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Note: This guide deals with the concepts in a general way and without focusing on a specific brand or model, although they may be mentioned at some point. There may be important differences in calibration or adjustment procedures between different makes and models, so it is recommended to consult the manufacturer's manual before reading this guide.
The printing temperature of a given filament depends not only on the type of material, but also on the printing conditions. Printing speed, nozzle diameter, extruder type or the distance between the extruder and the hotend have a considerable influence on the optimum printing temperature. This is why manufacturers usually provide a temperature range rather than a specific temperature.
It is a misconception to talk about the optimum printing temperature for a given filament. Within the range of temperatures that a given material can tolerate, there will be different optimum temperatures depending on the final requirements of the part. For example, the optimum temperature to obtain the best finish for the part may not be the optimum temperature to obtain the maximum mechanical resistance. This is why, in order to determine the optimum printing temperature for a given material, it is necessary to be clear about the final properties required for the part.
When determining the optimum printing temperature, the first thing to do is to define the priority of the final part: aesthetic finish or mechanical functionality.
To determine the optimum temperature prioritising finish quality, it is necessary to print a model that includes at least one bridge and one cantilever at different temperatures and determine the temperature that provides the best finish. There are many examples of models available in online repositories, usually referred to as temperature calibration towers.
When choosing temperatures, the manufacturer's recommended printing temperature range should be consulted. Ideally, the entire temperature range should be evaluated at 5 °C or 10 °C intervals. In addition, it is also recommended to evaluate 10 degrees above and below the range, due to differences between the manufacturer's and the user's printers.For example, if for a certain material the manufacturer specifies a printing temperature range between 220 °C and 250 °C, the following temperatures should be evaluated: 210 °C, 220 °C, 230 °C, 240 °C, 250 °C and 260 °C.
Once the samples have been printed, which one provides the best quality and finish should be assessed, paying attention to the following aspects:
When the priority is to optimise the mechanical behaviour of the part, maximum adhesion between layers should be sought. To achieve this, it is necessary to print standardised specimens at different temperatures (as in the previous case) and test them. Generally, higher temperatures will produce better interlayer adhesion, so if it is not possible to test the specimens, it is advisable to work at the upper limit of the range provided by the manufacturer.
On properly calibrated printers, temperatures lower than the range provided by the manufacturer will generally produce a better finish on parts, at the cost of less cohesion between coats. Higher temperatures will ensure optimum intercoat adhesion but will also give a poorer finish, especially on bridges and overhangs.
Many materials will also have a sweet point, i.e. a temperature at which the mechanical properties and surface finish are close to optimum. To determine this temperature, it is necessary to carry out the two previous tests and check if there is a common temperature at which the mechanical properties are close to the maximum value and the surface finish is good.
In addition to the aesthetic and mechanical quality of the part, the printing temperature also affects the finish of the part. Both the colour and the finish of the part can vary depending on the printing temperature. Higher temperatures will produce a higher gloss on the surface of the parts, while lower temperatures will produce matt or satin finishes. The higher or lower gloss of the part will also vary the perception of colour.
As mentioned above, materials do not have a suitable printing temperature, but rather a range of temperatures within which the material can be printed resulting in parts with different properties. However, when the temperature is outside this range, problems start to appear that can lead to printing failures. It is necessary to distinguish between problems caused by over-temperature and under-temperature.
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