3D Printing Stack Exchange
3D Printing Stack Exchange

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1500 questions
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6 answers

What causes bubbles in extruded filament?

I've noticed this on almost ever print I've ever had. On the initial first line that clears the extruder nozzle tiny little bubbles/craters seem to form on the line. While I don't think these are causing any issue with my prints I'm curious to know…
Diesel
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How to achieve dimensional accuracy of printed parts

When designing parts that should either fit with external objects or other printed parts, what measures can one take to ensure that the dimensions of the final print are accurate and fit the other object? To my knowledge, you at least have two…
Tormod Haugene
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Can 1.75 mm filament be used in a printer that takes 3 mm filament?

As an extension from this question, is there any reason that you would not be able to use 1.75 mm filament in a printer that takes 3mm filament? I know you would have to change the filament size in the slicing of prints but would there be any other…
Eric Johnson
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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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In Cura, can I make my top and bottom layer be all perimiters?

I'm using Cura to slice my prints. I've noticed that when printing the bottom layer (and also the top layer, if it's flat), it first prints three walls, then fills in the middle by moving back and forth in straight lines. I've noticed that for my…
N. Virgo
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What can I use to "sand" my ABS prints?

I have a 3d printer that uses ABS filament. The software I use will generate vertical supports for my objects before printing that can be easily broken off after they have been used during print to hold sharp angles up that would normally…
Jon B
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Why keep the bed heated after initial layer(s) with PLA (or PETG)?

I'm printing on an Ender 5 with the default flex/magnetic build surface. I read that PLA and PETG may sometimes be printed without any bed heating at all and also that bed heating is the main contributor to the power consumption of a printer. As I…
Oliver Giesen
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Bed leveling method?

Is there a good method or tool to level the bed of 3D printers? I find myself making small adjustments a lot and it's mostly just trial-and-error. A normal bubble level is of limited help and trying to figure out if the head is the thickness of a…
Michael McGlothlin
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How may I identify the firmware in use on my 3D printer?

I have a generic printer with no support documentation. How do I determine what firmware is in use so that I can research how to make the print run?
Gord
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Uses for PLA scraps

I recently got a 3D printer and have been experimenting with it a lot, resulting in a lot of failed prints (as well as successes, fortunately). I'd like to, if possible, find a way to reuse the material from these failed prints. I am thinking about…
P...
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Which resolution is needed for bricks compatible with Lego?

I found a story about someone 3D-printing equipment for their Lego minifig, using an Ultimaker. (Article is in Dutch, but accompanied by photographs). I noticed that what they made weren't the actual connecting bricks, but the tools used by the…
S.L. Barth
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How is 3D printing done in space?

This article states that 3D printing has been accomplished in outer space, on the International Space Station. I'm curious as to how this works differently from 3D printing on Earth. Are there any extra measures that needed to be taken to ensure…
HDE 226868
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Prints are now sticking too well to the bed. What to do?

I'm a beginner. I've a Printrbot Play with a heated bed add-on. I'm using it exclusively with PLA. It worked great initially, but then I took the nozzle out and put it back in, and the Z calibration was lost (and I didn't know the calibration was a…
Florin Andrei
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How to print an overhanging arc

I am designing a part that has to clamp around a 11mm bushing, and due to other design constraints, it has to be printed with a semicircle-shaped overhang: This is proving very challenging to print. Two copies of this part have to clamp tightly…
Tom van der Zanden
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Differences between moving build plate vs. extruder

What are the differences, and pros & cons, between 3D printers with varying layouts for moving head vs. moving build plate? Example layouts would include: X Head; YZ Bed; XY Head; Z Bed; XYZ Head; etc. In particular, what are their…
agent provocateur
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