3D Printing and Max Volumetric Speed
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Finding Your 3D Printer’s Sweet Spot - A Guide to Maximizing Print Speed
Have you ever wondered how fast your 3D printer can truly go? When I get a new printer or see a new model released, the first question that pops into my head is always, “How fast can I print with this thing?”
This post will explore how to determine the optimal print speed for your 3D printer, ensuring both speed and quality.
Factors Influencing Print Speed
Print Parameters
- Infill: While not a major time-saver, adjusting infill patterns and density can slightly reduce print time.
- Wall Thickness: Reducing the number of walls can significantly decrease print time, but it can also compromise the model’s strength.
- Layer Height: Increasing layer height generally speeds up printing, but it can also affect print quality and part strength.
- Other Parameters: Factors like print speed, infill density, and layer height also impact the mechanical properties of the printed part, according to research. Finding the balance between speed and strength is crucial.
Extruder Limitations
- Max Flow Rate: Each extruder has a maximum flow rate, which determines how much filament it can push out per second. Exceeding this limit leads to inconsistent extrusion, poor print quality, and weaker parts.
Determining Max Flow Rate
Ellis’s Print Tuning Guide provides valuable information and equations to calculate your extruder’s max flow rate. A simple test involves extruding a known length of filament at increasing speeds until you observe a noticeable drop in extrusion quality.
One of the key points that Ellis’ guide points out is that using approximate values (Table 1) is possible.
| Hotend | Flow Rate (mm3/s) |
|---|---|
| E3D V6 | 11 |
| E3D V6 Volcano | 20 |
| E3D Revo | 11 |
| Dragon SF | 15 |
| Sailfish | 20 |
| Dragon HF | 24 |
| Dragonfly BMO | 13 |
| Rapido HF | 24 |
| Rapido UHF | 30 |
| Mosquito | 20 |
| Mosquito Magnum | 30 |
| Bambu X1 | 35 |
Finding the Sweet Spot
Determine Max Flow Rate: Conduct tests as described above to find your extruder’s maximum volumetric flow rate. Set Volumetric Speed: Adjust the volumetric speed setting in your slicer software to match your calculated max flow rate. Optimize Print Profiles: Experiment with different print speed settings for various parts of the model, ensuring that the speeds for visible features do not exceed the calculated safe limit. Test and Iterate: Print test parts and adjust parameters based on the results. Observe print quality, part strength, and overall print time.
Important Considerations
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Model Size: Smaller models may not allow the printer to reach maximum speed due to acceleration and deceleration times.
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Part Complexity: Complex models with intricate details may require slower print speeds to ensure accurate and high-quality results.
By carefully considering these factors and conducting thorough testing, you can optimize your 3D printer’s print speed while maintaining excellent print quality and part strength.
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only. Always refer to your printer’s manual and manufacturer’s recommendations for specific instructions and safety guidelines.
I hope this guide helps you unlock your 3D printer’s full potential!