TIPS & GUIDELINES FOR FILE UP-LOADING
PRINT QUALITY FOR 3D PRINTING WITH ABS & VISIJET FTI MATERIAL:

PRINT QUALITY:

• A) The accuracy of print for outer dimension will be confirmed within +/- 0.01 mm. Inner dimensions are within 0 - -0.1mm. Some design tips that will add on.
• B) Modelling hole for 3D print:
• 1. As a rule of thumb there is no real need of providing tolerances to the dimensions of model intended for 3D print using ABS/PLA. 3D print parts are as close to 3D models.
• 2. Tapped hole should be modelled as drill hole size for tapping.
• 3. Assembly critical parts must be printed in steps. While placing order mention the critical parts. Request to get the critical parts first before printing all. Measure the critical mating dimensions; tweak the corresponding dimensions of the mating parts and intimate 3DigiPrint with the updated stl file to go ahead with the next batch of parts to print.

The surface finish will be smoother in case of VISIJET material as the process is very similar to SLA and for the ABS small stepping will be visible on the surface

• C) Due to use of support structure some inner surfaces may have burrs that can be smoothening out using medium grain sandpaper.
• D) Circular features sometimes may have a ridge that sometimes needs to be removed through sandpaper in case required.

In 3D printing the WALL THICKNESS refers to the distance between one surface of your model and the surface perpendicularly opposite it. This should not be confused with the MINIMUM DETAIL size which relates to non- structural parts of your design. An example of this might be a surface texture or decorative buttons or text on your design. However, creating a sturdy 3D printed design is more complex than meeting the minimum wall thickness requirements for any given material. These values are more aligned with the minimum resolution of the different printers than a value that is geared towards a structural recommendation. Producing a durable product has a lot to do with the design of the object, the surrounding material and whether your design is self-supporting.

The minimum wall thickness values are as follows:

Durable PLASTICS (ABS& VISIJET FTI Resins & - 1.5 mm / 0.06"

Take this small espresso cup with a wall thickness of 1.5 mm as an example. In this instance 1.5mm is fine because the large surface area is self-supporting. As the cup gets bigger though, the wall thickness will need to increase proportionately in order to remain self-supporting.

Whereas a "wireframe" design like this tiny upside down table with unconnected legs or the cage below are risky. A wall thickness of 1/ 1.5 mm is not enough because the surface area is low and the legs lack surrounding material that would otherwise help to support them. These are possible to print based on the printers resolution but will likely break in shipping, handling or during it's intended use.

Having all the ends are connected and supported in all directions like this example of the cage is a little better. In this case the ends of the wires self-support the overall design. However, the "wireframes" broke over time through general use/handling so 1mm would not be a durable long term

Generally the minimum wall thicknesses for unsupported wireframe structures (e.g bits that stick out and have no end connection) should be 2 - 3 times the materials minimum wall thickness. ( minimum 3mm for ABS/FTI material) The minimum wall thicknesses for self-supporting wireframe structures (e.g cage structure) should be 1.5 - 2 times the materials minimum wall thickness.

The minimum wall thicknesses for self-supporting wireframe structures (e.g cage structure) should be 1.5 - 2 times the materials minimum wall thickness.

MATERIAL STRENGTH GUIDELINES: Height

Many designs are technically possible to 3D print, but they will be very weak structurally, and while we take as much care as we can, they can break during the handling and shipping process. ABS plastics are a bit stronger, so try to keep the height of your features under 4x their width or diameter. Parts which stick out horizontally are stronger than parts sticking out vertically, as the bond between vertical layers is not as strong as the bonded powder on the same layer. The results will vary a lot depending on your individual design - you could get away with a more fragile part if it was shielded by another strong feature, or if you had a filleted base. Conversely, if you have two large parts connected by a tiny bridge, this would be much more likely to break.

MATERIAL STRENGTH GUIDELINES: Height

• 1) Final upload file format is industry standard .STL. All 3D CAD software supports generating .STL from any model.
• 2) Under the STL option available with all 3D software set the linear and angular resolution to the finest. This defines the print output.
• 3) Always convert individual part file to respective STL file. As assembly is not part of the print production facility. Avoid converting the entire assembly to a single STL unless the assembly is very simple and does not have functional feature(s).
• 4) As such there is no limit to STL file size. For smaller file size avoid STL internal file structure to be binary type. Can be specified under 3D software STL option menu.
• 5) Overall the original/native files are not required as part of printing service, however, snapshots or sometimes part/assembly model files in SW format or converted to IGES/STP file can be added or requested. This may be required only for visual conformity of the printed part.
• 6) The default print material for better strength and rigidity is ABS and for both conformity, surface smoothness and form & fit application VISITJET is the most ideal material. If requested PLA can be used for print material, however may compromise on strength, rigidity and sometimes finish.

HOW TO SAVE MONEY & OPTIMIZE YOUR 3D DESIGNS & OBJECTS:

When creating 3D Objects with 3D printers, there are 3 costs involved: making, materials, and shipping.Making cost is all about labor — mostly machine labor and a little bit of human labor. Think of your design file as a work order, a set of instructions for the machine to follow. The simpler and more efficient your instructions are, the less time it takes the machine to follow them. And that means less making costs.

3D printing works differently. Making and material costs are directly linked. The key thing to remember here is that you are not paying for time, but paying for the total volume (measured in cm3) of your design.

Summary: