Build Design Considerations
This section will discuss the basics of 3D printing, and the considerations you must keep in mind to get the best part quality possible. There are four important characteristics of 3D printing that will help you print the best parts and become a skilled 3D printer operator. The characteristics are: Part Placement, Strength, Part Accuracy/Fidelity, and Part Orientation.
Part Placement
|
Where you place parts in 3D Sprint is directly related to the time to print and the amount of powder required for your build in the following ways:
|
|
Part Strength
| The ultimate strength of a part will be somewhat affected by its orientation within the Build Bin. The part will be strongest along the X axis and Y axis and less strong along the Z axis. This is because the cross sections are printed in continuous strips along the Y axis (the printhead's direction of travel), in bands across the X axis (the gantry's direction of travel), and in laminated layers along the Z axis. See the video clip in the Part Placement section (above) for an example of these movements. Part strength can be improved with Post Processing techniques that will be discussed in this guide and in the printer's Post Processing Guide. |  |
Part Accuracy and Fidelity
| The accuracy of your part depends on how clean the printer is, your printer/powder settings, and the materials you choose for post-processing. Your environment may effect part fidelity as well; so it is always necessary to keep the printer within the recommended temperature and humidity ranges that are stated in the Facility Guide. |
Part Orientation
See the following Part Orientation sections for more information.
