Printing with the

In this presentation

► FDM

► Material Properties of PLA

► Exporting a file

► Maximum Build Volume

► Support Structures

► Bridging

► Supporting Angles

► Minimum Features Size

► Layer height - Quality vs. Speed

0

FDM

Material Properties of PLA

• Thermoplastic• Hard• Brittle• Can be sanded or

machined• Can be primed and

painted• Starch based –

biodegradable• Lots of colour choice• A very good material for

FDM

Exporting a file• Save as an .stl file.• Set angle as 0.5 degrees.• Set deviation as 0.03.• Lower numbers mean better quality but increased

processing time

Maximum Build Volume

28cm

15cm

15cm

• Larger parts can be split into sections and

super glued.

• Each section must be saved as a separate .stl

files.

Support Structures• If your design does not have a flat

base it will require supports.

• Unsupported features e.g. overhangs require a support structure.

• Supports are automatically generated by the software.

• The support material is the same material as the part, with weaker bonds between the layers.

• Supports can be difficult to remove and parts require extra finishing time.

• Consider the orientation of your build carefully.

Bridging

• Must be across the same layer – exactly horizontal.

• Must be a straight line. No curves.

• Maximum gap approximately 2.5cm.

• When the gap is too large the bridge sags.

Supporting Angles

45° 50° 55° 60°

Simple overhangs can support up to 60°. For more complex shapes 45° is better.

Clip DesignTo avoid using auto generated supports.

1. Add a supporting angle to the CAD data.2. File away excess material after

Minimum Feature Size• Minimum feature size is 0.8mm• Better detail can be achieved on the z axis due to

smaller layer heights.

3mm

4mm

5mm

6mm

7mm

Layer Height - Quality vs. Speed

• Prints in layer heights of 0.5mm to 0.4mm.• Usually prints at 0.2mm as it is fast, has a good level

of detail and is reliable.

0.4mm0.3mm0.2mm0.1mm

Any Questions?S.Shelley@lboro.ac.uk