Posted on 06/03/2019

How to get started in 3D printing

Tips

How to get started in 3D printing

The 3D printing sector continues to grow and more and more people acquire a 3D printer, both for professional and domestic use, to make their models, prototypes or parts. It is true that the way of working in three dimensions of a 3D printer FDM or SLA allows to make many pieces with complex geometries, but we must bear in mind that they have certain limitations, many of which depend on the type of 3D printer used : Desktop or Industrial. On the other hand and specifically in the professional sector, it must be taken into account that this technology is ideal for the manufacture of few units of large pieces or many units of small or medium pieces.

The main question that a user must do when it comes to getting started in 3D printing is: What use will the 3D printer have? This first question is easy to answer, since each user should be clear if he needs the 3D printer for professional or domestic use. From here, the following hypothesis should be taken into account:

1. What FDM 3D printer buy

As we have said before, one of the main factors to take into account is the type of user, since normally, this factor conditions the types of materials to be used, the size of the pieces and the budget to acquire a 3D printer. For this last reason and for the simplicity of use, Desktop type 3D printers are the most suitable for home or semi-professional users. With them you can make a wide variety of pieces, limited to conventional materials (PLA and ABS) and some technicians (TPE, TPU, PETG and some Nylons). On the other hand and although for industrial 3D printers some prior knowledge is needed, the professional users will obtain great benefits with this type of printers, beginning the learning with conventional materials (ABS), continuing with technical materials (ASA) and finalizing with advanced materials such as PEKK or PEI.

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2. What material to use

To start in 3D printing FDM there is a material par excellence, the PLA. The PLA is the most consumed material in this sector thanks to its ease of printing, its price, variety of colors and to be respectful with the environment. When buying PLA it is advisable to buy one of quality, with a good diameter tolerance and good finish to avoid problems during printing, such as traffic jams. Once the impression is mastered with PLA, the next step is to venture with the material that most needs or desires each user, such as flexible filaments (TPU and TPE) or others with greater mechanical properties (ABS, ASA, CPE HG100, etc), having consider the limitations of each 3D printer.

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3. Tips for 3D printing

From the lamination of a piece until after the manufacture, certain aspects must be taken into account in order to achieve successful parts without any problem. Before printing you should check: that the STL file is free of defects, that the printing parameters are adequate for the material, the amount of filament and the leveling of the base. During printing it is necessary to take into account: the air currents, the outside temperature, possible jams, that the printing temperature is stable and the adhesion of the first layer. After each printing it is advisable: carefully separate the piece from the base, check the nozzle's condition, clean the base for the next printing and check the dimensions and finishes of the piece.

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    One of the advantages of the world of 3D printing is the great community that exists, where forums such as SpainLabs has a large number of users willing to help each other at all times.

    From the team of Filamet2print we try every day to complete our blog more to help as much as possible to all users of 3D FDM printers. Do not hesitate to share with us your doubts and particular recommendations in the comments.

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