3D Printable Design (DFP)

Printing a functional object can be tedious. Experienced users know. There are many caveats to outputting a great print. One of the most effective methodologies for getting good prints is focusing on design. Designing an object specifically for 3D printing will provide better all around results as compared to a design that has not taken 3D printing into consideration. Design for printability (DFP) is a conceptual framework for designing objects for printing. If you are not a designer, this series will promote better judgement in regards to your choice of virtual object and approach to printing. At the very least, you the reader, will walk away with a better understanding of large 3D printing in general.

For all huge 3D printing enthusiasts and technicians, the core focus of 3D printing is to make virtual objects tangible, flat and simple. Printing better objects closer to the virtual object is crucial to the business as a manufacturer and as a professional.

Fusion deposition is sometimes unpredictable pursuit.
The most commonly used printing type is Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) at the time of this writing. The FDM type printer works by depositing molten plastic (ABS, PLA, Nylon etc..) in fused layers. These fused layers are deposited in thin strips, by a heated nozzle. Four or more motors need to work in concert with drive mechanisms to move the nozzle quickly and precisely. The variables of speed, direction, feed, plastic type, nozzle temperature, nozzle diameter and bed temperature are things to consider tweeking as one becomes more deliberate in their approach to printing.

The first lesson we will focus on model geometry. Getting better results from FDM cells is a simple and effective method. I created a few simple scenarios where the design can provide significant improvements.

Example 1: Single extrusion shape
Single direction extruded shapes are the most simple to make. Many software packages now include an extrude feature. Printing a simple extruded object with the largest face of the object laying on the bed will give great results. The benefits are: Better bed adhesion, more accurate dimensioning, better surface finish, less warping or skewing, longer and more fluid movements of the printer head with less stopping and redirecting. This is all good and great, however, this is not where 3D printing shines.

Example 2: Polyhedral shape
I mean objects / models that have surfaces that are far from the X, Y, or Z axes. This is where things can get trickier. When designing multi-faceted parts, consider reducing the hanging by dividing the parts so that they have a large flat face.
If you want to print a sphere, that will divide the object into two hemispheres. If split in half, then both hemispheres will have a dangling point and have the added benefit of a beautiful equatorial equator.

Example 3: Amorphous Shape
Amorphous shapes print the toughest shapes because they have topology information that must be optimized. Using Example 1 and Example 2 will help determine the best slice and orientation. Regardless of having a large flat face, sit in bed if it affects the type of topology you intend to emphasize. Focus on the direction of the topology and return to the way of slicing.

Example 4: Modular Components
If you are a more advanced 3D modeler, it's great to think about modularity at design time. Try using custom joinery to align and secure the part. This strategy can sometimes be better placed on the printed surface, increasing the amount of print available.
Anyway, the next time you sit down and design an object that will inevitably have to be 3D printed with an FDM unit, think about it, can I adjust the design to get a better output?

Our independent dual extruder 3d printers are also with auto bed leveling. It's really modern and practical. Any questions of our products, feel free to contact us with: xinke3d@gmail.com.