Looking for a quick way to spark fun conversations in your 3D printing community? These This or That templates make it easy to engage members with playful, low-pressure prompts. Skip the awkward silences and watch your group come alive with simple questions everyone can answer.
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This or That prompts are a proven way to create instant engagement because they lower the barrier to participation. Members do not have to think deeply or craft lengthy responses. Instead, they can simply pick a side and join the conversation quickly.
The playful, low-stakes nature of these questions also fosters a relaxed community atmosphere. People enjoy sharing their preferences, discovering what others think, and sometimes playfully debating their choices. This dynamic helps build a sense of belonging, encourages even quieter members to speak up, and keeps the overall vibe friendly and approachable.
PLA or ABS - which filament do you prefer for most prints?
💡 Example: "PLA or ABS - which filament do you prefer for most prints?"
Speed or detail - do you print fast or go for the finest quality?
💡 Example: "Speed or detail - do you print fast or go for the finest quality?"
Resin or FDM - which printer type gets your vote?
💡 Example: "Resin or FDM - which printer type gets your vote?"
Support structures: auto-generate or manual placement?
💡 Example: "Support structures: auto-generate or manual placement?"
Nozzle upgrades: brass or hardened steel?
💡 Example: "Nozzle upgrades: brass or hardened steel?"
Slicing software: Cura or PrusaSlicer?
💡 Example: "Slicing software: Cura or PrusaSlicer?"
Calibration cubes or Benchy - which test print do you run first?
💡 Example: "Calibration cubes or Benchy - which test print do you run first?"
Open-source or proprietary printers - what is your preference?
💡 Example: "Open-source or proprietary printers - what is your preference?"
Print at night or during the day?
💡 Example: "Print at night or during the day?"
Tinkering or plug and play - which describes your style?
💡 Example: "Tinkering or plug and play - which describes your style?"
Matte or glossy filament finishes?
💡 Example: "Matte or glossy filament finishes?"
Large models or small detailed prints?
💡 Example: "Large models or small detailed prints?"
Functional parts or decorative models?
💡 Example: "Functional parts or decorative models?"
Free STL files or designing from scratch?
💡 Example: "Free STL files or designing from scratch?"
Heated bed: always on or only when needed?
💡 Example: "Heated bed: always on or only when needed?"
Color change mid-print or single color all the way?
💡 Example: "Color change mid-print or single color all the way?"
Print failures: fix right away or save for later?
💡 Example: "Print failures: fix right away or save for later?"
Show off finished prints or keep them private?
💡 Example: "Show off finished prints or keep them private?"
3D scanning or modeling from scratch?
💡 Example: "3D scanning or modeling from scratch?"
PETG or PLA for everyday prints?
💡 Example: "PETG or PLA for everyday prints?"
Post-processing: sanding or painting?
💡 Example: "Post-processing: sanding or painting?"
Quiet printer or speed demon - which matters more?
💡 Example: "Quiet printer or speed demon - which matters more?"
Manual bed leveling or auto bed leveling?
💡 Example: "Manual bed leveling or auto bed leveling?"
Share your print fails or just your wins?
💡 Example: "Share your print fails or just your wins?"
Start with a kit or buy fully assembled?
💡 Example: "Start with a kit or buy fully assembled?"
Print upgrades: DIY or buy pre-made?
💡 Example: "Print upgrades: DIY or buy pre-made?"
Flexible filament: love it or avoid it?
💡 Example: "Flexible filament: love it or avoid it?"
Community challenges or solo projects?
💡 Example: "Community challenges or solo projects?"
Filament storage: dry box or open shelf?
💡 Example: "Filament storage: dry box or open shelf?"
3D printing as a hobby or business?
💡 Example: "3D printing as a hobby or business?"
Watch a print the whole way or set and forget?
💡 Example: "Watch a print the whole way or set and forget?"
Share progress pics or only the final result?
💡 Example: "Share progress pics or only the final result?"
Pet projects: practical gadgets or fun figurines?
💡 Example: "Pet projects: practical gadgets or fun figurines?"
Workstation: super organized or creative chaos?
💡 Example: "Workstation: super organized or creative chaos?"
3D print gifts for others or just for yourself?
💡 Example: "3D print gifts for others or just for yourself?"
Keep old failed prints or recycle right away?
💡 Example: "Keep old failed prints or recycle right away?"
3D design: Fusion 360 or Blender?
💡 Example: "3D design: Fusion 360 or Blender?"
Share your first print or your proudest print?
💡 Example: "Share your first print or your proudest print?"
Filament colors: bold and bright or subtle and neutral?
💡 Example: "Filament colors: bold and bright or subtle and neutral?"
Post-processing: skip it or always finish your prints?
💡 Example: "Post-processing: skip it or always finish your prints?"
To use these templates, simply copy and paste your favorite prompt into your community platform as a post or story. You can schedule them as regular engagement boosters, use them to kick off discussions, or drop them in during slow periods to revive activity. For best results, encourage members to share why they chose their answer, and consider responding to their comments to keep the conversation going.
On all platforms, keep your This or That prompts short and visually clear. Use emojis or formatting to make options stand out if possible. Pin or highlight popular prompts to maximize visibility, and invite members to suggest their own This or That ideas for extra involvement.
Both approaches can drive engagement, but prompts comparing filament types (e.g., PLA vs ABS, PETG vs TPU) often spark technical discussions about print quality, application, and user experience. Comparing printer brands or models can also be effective but may lead to more subjective debates. Rotate between material, hardware, and software topics to keep the content fresh and relevant for your 3D printing community.
Pose prompts that highlight common printing issues—such as 'Layer Shifting vs Warping: Which is more frustrating?'—to encourage members to share solutions, prevention tips, and personal experiences. This not only increases engagement but also builds a knowledge base for troubleshooting specific to 3D printing challenges.
Be as specific as possible, referencing real-world tradeoffs. For example, use 'Fine Detail (0.1mm) vs Fast Print (0.2mm): What’s your default layer height?' This encourages users to weigh in on their preferred settings, why they choose them, and the types of projects they prioritize, making the discussion informative and relevant.
Absolutely! Frame prompts around specific workflows or features, such as 'Cura vs PrusaSlicer: Which do you trust for supports?' or 'Automatic vs manual support placement: What’s your go-to in your slicer?' This engages both beginners and advanced users and stimulates conversation about optimization strategies unique to 3D printing.
Alternate prompts between both technologies or offer options that acknowledge different processes. For example, 'FDM vs Resin: Which do you use for miniatures?' or 'Isolating Z-banding issues: Hotend vs Vat Calibration?' This ensures all users feel included and fosters cross-technology learning within your community.
Yes, these prompts are highly relevant for 3D printing communities. Questions like 'STL vs OBJ: Which file format do you prefer for imports?' or 'Thingiverse vs Printables: Where do you find most of your models?' encourage members to share resource tips, workflow preferences, and even discuss licensing or remixing issues—topics central to the 3D printing experience.
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