Taking Your 3D Prints to the Next Level

Embarking on your 3D printing journey is just the beginning. Once you’ve mastered the basics, the real excitement comes from pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with this versatile technology. Whether you’re a hobbyist looking to refine your skills or a professional aiming to innovate, there are countless ways to elevate your 3D prints. From exploring advanced materials to integrating cutting-edge software and techniques, this guide will provide you with insights from Scott Newcomb, location manager at NextFab, that will take your 3D printing projects to new heights. 

What is the most advanced 3D printing technology?

“Out-of-box solutions are becoming easier and easier to get, which pushes out the need for Stratasys or other higher-end commercial grade printers,” says Scott.

Leading the charge in consumer-grade 3D printing are Bambu and Prusa. These two brands, available for around $1600, offer a host of advanced features that once required machines costing up to $50,000.

In terms of technological advancements, Scott highlights a standout feature of modern 3D printers: auto-leveling. This innovation ensures better 3D printer precision and accuracy by compensating for any issues in the print bed, making the process smoother and more reliable.

Another significant breakthrough is the ability to use multiple filaments in a single print, allowing for multi-colored prints without the need for assembly afterward. Bambu printers are at the forefront of this advancement, with Prusa following closely. Prusa offers a Multi-Material Upgrade (MMU) unit for automatic filament switching, but Bamboo includes this functionality, making multi-filament printing more straightforward and reducing the time to set up the 3D printer.

How long does it take to complete an advanced 3D print?

The speed of a 3D print depends entirely on the complexity of the project. However, the bulk of the time it takes to complete a print is spent ensuring that the print will be successful. Measuring tolerances, or ensuring pieces fit together correctly, generally takes the most time.

To measure tolerances, it requires a bit of trial and error. The user will need to print a small piece, figure out what fits and what doesn’t, and then make adjustments. It’s important that the pieces aren’t too snug or too loose. 

Using parametric design, which is a relationship in the modeling program, will reduce the time it takes to measure tolerances. This can be done with software that is used to create 3D models for printing. Rhino’s Grasshopper or the inherently parametric Solidworks, can streamline this process. These tools allow for faster prototyping by defining relationships in the modeling program.

Once things are dialed in, the printer does all the work. More time spent making tolerances also allows for an easy way to make multiples of the item! 

A Language to Master

Learning how to 3D design 3D print models is akin to learning a new language. After becoming familiar with key terms and concepts, you’ll find that they translate across different software platforms. This fluency allows for asking more targeted questions, seeking more relevant help, and finding solutions more swiftly.

In the realm of 3D printing and design, the journey from novice to expert is marked by one pivotal skill: the ability to create Computer-Aided Design (CAD) 3D print models. 

At its core, CAD is about bringing ideas to life. It’s the bridge between a concept and a tangible, 3D object you can hold in your hands. Understanding the landscape of CAD software is crucial. Each program has its unique strengths, and knowing which tool to use can significantly affect the quality and efficiency of your work. Whether it’s for detailed mechanical parts or artistic sculptures, there’s software tailored to your needs. In our previous blog post, we learned more about choosing the right software and how to design 3D print models.

What happens if you 3D print too fast?

With today’s technology, 3D printers do most of the work for you. However, altering the printer’s settings to speed up the process can lead to unexpected results.

Scott explains, “Think of it like a hot glue gun. If you press it as fast as you can, you’ll get a bunch of hot glue immediately, but quickly you’ll see the gun slow down. The glue is going into the tube and what’s entering the nozzle is getting hotter faster. It needs to stay in the tube for a bit before it comes out to get the perfect line at a consistent temperature.”

In 3D printing, by speeding up the process you will end up pushing hard filament through the nozzle. Disregarding the recommended settings compromises print quality and often necessitates a re-print, negating any time saved. The material properties are specific and the printer knows the settings, so adhering to recommended settings ensures optimal material properties and print quality.

What filament is strongest?

When durability is key, carbon fiber is the strongest filament, with nylon also offering excellent strength. However, the choice of filament depends on the project’s requirements. Not all projects need the toughest material; some may require more flexibility. Keep in mind: the harder the material, the more difficult it is to print. 

If you’re brand new to 3D printing and experimenting, PLA is an excellent choice. It’s the most friendly and easiest to work with for those just starting out. Made from corn, it’s biodegradable, which is a positive when thinking about environmental consciousness but might pose a problem with longevity and durability. For instance, the plastic will depreciate faster if exposed to moisture. PLA is perfect for tchotchkes and other small decorative items.

When looking at projects that require long-lasting plastic, ABS offers a slightly harder and much more permanent solution.

When using plastics, it’s important to account for the cooling process so the item doesn’t warp. The plastic comes from a heated nozzle and sits on a heated bed, so the bottom layers stay warm while the top layers cool. As the plastic cools, it shrinks. The top layer will shrink while the bottom stays expanded, pulling up the bottom layer. Warping can be more prominent with ABS. 

To reduce shrinking and peeling, set the ambient temperature to the temperature of the bed to minimize cooling. Consider creating a heated enclosure for the 3D printer so the head from the bed and nozzle can regulate the chamber temperature and cool the layers at the same rate.  

For more experienced 3D printers, semi-flex and ninja flex filaments offer flexibility without rigidity.

How can 3D printing be improved in the future?

Scott believes, “3D printing can go anywhere.” 

As software becomes more user-friendly, 3D printing is evolving towards a plug-and-play experience. Bambu printers are already addressing many of these challenges.

With modern printers, users no longer need to do basic tasks such as spaghetti detection. Cameras watch the print and ping the user’s phone if issues arise. As technology advances, the process will become more automated, reducing the need for manual intervention.

Scott predicts, “It’s going to feel more and more like a regular office printer at home. You have a nozzle and filament and it’s not much more complicated than that. Trying to repair a home printer is much more complicated. I think it will become easier than the household printer.”

Looking to the future, the focus is on increasing speed while preserving quality, with innovations like magnetic gantries that reduce friction.

Learn with NextFab

At NextFab, we’re dedicated to not only providing tools and equipment but also nurturing the skills that make you a proficient designer and maker. Our CAD classes, led by experienced instructors like Scott, are designed to enhance your 3D printing journey.

We offer both virtual and in-person classes, though we strongly recommend the latter. There’s something about being in the same room, sharing the same air with fellow makers, that enhances the learning experience. Of course, for those who can’t join us physically, our virtual classes are still a robust option.

Beyond formal classes, resources like YouTube tutorials are invaluable. They’re like building blocks, each new video adding to your foundation of knowledge.

No matter where you are on your journey, we’re here to help you turn your visions into a 3D-printed reality!

In Partnership with FORMATION. Media