When you are a beginner with 3D printing, it can be frustrating seeing your prints come out of the machine looking like crap. You might not even know why they look like that and just give up on them. But don’t worry! There are things you can do to improve the quality of your prints without having to spend more money on new machines or parts. Here’s how to get better prints using 3D printers.
The best thing you can do is print at home. If you need to use a service bureau, make sure to go to one that offers free-shipping. Also, if you want to use their own software, make sure to check out some reviews before you sign up for an account so you can see what others have had trouble with.
It is important to note that some 3D printers will only work with certain materials, such as PLA (polylactic acid). Other materials include ABS plastic, Nylon, TPU, PVA, polycarbonate, glass, stone, plaster, and steel.
Make sure you’re aware of the materials available from the 3D printer manufacturer and find out how well each one works. Some may work better than others.
Another tip is to ensure that your filament doesn’t contain any debris. This includes dust particles or any other small pieces of material. It also includes any loose strands of wire, which could cause problems in the extruder.
If the filament does contain any of these items, it can be very hard to remove from the nozzle, which can result in clogs. So either run a test print to check for clogs or buy a new filament.
The next big tip is to clean your extruder head. The extruder is where all of the magic happens when it comes to making your 3D printed object. It’s pretty complicated, but we’ll try to simplify it here.
The main components inside of the extruder head are the motor, gears, bearings, and heating element. All of these components wear down over time and need to be replaced periodically.
When cleaning the extruder head, first unscrew the screws holding it together. Then, carefully wipe off any dirt from the motor and the gears. Wipe the entire surface, including the bottom, sides, and top of the extruder head. It’s also good practice to keep the extruder head away from any flammable objects.
After you finish wiping everything clean, replace the screws and tighten them back up. To be safe, always read the manual for your specific 3D printer and follow its instructions for cleaning the extruder head.
And lastly, make sure you change the oil in the bearings regularly. The same goes for the heating element and the motor. These three things should be cleaned every month or two depending on how much you print. And if you don’t like cleaning your 3D printer, you can always get a professional to do this for you.
These tips are easy enough to remember, but there are many more things you can do to improve the quality of your 3D prints. Below are a few more suggestions to help you out.
For starters, you should keep your printer clean. Dirt particles from the outside can get into the internal components of the machine and cause issues. This can also affect the print quality.
To keep your extruder head clean, make sure to wipe it after every print. Don’t forget to clean the nozzle, too. Use a soft cloth that doesn’t scratch the nozzle and avoid abrasive cleaners.
As far as lubrication goes, you should apply some regular maintenance oil to the gear and motor. Be careful not to saturate the motor and to only apply a thin layer to the gear. This will prevent anything from sticking.
You should also apply some grease to the bearing, but again, don’t let this get on the motor or the gears. Grease is designed to provide friction between moving parts, but it can still damage the motor or gears.
Finally, take care not to heat the extruder head above 100 degrees Celsius. This can cause it to warp and become less efficient.
One thing that isn’t covered in this article is the power supply. Make sure your power source has enough juice to run your printer. Check the specifications of the equipment you purchase to make sure you have enough power for your needs.
These days technology have advanced a lot, people can easily get eth 3 D printers that will involve some unique features. The try of the person must be to get the options that will give good results. In the long run, a person can even plan to get the best 3d printer under $500 as they are not only affordable but also a person can carry them from one place to another.
If you need additional help, you can always consult your local repair shop. They are usually helpful and can point you towards whatever resources you need. Just make sure that you ask them about warranty information before anything gets damaged.