Here’s how to know if your design is ready to be brought to a reputable 3D printing service:
Holes
Most models will have this feature, especially the jigs, fixtures, and mechanical parts. When designing any holes in your products, it’s recommended that you make them 2% to 4% larger than intended. However, if you’re concerned about dimensional accuracy, designing smaller holes and drilling them to the exact dimensions after printing can also produce the desired result.
Wall Thickness
How thick a printout’s walls are designed can often be overlooked—but these vertical features play an important part in the final product’s integrity and durability. Though designs will naturally vary in thickness depending on the print’s use and function, it’s recommended that they are made to be at least 1mm thick.
Pins
Many online 3D printing projects will require the creation of pins and columns, especially for electronic and end product casings. While these parts can be very small, it’s important to avoid pin designs with diameters smaller than 3mm. If you can, then add chamfers or fillets at the base of your pin designs to produce stronger parts.
Engraving and Embossing
Engraving and embossing on your products will also need to follow a minimum line thickness and depth to ensure that it is distinctive and looks its best. In general, engravings need line thicknesses of 2.5 mm and a minimum depth of 0.5mm, while embossed details can be done at 1.2 mm thick and 0.3 mm deep.
Overhangs
When designing a model, one thing that should never be overlooked is how an overhang is specified. Since it involves unsupported parts and figures in your product, too much of an overhang can affect the structure’s overall stability.
Generally, it’s a good rule of thumb to avoid any unsupported features greater than 45 degrees. Supports can go a long way in helping your overhangs, but these typically need to be manually removed from the final print, which can make it prone to imperfections.
Getting Ready for Printing
After checking that your holes, wall thickness, pins, and overhangs are all properly designed to the right specifications, you’re all set to bring it to a 3D Quick Printing service. Understanding the fundamentals of printing design and the appropriate software to produce it is where everything starts for quality 3D printing.
If you aren’t sure that your design has met all the right requirements, sending it to the printing service to be reviewed by an in-house designer can help you achieve the right measurements for your product.
Conclusion
Designing and producing a product using 3D printing techniques is one of the most innovative advancements that has grown in popularity over the last few decades. From creating consumable art to highly detailed technology components, the possibilities are truly endless for 3D printing. By learning how to create a proper design and partnering with a reputable printing service, you can ensure that the prints you make are some of the best quality products that you can produce!
At 3D Quick Printing, we provide our customers with high-quality FDM printing all across the UK. Just provide us with your CAD data, step, or .stl files, and you can receive your printing quote within the hour. For rapid prototyping services in the UK at a cost-effective price, get in touch with us today!