FDM Printing Rules and Requests

Make sure you choose the correct nozzle for your particular 3d print.   Your layer height will be dependent on the orifice size you choose.  

• • Small layer heights equal longer printing times but fine quality parts.  

  • Larger layer heights equal shorter print times but lower resolution parts.  

Below is a list of orifice sizes we currently have along with their advantages and disadvantages:

Nozzle orifice sizes

.4mm For fine detailed parts.  Layer height will be .08 to .1 for fine detailed parts.  You can go up to .18, but beyond that, you will have issues with the layers sticking together.   Supports are easy to remove with this nozzle.

.6mm  Used for general printing.  Layer height is .1 to .22.  Parts are generally stronger than parts made with a .4 orifice size. Supports are moderately easy to remove. 

.8mm For parts that are mostly vertical extrusions or for draft quality parts that you need quickly.  Layer height is typically .2 to .4.  

Wall thickness and Infill

Part durability is dependents on two settings, wall thickness and part infill.   

• • Wall thickness is self explanatory.  Increase this  for a stronger part.  2.5mm is strong 1mm is sufficent.  This has minimal effect on time. 

  • Infill can be a grid or concentric inner structure of your part.  it is measured in percentage.  A higher percentage infill will give you a denser part, but you will trade that for a longer print time.

Print directly on the glass

There is no need for glues or tape on our glass bed.  If you put glue or tape on our bed you will not be allowed to use the printer.