3D printing is a great way to make things, but you should know the basics of what goes into making high-quality prints. Here are some simple 3d printing tips for anyone who wants to get better at it.
When you’re first starting out with 3D printing, and especially if you’ve never used one before, there’s an overwhelming amount of information about the subject online – from YouTube tutorials to blogs, all kinds of different sources to help you learn. But there’s not as much focus on teaching you how to actually use your printer.
That’s where I come in! Here are 8 simple 3D printing tips that will help you get the most out of your printer. Hopefully, these tips will also serve as inspiration for future projects you want to create!
- Use 3D modeling software
Before you even think about buying or building a 3D printer, you need to have a good understanding of how 3D modeling software works. Without a good grasp of basic CAD tools, you’ll have a hard time learning how to print good models (not just 3D models, but any type of model). Luckily, there are plenty of free options available. One of my favorites is Fusion 360, which has built-in support for all major formats including STL, OBJ, STEP, IGES, and many more. It’s also completely free, so you’ll be able to try it out without risking anything.
There is not just singel 3 D software that is available in eth market. With the advancement in technology, the options that will provide 3 D picture quality to the people keep on advancing. The main focus of the people is to focus on the best 3d printer under 500 as they are both available at a reasonable rate and provide high quality options.
- Buy a good filament
The quality of a 3D printed object depends largely on the quality of the filament that’s used to create it. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many brands of filament out there that offer reliable performance, so if you want the best results possible you’ll need to go through the trouble of choosing a brand yourself. There isn’t really any reason to buy cheap filament when you can spend an extra few dollars and get something that performs better than the store-bought stuff. Plus, it will save you money in the long run because you won’t need to replace the filament often.
One of the best places to find filament is FilamentHub, where you can choose between hundreds of different types of filaments, each with their own characteristics. The site lets you filter down to specific properties like color temperature, strength, and even texture so you can pick the exact kind of filament that fits your needs.
For example, if you’re looking for a strong filament that doesn’t melt easily then Carbon Black is what you should check out. On the other hand, if you want a filament that melts easily but still holds its shape well, try Polylactic Acid (PLA), which can be found in green, white, and transparent colors.
- Clean your nozzle regularly
While this tip may seem obvious, it’s surprisingly important to note. When working with PLA or ABS, it’s important to clean your extruder every once in a while, otherwise, clogs and buildups can occur over time. This is especially true of the hot end, where particles tend to accumulate after prolonged use. To prevent buildup, simply wipe it off with a damp sponge, or alternatively, you can use acetone to dissolve the buildups.
- Print in layers
This tip is particularly useful for people new to 3D printing because it helps prevent issues that can arise due to improper layer thickness. With a well-designed object, you don’t necessarily need to cut all the pieces apart, but you can print them one by one. If you do this, however, it’s important to keep track of the thickness of each piece so you can ensure they’re all properly spaced.
- Avoid using super glue
If you have a hard time slicing, don’t bother using super glue. It’s extremely difficult to work with, and it will only slow you down. Instead, try using a heated bed or a hot plate to fix your slices together. In addition, try using a hot air gun instead of a hair dryer, since it won’t scorch your objects and you can adjust the temperature precisely.
- Keep your slicer cool
When a slicer heats up, the objects that you print can start to warp or deform. Keeping your slicer cool prevents this from happening, and allows you to maximize your speed. If you want to keep your slicer cool, you can install a cooling fan, but this option is more expensive and not necessary unless you’re concerned about heat damage.
- Practice your assembly skills
Sometimes, it’s not as easy as plugging a cable into a port. You need to practice getting everything plugged in correctly. For instance, if you have two cables going to your printer, it’s likely that one is for power and the others are for data. Make sure you plug those cables in the right order. Also, make sure you have the right number of wires coming out of your printer.
- Consider a second extruder
A lot of people are tempted to buy a second extruder for their machine. While having a second extruder can certainly improve your print quality, it’s not always necessary. Sometimes it’s easier to simply increase the diameter of your nozzle, resulting in a bigger print area. Of course, if you do decide to add another extruder, make sure that you know exactly how to set up both extruders on your particular machine since this is an advanced step.
There are many other 3D printing tips to consider, but these are definitely some of the most helpful ones for beginners. Once you become more familiar with the process, you might find that other tips become more relevant.
