.
There are two main styles of 3D design:

Sculpting Software

Sculpting tools are used for organic shapes — characters, miniatures, jewellery, creatures, curved forms, anything artistic or free‑flowing.
Popular sculpting tools include:

ZBrush

Blender (free)

Maya

Cinema 4D

These programs let you “push and pull” digital clay to create detailed shapes.
CAD Software

CAD tools are used for precise engineering parts — brackets, housings, mechanical components, prototypes, functional objects, and anything that needs exact measurements.
Popular CAD tools include:

SolidWorks

Autodesk Fusion

Onshape

TinkerCAD

CAD software is built for accuracy, tolerances, assemblies, and real‑world fitment.
What Matters Most

No matter which style you choose, the most important requirement is simple:

Your software must be able to export STL files.
STL is the standard format used for slicing and 3D printing.
Starting Out

If you’re completely new, start with something simple:

Autodesk Fusion for CAD

Blender for sculpting

Both are widely used, well‑supported, and beginner‑friendly.
As you gain confidence, you can explore more advanced tools depending on the type of work you want to create.
Final Tip

There is no “best” software — only the best software for the kind of models you want to make.

What Is Colour Engraving? (What You Can Actually Do With It)

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:09:00 +0000

What Colour Engraving Actually Means

Colour engraving isn’t printed colour.
It’s solid, flat colour fills added into engraved shapes — perfect for:

icons

symbols

initials

simple artwork

bold shapes

clean outlines

Think of it like enamel‑style colour, not printed detail.
Why Colour Engraving Works So Well

Colour engraving is great because:

it stands out more than plain engraving

it adds personality

it works beautifully on pendants and tags

it’s durable

it’s clean and bold

it’s perfect for simple designs

If you want something eye‑catching without going over the top, colour engraving is ideal.
What Colour Engraving Can’t Do

Colour engraving is not suitable for:

photographs

detailed portraits

complex shading

multi‑colour gradients

tiny colour details

realistic images

If you want a photo engraved, you’ll need Black & White Photo Engraving — that’s the correct method for pictures.
Colour engraving is strictly for simple, solid shapes.
Best Ideas for Colour Engraving

Here are some popular choices customers love:

hearts

stars

initials

paw prints

simple animals

bold icons

geometric shapes

flags (simple versions only)

cartoon‑style outlines

If it’s simple, bold, and clean — colour engraving will look amazing.
Choosing the Right Colour

We use a range of colours that work well on some metal surfaces.

black

white

red

blue

gold

silver

rose tones

Each colour gives a different feel — black is bold, white is clean, red is vibrant, and gold blends beautifully with metal.
Colour Engraving vs Photo Engraving

Here’s the quick comparison:

Feature Colour Engraving Black & White Photo Engraving

Best for Icons, shapes, initials Photos, faces, detailed images

Style Solid colour Monochrome detail

Detail level Simple High

Durability Very high High

Appearance Bold & modern Classic & sentimenta

Want Colour Engraving on Your Jewellery?
You can add colour engraving to many personalised pendants, tags, and jewellery pieces.
Why Colour Engraving Doesn’t Work on Gold or Silver

Colour engraving relies on heat‑reactive metal surfaces.
Here’s the real reason:

1.
Colour engraving is created by controlled oxidation — the laser heats the metal surface and creates colour tones.
Gold and silver:

don’t oxidise into colours

don’t form stable colour layers

don’t react evenly

don’t produce blues, purples, golds, blacks, etc.

simply burn, pit, or discolour

They are too chemically stable to produce colour.
So instead of colour, you get:

dull marks

patchy burn spots

uneven surfaces

ugly brown/grey staining

Not good.
2.
Colour engraving needs the laser to heat the surface, not bounce off it.
Gold and silver are extremely reflective:

they reflect laser energy

they don’t absorb enough heat

the colour reaction never forms

the engraving becomes shallow and weak

This is why photo engraving works on silver — but colour engraving does not.
3.
Colour engraving creates a thin oxidised layer.

doesn’t bond

scratches off

wears away

doesn’t stay stable

So even if you could force colour onto gold or silver, it would rub off within days.
Not acceptable for jewellery.
Why Colour Engraving Works on Some Metals

Colour engraving works beautifully on metals that:

absorb heat

oxidise predictably

form stable colour layers

have the right chemical composition

These metals include:

✔ 201 stainless steel

Best colour reaction Strong blacks Strong blues Strong purples Strong gold tones

✔ 304 stainless steel

Good colour reaction Softer tones Less dramatic colours

✔ 316L stainless steel

Weak colour reaction Mostly gold/blue Very stable metal = less colour

✔ Titanium

Excellent colour reaction Bright blues/purples Very stable colours

These metals react.
So the short answer is, colour engraving doesn’t work on gold or silver because these metals don’t oxidise into colours.

What Can I Engrave on Jewellery? Real Examples & Inspiration

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 18:21:00 +0000

Choosing an engraving can feel harder than choosing the jewellery itself.
Popular Personal Engravings

A partner’s name or initials

Children’s names

A short message like Always, Forever, Strength, Loved

A special date (anniversary, birthday, memorial date)

Roman numerals for a date

Coordinates of a meaningful place

A pet’s name

A paw print or heart symbol

Photography

Art

A single powerful word: Hope, Courage, Family, Brave

Memorial Engravings

“In Memory of ___”

“Forever in my heart”

Birth and passing dates

A short comforting phrase like Until we meet again

Couples Engravings

Initials joined with a symbol (A ♥ C)

“Always & Forever”

“You + Me”

Anniversary date

Coordinates of where you met

Pet Engravings

Pet name

Paw print symbol

“Best Friend”

“My Little Shadow”

Short Quotes That Fit Small Tags

“Stay Strong”

“Be Kind”

“Never Alone”

“You Matter”

“One Day at a Time”

If You Want Something Personal Tell us the name, date, symbol or message you want — we engrave clean, clear and simple so it looks good even on small jewellery pieces.

Feature	Colour Engraving	Black & White Photo Engraving
Best for	Icons, shapes, initials	Photos, faces, detailed images
Style	Solid colour	Monochrome detail
Detail level	Simple	High
Durability	Very high	High
Appearance	Bold & modern	Classic & sentimenta

Easton 3D

A Friendly Introduction to the Burtyverse

The "FREE" Problem No One Wants to Talk About

The Hidden Cost of Free: Why 3D Designers Deserve Better

The Hidden Cost of Free: Why 3D Designers Deserve Better

The Most Reputable 3D Model Sites — Why They Matter

MyMiniFactory

Thangs

Cults3D

Printables (Prusa)

MakerWorld

Thingiverse

Free Social Media and 3D‑Print Sites

SELLERS

3D Printing Guide For Beginners

EASTON3D - BEGINNERS 3D PRINTING GUIDE (2026 EDITION)

Modern Slicers

PrusaSlicer

OrcaSlicer

Simplify3D

2. Once you have your STL, open it in your slicer. 3. For basic settings, use a layer height of 0. 4. When you are ready, click Slice. 5. Printers accept files through SD card, USB cable or WiFi depending on the model. 6. When the print finishes, let it cool before removing it. Happy Printing!

3. For basic settings, use a layer height of 0. 4. When you are ready, click Slice. 5. Printers accept files through SD card, USB cable or WiFi depending on the model. 6. When the print finishes, let it cool before removing it. Happy Printing!

4. When you are ready, click Slice. 5. Printers accept files through SD card, USB cable or WiFi depending on the model. 6. When the print finishes, let it cool before removing it. Happy Printing!

5. Printers accept files through SD card, USB cable or WiFi depending on the model. 6. When the print finishes, let it cool before removing it. Happy Printing!

6. When the print finishes, let it cool before removing it. Happy Printing!

Happy Printing!

Choosing the Right 3D Design Software

Sculpting Software

CAD Software

What Matters Most

Starting Out

Final Tip

What Is Colour Engraving? (What You Can Actually Do With It)

What Colour Engraving Actually Means

Why Colour Engraving Works So Well

What Colour Engraving Can’t Do

Best Ideas for Colour Engraving

Choosing the Right Colour

Colour Engraving vs Photo Engraving

Why Colour Engraving Doesn’t Work on Gold or Silver

3. Colour engraving creates a thin oxidised layer. doesn’t bond scratches off wears away doesn’t stay stable So even if you could force colour onto gold or silver, it would rub off within days. Not acceptable for jewellery.

Why Colour Engraving Works on Some Metals

✔ 201 stainless steel

✔ 304 stainless steel

✔ 316L stainless steel

✔ Titanium

What Can I Engrave on Jewellery? Real Examples & Inspiration

2.
Once you have your STL, open it in your slicer.

3.
For basic settings, use a layer height of 0.

4.
When you are ready, click Slice.

5.
Printers accept files through SD card, USB cable or WiFi depending on the model.

6.
When the print finishes, let it cool before removing it.

Happy Printing!

3.
For basic settings, use a layer height of 0.

4.
When you are ready, click Slice.

5.
Printers accept files through SD card, USB cable or WiFi depending on the model.

6.
When the print finishes, let it cool before removing it.

Happy Printing!

4.
When you are ready, click Slice.

5.
Printers accept files through SD card, USB cable or WiFi depending on the model.

6.
When the print finishes, let it cool before removing it.

Happy Printing!

5.
Printers accept files through SD card, USB cable or WiFi depending on the model.

6.
When the print finishes, let it cool before removing it.

Happy Printing!

6.
When the print finishes, let it cool before removing it.

Happy Printing!

3.
Colour engraving creates a thin oxidised layer.

doesn’t bond

scratches off

wears away

doesn’t stay stable

So even if you could force colour onto gold or silver, it would rub off within days.
Not acceptable for jewellery.