3D Printing Explained
Basic Terminology
(listed in alphabetical order, please scroll down to see explanations and examples of each)
- Bridging
- Failed Prints - Caused by Temperature
- Failed Prints - Full Print Shift
- Failed Prints - Line Shift
- Filament
- Filament Types
To learn more about 3D filaments and their properties, please visit
https://www.simplify3d.com/support/materials-guide/properties-table/
- Finishes
- Infill
- Overhang
- Retraction
- Scaling
- Supports
Bridging
Bridging - is where you print several layers of filament over a gap space in your 3D Print. (see example picture at left) Done properly, there will be no sag or droop in your bridge, however without the proper supports or too far extension of bridged material, this is not guaranteed. (look closely at top 2 bridges in example picture - they both have some sag in the middle. Another common issue with bridging is the appearance of threads of thin pieces of fiber stringing through the gap under the bridge. This is normal and usually cleaned up in the post print process before it ever gets to the client.
Uneven Print
Uneven Print
Uneven Print
Peeling
Uneven Print
Uneven Print
Jumbled Mess
Uneven Print
Jumbled Mess
Failed Prints - Full Print Shift
Additionally the print can shift during the printing process; when it happens early in the print process it generally results in what is called a full print shift. This is where the print no longer sticks to the bed during the printing process and the entire print gets moved by accident by the extruder as it moves around during the printing job. The 3D printer has no way of knowing that the print has shifted and continues to print the next layers in the original spot.
No Line Shift
Line Shift (front view)
Line Shift (front view)
Line Shift (front view)
Line Shift (front view)
Line Shift (front view)
Notice how the nose is out of alignment between the bottom 1/2 and the top 1/2.
Line Shift (side view)
Line Shift (front view)
Line Shift (side view)
This is the same print as the front view, but notice how less noticeable the line shift is. Its about 2/3 of the way up the ear. and not that detectable on the ear, but is noticeable on the head behind the ear.
What is infill?
What sits inside a 3D print’s outer shells is called infill, and it can be adjusted with respect to density – 0% is hollow while 100% is solid – and different printing patterns.
To find out more information about infill patterns, infill percentage, and examples click the link below.
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