Shenzhen Alu Rapid Prototype Precision Co., Ltd.

No, we don't absolutely need a traditional computer to use a 3D printer today, but in practice you almost always will use one at some point. Here's the breakdown:

Ways you can use a 3D printer without a full computer:

a.Print from SD card / USB stick (most common)

You prepare the file on any computer (or even a phone/tablet), save it as a .gcode file onto an SD card or USB stick, insert it into the printer, and print directly. Once the file is on the card, the printer runs completely standalone — no computer stays connected.

b.Print from a phone or tablet

Many modern printers (Bambu Lab, Prusa with Connect, Creality Sonic Pad, etc.) let you send files over Wi-Fi directly from apps (e.g., Bambu Studio mobile, PrusaSlicer mobile, Orca Slicer, Cura with plugins, etc.). Some even let you slice (convert 3D model → gcode) on the phone itself.

c.OctoPrint / Klipper on a Raspberry Pi

A $35–60 Raspberry Pi counts as a very small computer, but you control everything from your phone/browser afterward. Many people run their printers this way permanently.

d.Built-in slicer and cloud printing

Newer printers like Bambu Lab X1/P1/A series, some Creality models with Creality Cloud, or Prusa MK4 with Prusa Connect can receive models over the internet, slice them in the cloud or on the printer’s own hardware, and print with zero local computer involved after initial setup.

When you still need a computer (at least once):

a.Designing or downloading and repairing 3D models (STL/OBJ files)

b.Slicing the model into gcode the first time (unless you only print pre-sliced files others made or use cloud/mobile slicing)

c.Firmware updates, advanced calibration, or troubleshooting