Choose The Right Settings For Your 3D Print

Today we’ll show you how to get the best from your prints choosing the right parameters from our instant quote online system.
There are two main settings that will determine the appearance and strength of your models, read through to start saving money and improve the quality of your next project:).

1 – LAYER HEIGHT

This parameter define the overall appearance and “smoothness” of the model, printing with a fine layer will result in a better looking but more expensive part due to the longer production time, there are various factors to consider when choosing between different resolutions:

• Use Case or Application
  Are we talking about a showcase model or a fit and function prototype?
  In the first case we’ll be looking to get the best appearance possible for our parts and a resolution of 0.1 mm is what we’re looking for. On the other hand if we are printing a positioning jig function will come first and picking a 0.2 mm resolution would be the best option.
  We like to recommend a 0.15 mm layer height as standard for all your prototypes to get a good balance between appearance and function keeping the production costs down.

• Model Geometry
  In general curved or detailed models will show layer lines much easier than parts with straight edges. If your part presents curved surfaces and/or intricate details we recommend a layer height of at least 0.15 mm or 0.1 mm to get the best results.

• Post Processing
  If you’re looking to paint or sand your models after printing we suggest going for the cheaper option and a resolution of 0.2 mm will do just fine.

2 – INFILL

In a few words this is the density of your printed model, again a higher infill gives you a much stronger part but since we are using more material the final product will be more expensive.

A standard 20% infill will work for the vast majority of your project but when it comes to end use prototypes and jigs or any part subjected to mechanical stress  the best option will be a 50% infill density.

We can go up to a solid 100% infill but we recommend this exclusively for very small parts as clips, electronic enclosures or figurines.