Your team values speed in 3D printing projects. How do you emphasize the importance of precision to them?

"Precision is key". While 3D printing samples, it is important to understand the need for printing the particular specimen. Each 3D printed specimen caters to a unique purpose, which eventually requires that the components be well connected and sturdy and generate minimal wastage. Lack of precision means that there are chances that for larger systems (by larger, I mean the scale of the printer as well as the overall length scale), issues might arise with fitting separately printed components. Let's say we 3D print 2 components that are supposed to fit each other in a finger joint, a lack of precision in printing (which includes detailed modelling and scaling the stl files) will result in a failed junction. Are you willing to reprint it?

In my experience with the Creality Ender 3, one of the recurring challenges has been dealing with nozzle clogs. While this is a common issue, it highlights the importance of regular maintenance. By regularly cleaning and inspecting the nozzle, opting for high-quality filament, and fine-tuning your print settings, you can mitigate and often prevent these problems before they start. It's easy to overlook the basics, but in 3D printing, precision and maintenance are key. With careful attention to detail, you can truly optimize your printer’s performance and achieve impressive results.

The speed limitation in additive manufacturing is related to the swelling of the materials as they come out of the nozzle, and this is related to the machine capability of melting the plastic correctly, the first thing i would recommend is to test and find the maximum flow on the machine. Then selecting a flow value that goes below this maximum flow to ensure good printing , and then adjust the parameters with the intention of keeping the flow as constant as possible, if done correctly this can help increasing the printing speed without compromising quality, and having a relation of decreasing layer height/increasing speed ( this for FFF) but getting finer details out of the parts.

En mi experiencia, priorizar la velocidad puede ser contraproducente porque puede detonar en fallos que al final pueden tomar incluso más tiempo en contraste si se hubiera tomado la decisión de equilibrar velocidad vs calidad. Una alta velocidad de impresión puede concluir en fallos ya en etapas finales del proceso de impresión de la pieza, sobre todo en zonas donde se tienen peque?as zonas, altas velocidades pueden dejar material en forma de bola no depositada.

I will tell you how I calibrated my printers.First, ensure that there are no shaking parts on the printer. Make your printer rigid.Then, control the x and y axes, which should be straightforward to manipulate.If there is distortion in the z axis, relax the rods and move the extruder to the top position, then tighten the screws. Bed leveling is also a vital consideration. The bed should be as flat as possible. My printer has adjustable screws. It is common practice to make modifications on paper, but you can also use a comparator. Finally, belt tension should not be overly tight or too loose.

"Ever tried printing with spaghetti instead of filament? ?? Turns out, it's not as strong as you'd hope! On a more serious note, it's crucial to understand that different materials can greatly affect the precision of a 3D print. From shrinking to warping during cooling, the properties of your chosen filament can make or break your final product. Make sure your team is well-versed in selecting the right materials and adjusting print settings accordingly. Mastering material behavior is key to achieving high-quality prints that meet exact specifications!"

Post-processing: the unsung hero of 3D printing! ??? Even with a perfectly calibrated printer and spot-on print settings, sometimes you need a little extra magic to hit those exacting standards. Whether it's a bit of sanding, cutting, or some additional machining, these steps can turn a good print into a great one. Remind your team that the time and effort put into post-processing can really polish the final product, achieving that perfect level of precision we all strive for.

Siempre es bueno tener documentados los aspectos que se aprendieron en los proyectos, por ejemplo si en algún proyecto se tuvo que realizar algún test de calibración como alguno de expansión horizontal para piezas que encajarán en otro, o para elementos de cierre, etcétera, dejarlo documentado ya que en ocasiones esto mismo se puede requerir y a veces solo se recuerda pero no se tiene completamente claro, por lo que recurrir a esta documentación acelera el proceso