How to 3D print: Essential tips, techniques, and must-know settings

Choosing the right filament

In FDM 3D technology, we can work with different materials or filaments, which are widely vary greatly. There are many materials available, offering different technical properties. 

Knowing the materials and their properties will allow you to choose the right filament for your project. As you can see in the video below, there are many materials and if you want to learn more about individual materials, we invite you to read our blog The best materials for 3D printing.

Testing your 3D printer

Before you start printing, it’s crucial to test your printer and its capabilities. Every printer is different. In the video below, we show a great test for your printer that checks for common printing challenges such as overhangs, bridges, accuracy, and so on. This test will also check if the printer is truly calibrated and ready to print.

Splitting large models for better printing

If you are a beginner and have decided to buy a smaller and more affordable printer, you will soon encounter the problem of size. You will come across a great model, but it will be much larger than your printer. See below how you can divide the selected STL file into smaller parts and assemble them later. This technique allows your product to retain all the details that would be lost when the model is reduced in size.

Choosing the right nozzle

Nozzles are attached to the printer’s extruder and extrude heated filament. Most often, the standard nozzle size is 0.4mm, as it offers a good balance between detail and printing speed. Some people print very small models that require a lot of precision and prefer to use a 0.2mm nozzle. However, if we are faced with large models that do not have a lot of detail, a 0.8mm nozzle will allow us to do the process much faster.

Importance of layer height

In addition to the nozzle print, the height of the individual layer also affects the quality. Watch the video below where we explain what can affect the layer height and how to best proceed.

Protecting the first layer

The first layer is the foundation of any 3D print. If the first layer does not adhere well to the printbed, your entire print will most likely fail. Learning how to protect your first layer with techniques like adjusting bed levelling, using adhesives, and controlling temperatures will significantly improve print success rates.

A raft can also help with adhesion, especially for tricky prints, by providing a stable base for your model. Wath a useful video on that here.

Understanding infill types

Infill is what’s inside of your product. It is this very substance that makes it so powerful, as different types of infill give your product different properties, affecting durability and print time. In the video below, we have described the most common types to help you understand which infill is best for your project.

Importance of wall order

The wall is the outer surface of your 3D print and can have multiple layers. The order of the walls affects the quality of the print, especially for models that have specific functionality.

Understanding overhangs

One of the biggest challenges in 3D printing is overhangs. Overhangs are specific areas of the model that protrude outward at a certain angle. It is because of this tendency that the print can be deformed. Although supports help stabilize overhangs, they are often difficult to remove and use up more filament. In the video below, we show you a few tips on how to optimize overhangs without support.

Different supports

Support structures are so important for models with strong overhangs or bridges, and some models cannot be printed without support. There are several different types available and we have presented the main differences between the two most common below.

Since support structures are often very difficult to remove, here is another trick to make removal easier.

Avoiding seams

A visible seam or occurs where each new layer starts, affecting print aesthetics. Learning how to minimize seams through slicing settings and retraction adjustments helps create smoother prints.

Importance of layer time

Layer time is another important factor—if layers print too quickly, they may not cool properly, leading to poor-quality prints.

Maintaining your 3D printer for long-term success

Just like any machine, a 3D printer requires regular maintenance. Cleaning the nozzle, tightening belts, and ensuring proper lubrication are just a few of the 7 essential maintenance tips that will keep your printer running smoothly and extend its lifespan.