5 Do's and Don'ts in 3D Printing

If you’re interested in product designing, the chances are that you already have a 3D printer at your home, or working in a 3D printing service industry.

However, even the most experienced 3D printing users can make some common mistakes that can hamper the quality of the final print.

To avoid these common mistakes and learn some basics to improve your 3D printing even further, here are 5 Do’s and Don’ts in 3D printing that you must know.

Without further ado, let’s get right into it.

Do’s

1. Make sure you’re ready to use a 3D printer. No matter how much the companies may claim, 3D printing services isn’t as easy as to be used by any random person. Make sure that you have the required expertise and know-how before buying a 3D printer for yourself.

Another great alternative is to send you product ideas to 3D modeling service providers and they’ll make it for you.

1. Monitor your 3D printer while creating an object. Before anything else, make sure to check for any damage during shipping. Also, monitor your 3D printer throughout the printing process to detect deformities in the print and overheating.

1. Make 20mm cubes for better calibration, And print lots of them. According to a 3D printing veteran Richard Horne, it will help you in calibrating the dimensions and strength of the final product. Also, make some hollow ones as well to calibrate the hole size and accurate fixtures.

1. If you’re printing a complex object, print one part at a time. Especially while prototyping solutions, start working by printing smaller parts and join them to create a finalized product.

1. Join the online 3D printing community that can help you in making better 3D printing decisions. There are numerous 3D printing communities on Reddit, Facebook, and other social media platforms that can help you with your day-to-day queries.

Don’ts

1. Don’t be afraid to take matters into your own hands. 3D printers can be easily studied to check for some errors in the mechanism or in the printing materials itself. With a few trials and errors, you will become a 3D printing Master.

1. Do not give up on the initial failures. It is a continuous learning process. The more you do it, the more you’ll get better at it.

1. Don’t use transparent filaments for your first print as they are hard to photograph and because of that, it cannot be examined further.

1. Don’t ignore the hazards of 3D printing. Remember, 3D printing is done using hazardous chemicals and equipment may overheat. Take proper safety precautions and monitor the printing process from time to time.

1. Don’t let your filament get tangled. Store your filaments appropriately as it is one of the most basic causes of wasted filaments. Make sure you roll the spool completely and store it appropriately.

These are the 5 Do’s and Don’ts that every 3D printing enthusiast must know. Whether you are just a hobbyist or a professional, these tips will help you create some 3D printing masterpieces every single time.

Ian Myers is an expert in web & mobile app development. He has more than 10 years of experience in the industry working with ATop Digital, one of the leading digital marketing agency in USA & India