CHAPTER 7 – HOW TO GET HIGH QUALITY 3D PRINTS EVERYTIME: THE DOS AND DON’TS

Hey there 3D printing peeps! Welcome back to our 3D Printing 101 series. Now that you’ve got your printer, materials and models all set, it’s time to dive into the action – getting down to printing! If you’re here, you’re likely chasing that holy grail: high quality 3D prints. Whether you’re a newbie or have a few successful prints under your belt, nailing a perfect print is always the goal, right? So, before you hit that “print” button, let’s talk about the dos and don’ts that’ll keep your prints smooth and your printer happy. No matter how experienced you are with 3D printing, these following tips will keep your prints on point and your printer running smoothly.

The Dos: Setting Yourself Up for Success

1. Monitor Those First Layers
   • Why It’s Key: The first few layers are the foundation of your print. If they’re not sticking, you’re in for a bad time. So, keep a close eye to ensure solid bed adhesion. This simple step is essential for high quality 3D prints.
2. Create the Perfect Print Environment
   • Why It’s Key: No one likes drafts, especially not your 3D printer! A stable, clean environment is key, especially for materials like ABS that hate temperature swings. Think of it like giving your printer its own zen space. It’ll thank you with better quality 3D prints.
3. Check Your Filament Spool
   • Why It’s Key: Filament jams = bad prints. Make sure your spool is feeding smoothly and that the filament path is clear. A quick check now saves you from troubleshooting later, helping you get those high quality prints you want.
4. Dial in Your Settings
   • Why It’s Key: Your printer isn’t psychic. It needs the right settings to function optimally; temperature, speed, layer height, you name it, it needs to be on point. Spend some time fine-tuning these for each project and you’ll be cranking out high quality 3D prints like a pro. Every material and model has its sweet spot, so take the time to get it right.
5. Use Supports and Rafts When Needed
   • Why It’s Key: Got a tricky model with overhangs? Don’t skip the supports and rafts. They’ll keep your print stable and ensure a clean, high quality finish.
6. Keep That Nozzle Clean
   • Why It’s Key: A dirty nozzle can turn a great print into a disaster real quick. Regular cleanings will keep your filament flowing smoothly and maintain consistent print quality.
7. Pause and Check Mid-Print
   • Why It’s Key: Don’t be shy about hitting pause to inspect your print. Checking for issues like layer adhesion or filament feed mid-print lets you make adjustments before things go off the rails.
8. Stay Close to Your Printer
   • Why It’s Key: Remote monitoring is cool, but if you don’t have it, stick around. Being nearby lets you catch problems in real time, saving your print from potential disaster and keeping those high quality 3D prints rolling.
9. Post-Process Like a Pro
   • Why It’s Key: You’ve printed something awesome; now make it look even better. Carefully remove supports with the right tools and clean up your print to give it that polished, high quality finish.
10. Document Your Success
    • Why It’s Key: When you nail a print, note down the settings that worked. Having a log of successful settings means you can consistently replicate those high quality 3D prints without reinventing the wheel.

The Don’ts: Avoiding Common Pitfalls

1. Don’t Leave Your Printer Unattended
   • Why It’s Important Leaving your printer running without supervision, especially on long prints, is risky. Stay nearby to catch any issues before they become big problems, ensuring high quality 3D prints.
2. Don’t Force Your Prints Off the Bed
   • Why It’s Important: Gently does it! Forcing prints off the bed can damage both the model and the print surface. Use the right tools to safely remove your print.
3. Don’t Skimp on Bed Adhesion
   • Why It’s Important: Without proper bed adhesion, your print won’t stand a chance. Use adhesives or adjust your bed temperature to keep everything locked in place and your print high quality from start to finish.
4. Don’t Make Abrupt Setting Changes
   • Why It’s Important: Changing settings mid-print can mess with your quality. Make adjustments gradually or pause the print if you need to change something big. The goal? Keep that high quality 3D print looking sharp.
5. Don’t Forget About Cooling
   • Why It’s Important: Cooling is essential, especially for materials like PLA. Proper cooling helps avoid warping and deformation, keeping your print looking nice and premium looking.
6. Don’t Mix Filament Types Without Cleaning
   • Why It’s Important: Switching filaments without cleaning out the old material can cause clogs. Clean thoroughly between types to maintain smooth flow and consistent print quality.
7. Don’t Skip Maintenance
   • Why It’s Important: Regular maintenance, like cleaning the nozzle and levelling the bed, keeps your printer in tip-top shape. Neglecting this step is a surefire way to sabotage your prints.
8. Don’t Handle Hot Components Barehanded
   • Why It’s Important: Safety first! The nozzle and print bed can get super-hot so use tools or gloves when handling hot parts to avoid burns (and print mishaps).
9. Don’t Print Beyond Your Printer’s Limits
10. Why It’s Important: Know your printer’s build volume and stick to it. Printing beyond your printer’s limits can lead to failures and damage. Want to go bigger? Buy a new printer here!
11. Don’t Skip Post-Processing
12. Why It’s Important: Post-processing involves an efficient clean-up routine and learning how to perfect your print.  Properly removing supports and giving your model a smooth finish will turn a good print into a high quality 3D print.

Common Issues and FAQs

1. Struggling with Print Quality?
   • The Fix: Achieving those fine details and smooth surfaces takes precision. Make sure your printer is calibrated and adjust your settings for the best results.
2. Support Removal Got You Down?
   • The Fix: Removing supports can be a pain, but the right tools and techniques make it easier. Take your time to avoid rough surfaces or marks.
3. Dealing with Noise or Odor?
   • The Fix: Noisy printers and smelly materials can be a headache.  Make sure your printer is in a well-ventilated area or consider noise-reducing accessories. A scented diffuser also won’t hurt!

Conclusion

3D printing is a blast, but getting great results takes a bit of know-how and trial and error. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll be well on your way to producing high quality 3D prints in no time. Keep this guide handy as you print and don’t forget to troubleshoot common issues as they pop up. In our next chapter of 3D Printing 101, we’ll explore everything printer maintenance! Stay tuned, and as always, happy printing!

Follow us on socials

• Facebook
• Instagram
• X
• TikTok