How can you troubleshoot poor dimensional accuracy in 3D printing?

1 Check your slicer settings

The slicer software is what converts your 3D model into a series of instructions for your 3D printer. It also determines the parameters for the printing process, such as layer height, speed, temperature, and infill. If these settings are not optimal, they can cause your prints to shrink, expand, warp, or distort. To avoid this, you should check your slicer settings and make sure they match the specifications of your printer, filament, and model. You should also calibrate your slicer to account for the thermal expansion and contraction of your material.

2 Adjust your printer calibration

Another factor that can affect the dimensional accuracy of your prints is the calibration of your 3D printer. This includes the alignment of the axes, the accuracy of the steps, the tension of the belts, and the level of the bed. If any of these components are out of sync, they can cause your prints to be skewed, shifted, or uneven. To fix this, you should perform regular maintenance on your 3D printer and follow the instructions for calibrating each part. You should also use a calibration cube or a test print to measure the accuracy of your printer and adjust it accordingly.

3 Choose the right filament

The filament is the material that is extruded by the nozzle of your 3D printer to form the layers of your print. The type, quality, and condition of your filament can have a significant impact on the dimensional accuracy of your prints. Different materials have different properties, such as density, elasticity, and thermal behavior, that can affect how they behave during and after printing. For example, PLA tends to shrink less than ABS, while PETG tends to expand more than PLA. To avoid this, you should choose the right filament for your project and store it properly to prevent moisture, dust, and damage.

4 Optimize your print orientation

The print orientation is the angle and position of your 3D model on the print bed. It affects how the layers are stacked, how the supports are generated, and how the print cools down. The print orientation can influence the dimensional accuracy of your prints in several ways. For instance, printing horizontally can reduce warping and curling, while printing vertically can increase resolution and detail. Printing diagonally can balance both aspects, but it may require more supports and material. To optimize your print orientation, you should consider the shape, size, and purpose of your model and experiment with different options.

5 Fine-tune your post-processing

The post-processing is the final step of 3D printing, where you remove the supports, clean the surface, and apply any finishing touches to your print. It can also affect the dimensional accuracy of your prints, depending on how you handle and treat your print. For example, sanding, cutting, or drilling can alter the shape and size of your print, while heating, cooling, or coating can change the properties and behavior of your material. To fine-tune your post-processing, you should be careful and precise with your tools and techniques and measure your print before and after each step.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?