The topmost goal for every individual in printing a 3D model is to have the ability to produce a print that looks exactly like the design and achieves its purpose effectively. Doing printing for fun is something else because you’ll not be keen on the details. However, if you’re printing parts that will be put together to form another larger finished product, accuracy becomes a crucial thing. For 3D printing, the tips below will help you achieve a higher accuracy level.
1. The accuracy of the printer
When it comes to 3D printers, there is a wider range in quality produced, just like all other tools. Depending on how much you pay for a printer, be aware that there are some that are way better compared to the rest. To know the accuracy of a 3D printer, regardless of the type that you have, determine how accurate the printer is printing by using test prints or even calibration cubes.
2. Choose the right materials.
Making the right choice, especially when it comes to the type of material to use for your 3D model, can greatly increase its accuracy. For instance, standard SLA resin is considered to have a higher dimensional accuracy when it’s compared to flexible SLA resin. When it comes to the accuracy of a 3D printer, PLA is well known for producing models that are very accurate. It can be used for different things; it’s very affordable and a perfect choice for beginners in 3D printing.
3. Adjusting the temperature and flow rate
When you are printing your model, be on guard for random extrusions and blobs. These little things can have a major impact on dimensional accuracy. For you to be able to get rid of them, you should reduce the printing temperature in 5-degree increments. On the same note, you can as well reduce the flow rate in 5% increments. To get the best accuracy of a 3D printer, avoid clogging and under extrusion by ensuring that you don’t change the temperature or flow rate too much.
4. Check the tension belts and linear movement components.
There are different tension belts for different printers. Before the printing process, ensure that the belts are very tight enough to prevent the drive gears from slipping. Loose and very tight belts can create dimensional inaccuracies. The rails, linear rods, and screws should all be straight. Having the right tension and linear components in the right form increases the accuracy of a 3D printer, which will ensure that you get very accurate and high-quality results.
5. Double-check the units and object size
It’s evident that it gets more accurate when you print small objects. However, when you want to print larger objects, it’s advised that you first print the smaller parts and then connect them later on. Before you start the printing process, double-check the units of measurement. To avoid disappointments, always ensure that the 3D model, as well as the slicer, are both using the same unit of measurement.
This will ensure that you get the desired printing accuracy.To increase the accuracy of a high-end 3D printer, you can use supports to ensure that the object being printed is stable. When you’re removing the supports, be very careful to avoid damaging the print. Adjust the printing speed by checking whether the settings are well adjusted. Be careful not to reduce it too much as it can cause some problems. Printing your models at a slow rate will help you by reducing inaccuracies and ensuring that you get the most quality prints.