Design for 3D printing

Wall thickness

Keep walls at least 1.2 mm thick, and 2 mm or more for parts that carry load. Very thin walls can print poorly or break easily.

Print orientation and strength

FDM parts are made in layers and are weakest between layers. Design so the main load pulls along the layers, not across them. A bracket printed on its side can be much stronger than one printed upright.

Overhangs and supports

Angles steeper than about 45 degrees from vertical usually print cleanly without support. Flat undersides and large bridges need support material, which adds cost and leaves marks. Chamfer the bottom of holes and edges instead of leaving flat ceilings.

Holes and fits

Printed holes come out slightly small. Make them 0.2 to 0.4 mm larger than the part that goes in. For parts that slide or snap together, leave a 0.2 to 0.4 mm gap per side. For a press fit, tell us and we may print a test piece first.

Corners and edges

Add fillets (rounded inside corners). Sharp inside corners concentrate stress and are where printed parts usually crack.

Small details

Keep text and fine features at least about 0.8 mm in size, and raised or recessed at least 0.5 mm. Tiny details may blur or disappear.

Choose the material for the job

PLA for prototypes and indoor parts. PETG is tougher and handles more heat and moisture. TPU is for flexible parts, seals and grips. Nylon is for gears, hinges and parts under repeated stress. See the materials comparison.

Size

Our printers handle parts up to about 250 mm (10 in) in each direction. Longer parts can often be split into sections with alignment features. See capabilities.