How do different print speed parameters affect the surface quality and finish of 3D printed models?

1 Print speed basics

Print speed is the rate at which the extruder moves along the X, Y, and Z axes while depositing the filament. It is usually measured in millimeters per second (mm/s) and can be adjusted in your slicing software or on your printer's LCD screen. Print speed affects how much time and material are needed to complete a print, as well as how well the layers bond and cool down.

2 Print speed and surface quality

One of the most visible effects of print speed is on the surface quality of your models. Generally, lower print speeds tend to produce smoother and more detailed surfaces, while higher print speeds can result in rougher and more uneven surfaces. This is because lower print speeds allow more time for the filament to melt, flow, and adhere to the previous layer, creating a uniform and consistent surface. Higher print speeds, on the other hand, can cause more oozing, stringing, and under-extrusion, leading to gaps, blobs, and defects on the surface.

3 Print speed and dimensional accuracy

Another aspect of print quality that is influenced by print speed is dimensional accuracy, which is how closely your print matches the dimensions of your digital model. Dimensional accuracy can be affected by several factors, such as nozzle size, layer height, and extrusion multiplier, but print speed also plays a role. Generally, higher print speeds can reduce dimensional accuracy, while lower print speeds can improve it. This is because higher print speeds can cause more thermal expansion and contraction of the filament, resulting in warping, curling, and shrinking of the print. Lower print speeds, on the other hand, can reduce these effects by allowing more time for the filament to cool down and solidify.

4 Print speed and precision

Precision is another factor that relates to print quality and refers to how well your print reproduces the fine details and features of your digital model. Precision can be affected by the resolution and accuracy of your printer's mechanical components, such as the stepper motors, belts, and pulleys, but print speed also has an impact. Generally, lower print speeds can increase precision, while higher print speeds can decrease it. This is because lower print speeds can reduce the vibrations and inertia of the printer's moving parts, resulting in more precise and stable movements. Higher print speeds, on the other hand, can increase the vibrations and inertia of the printer's moving parts, resulting in more errors and deviations.

5 Print speed trade-offs

As you can see, print speed has a significant effect on the quality and finish of your 3D printed models, but it also has some trade-offs. Lower print speeds can improve surface quality, dimensional accuracy, and precision, but they also increase the printing time and the risk of clogging and jamming. Higher print speeds can reduce printing time and material consumption, but they also degrade surface quality, dimensional accuracy, and precision. Therefore, finding the optimal print speed for your project depends on your priorities, preferences, and printer's capabilities.

6 Print speed tips

To get the best results for your 3D printing needs, consider experimenting with different print speeds and observing how they affect your print quality and finish. You can use test models or calibration cubes to compare the results. Additionally, you can set different print speeds for the perimeters, infill, supports, and bridges in your slicing software to optimize the quality and efficiency of your print. Furthermore, you should adjust other parameters such as temperature, flow rate, and cooling fan speed along with print speed. Lastly, be sure to follow the recommended print speed ranges for your printer and filament. The optimal print speeds will depend on their specifications and properties; you can check the manufacturer's instructions or online forums for guidance.

7 Here’s what else to consider

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