Guidelines for designing for 3D printing
MINIMUM THICKNESS OF THE PRINT WALL
The smallest wall thickness of the model prepared for 3D printing should not be less than the size of the nozzle used for FDM printing. However, it is recommended to use a minimum wall of 0.4 mm, and for SLA and SLS printing we use a wall of at least 0.6 mm. It is related to the strength of such an element. We are not able to obtain a homogeneous cross-sectional structure as with the injection process by 3D printing.
- FDM: x ≥ 0.6mm
- SLA/DLP: x ≥ 0.6mm
- SLS: x ≥ 0.4mm
If the value is lower than the limit, the surface quality may be reduced, there is a risk of shape errors and reduced component strength in this area.
On request, we can use smaller wall thicknesses, but the cost of such a print will be higher, and its quality may be unsatisfactory.
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS SIDED ON BOTH SIDES
The smallest wall thickness of 3d model supported on both sides and prepared for 3D printing should comply with the following conditions:
- FDM: x ≥ 0.4mm
- SLA/DLP: x ≥ 0.4mm
- SLS: x ≥ 0.2mm
If the value is lower than the limit, the surface quality may be reduced, there is a risk of shape errors and reduced component strength in this area.
At the customer's request, we can use smaller wall thicknesses, but the cost of such a print will be higher, and its quality may be unsatisfactory.
MINIMUM ANGLE OF THE SUPPORTED WALL
Depending on the 3D printing method and manufacturer, we can use very different angles of inclination. Generally speaking, for printing using the FDM method, the angle of inclination is about 30-50 degrees, we personally use not less than 45 degrees to make the print durable. In the case of SLA printing, the print model itself can have really complicated shapes and angles, however, the models are set at an angle of 14-19 degrees, which is directly related to the process itself. SLS printing allows for unlimited use of angles.
- FDM: x ≥ 50°
- SLA/DLP: x ≥ 19°
- SLS: x ≥ unlimited
If the value is lower than the limit, the surface quality may be reduced, there is a risk of shape errors and reduced component strength in this area.
At the customer's request, we can use smaller wall thicknesses, but the cost of such a print will be higher, and its quality may be unsatisfactory.
MAXIMUM SIZE OF SUPPORTABLE RECTANGULAR WALL
The largest overhang of the model prepared for 3D printing should comply with the following conditions:
- FDM: x ≥ 1mm
- SLA/DLP: x ≥ 1mm
- SLS: x ≥ unlimited
If the value is lower than the limit, the surface quality may be reduced, there is a risk of shape errors and reduced component strength in this area.
At the customer's request, we can use smaller wall thicknesses, but the cost of such a print will be higher, and its quality may be unsatisfactory.
MINIMUM CLEARANCE FOR MOBILE ELEMENTS PRINTED IN ONE PROCESS
The loosening of the mating elements is related to the accuracy of the device, the selected nozzle, printing speed, layer, etc .. Depending on the 3D printing method, completely different factors can affect the minimum amount of necessary clearance between the mating elements. For the FDM and SLA methods we use a clearance of 0.4 - 0.6 mm, and sometimes even such a clearance is insufficient. When printing SLS, the minimum clearance between moving parts is about 0.2 mm.
- FDM: x ≥ 0.4 mm
- SLA/DLP: x ≥ 0.4 mm
- SLS: x ≥ 0.2 mm
If the value is lower than the limit, the surface quality may be reduced, there is a risk of shape errors and reduced component strength in this area.
It is not possible to apply less clearance for cooperative objects printed in one process. If backlash-free connections are required, individual components will be printed separately.
MINIMUM HOLE DIAMETER
In both cases, the minimum diameter will be the same for different 3D printing methods, it is more about the fact that a cylindrical element is made, where it is required to assemble and synchronize two movements. We have encountered various problems in this topic and the effect is not always satisfactory, especially with small diameters. The diameter of the hole, the cylinder should be a minimum of about 0.5 mm, although in many cases it is better to use a larger hole. We use 0.6 mm for FDM and SLA printing, 0.5 mm for SLS printing.
- FDM: x ≥ 0.6 mm
- SLA/DLP: x ≥ 0.6 mm
- SLS: x ≥ 0.5 mm
If the value is lower than the limit, the surface quality may be reduced, there is a risk of shape errors and reduced component strength in this area.
On request, we can use smaller hole diameters or make a hole through machining, but the cost of such a print will be higher, and its quality may be unsatisfactory.
MINIMUM ROLLER DIAMETER
Minimalna średnica walca modelu przygotowywanego do wydruku 3D powinna być zgodna z poniższymi warunkami:
- FDM: x ≥ 0.6 mm
- SLA/DLP: x ≥ 0.6 mm
- SLS: x ≥ 0.5 mm
W przypadku mniejszych wartości od granicznych jakość powierzchni może zostać obniżona, istnieje ryzyko błędów kształtu oraz zmniejszonej wytrzymałości komponentu w tym obszarze.
Nie ma możliwości wykonania mniejszych średnic dla elementów walcowych, ze względu na brak odpowiedniej stateczności.
MINIMUM INPUT DEPTH
Wcięcie w ściance, na powierzchni płaskie, na powierzchni cylindrycznej jak również wysokość ścianki nie powinny być mniejsze niż 0,1 mm. Jest to po prostu związane z samym efektem końcowym. Oczywiście drukarki 3D o bardzo dużej dokładności, gdzie można ustawić wysokość warstwy rzędu 0.01 mm, wykonają takie wcięcie, czy też ściankę, ale będzie to naprawdę słabo widoczne. Zalecamy stosować ściankę, wcięcie nie mniejsze niż 0.2 mm i takie też stosujemy osobiście.
- FDM: x ≥ 0.1 mm
- SLA/DLP: x ≥ 0.1 mm
- SLS: x ≥ 0.1 mm
W przypadku mniejszych wartości od granicznych jakość powierzchni może zostać obniżona, istnieje ryzyko błędów kształtu oraz zmniejszonej wytrzymałości komponentu w tym obszarze.
Na życzenie kliente możemy zastosować mniejsze wcięcie, jednakże będzie ono nie widoczne, a powierzchnia wydruku w tym miejscu może być gorszej jakości.
MINIMUM WALL HEIGHT / MINIMUM SURFACE EXTRACTION
Minimalna wysokość ścianki modelu przygotowywanego do wydruku 3D powinna być zgodna z poniższymi warunkami:
- FDM: x ≥ 0.1 mm
- SLA/DLP: x ≥ 0.1 mm
- SLS: x ≥ 0.1 mm
W przypadku mniejszych wartości od granicznych jakość powierzchni może zostać obniżona, istnieje ryzyko błędów kształtu oraz zmniejszonej wytrzymałości komponentu w tym obszarze.
Na życzenie kliente możemy zastosować mniejsze wcięcie, jednakże będzie ono nie widoczne, a powierzchnia wydruku w tym miejscu może być gorszej jakości.
Do you still have doubts?
Send us your question, we will try to give you the right answer and support the CAD design process. Not familiar with 3D modeling? Nothing lost, upload a model, drawing and even a photo with basic information about dimensions. We will do everything for you so that your printout looks perfect. In addition, you will receive a ready model in STP and STL format for the future.