3D Printing Stack Exchange
3D Printing Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [quality]

For questions about the quality or durability of a finished 3D print, printing material or of a 3D printing machine.

38 questions
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What are the reasons for my 3D prints having large numbers of strings between parts of a layer?

I am printing a print using PLA on a Prusa i3 printer and an MK8 extruder, at 210 degrees celsius, 60 mm/sec, sliced with slic3r. The print consists of a base, with 4 tower-like projections that then join with a near-vertical overhang slope that…
nanofarad
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How important is the minimum layer height on a 3d printer?

I know the minimum layer height will effect how detailed of an item you can print and the amount of time it takes to print something, but is it necessary to have an extremely low minimum layer height if you plan to print only larger objects?
CJK
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Resolution Drawbacks

With an ABS or PLA extrusion 3D printer, are there any potentially negative quality differences that could occur if I try to print at a higher resolution? I am not concerned about print time as the equipment is not under high demand. I am, however,…
kaine
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Which endstops are most precise?

I have seen mechanical (micro switch), optical and magnetic(magnet + hall sensor) end stops. Are there any differences in how exact they switch at the right location? If so which are the most precise?
Lars Pötter
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Printing screws - is the output usable? (M3 or M4)

I just want to ask if anyone has successfully printed a screw (M3 or M4). Is the printed output usable as a screw? What printer is capable of printing screws? I am using an M3D printer - is there a configuration to successfully print a screw that is…
xybrek
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Is it possible to print a resonator for a musical instrument?

I play a berimbau for Capoeira. One of the most fragile (and most expensive) bits is the cabaça, a hollow gourd used as a resonator. I'm not very familiar with the qualities of the resin used for 3d printing. If I were to take this to our local…
Sean Duggan
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Producing closely fitting parts

I would really like to be able to print moving parts that fit well enough to move without excessive friction, but also aren't excessively loose. Using an Ultimaker 2, what should be my expectations be, and how would I go about produce well fitting…
Chris Rutherford
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How to obtain high resolution prints in a shorter period of time?

When I've printed an object I've had to choose between high resolution and quick prints. What techniques or technologies can I use or deploy to speed up my high resolution prints?
Adam Davis
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What is the life expectancy of the Kossel?

I'm considering buying this package, the Kossel, as my first 3D printer. It's not the cheapest model, but apparently a high resolution and stable, which is what I'm after. The question is, what is the life expectancy of this printer, given the…
S.L. Barth
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Proper settings for printing rubber and rubber-like materials?

I am struggling finding how to print complex shapes made of rubber, tpu, tpe... Are there any clear guidelines on how to print those materials without deforming and uncontrolled retraction? The printer is not a problem, I can print on: Delta WASP…
gcatalfamo
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Is it possible with current 3D printers to print a sound trace?

Is it possible with the accuracy of current 3D printers to print a sound trace? On a vinyl record the grooves in the record are an encoded sound. Is something like this doable with 3D printers? If Vinyl-like isn't possible, could a sound be…
1.21 gigawatts
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Considerations when pausing a print job

Some prints take a long time and, as I'm not in a workshop, I need to pause the print sometimes. Are there any special considerations I should take when pausing, or can I literally just click pause, leave it for twelve hours or so, and it'll…
BanksySan
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Are 3D printed gears applicable for industrial use?

Are 3D printed gears applicable for industrial use? I want to print some gears with ABS. What will their lifespan be? How long will they last if I use them, for example, every day?
user9350
6
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2 answers

What should I think about if I want to design something modular?

For a while now, I have been thinking about designing things such as small bedside tables, game/dvd/bluray racks for 3d printing. I've always thought that making them modular would be a good way to go about doing this as well. Modular design would…
Jake Millington
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Optimal ratio of fresh to used nylon powder

I am operating a laser sintering machine, using polyamide 2200 powder (with a grain size of approximately 50 micrometers). During a print, a lot of powder goes unsintered and can theoretically be reused. However, using purely recycled powder…
Tom van der Zanden
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