GUIDES › DESIGN FOR 3D PRINTING
DESIGN GUIDE
DESIGN FOR 3D PRINTING
Optimisation techniques for better prints. Wall thickness, overhangs, and design rules.
FUNDAMENTAL RULES
DESIGN CONSTRAINTS
MINIMUM WALL THICKNESS
1.2MM
Structural integrity. 2mm+ for functional parts.
MAXIMUM OVERHANG
55°
Self-supporting angles. Steeper requires supports.
MINIMUM FEATURE SIZE
0.4MM
Nozzle diameter limitation. Smaller may not print.
LAYER HEIGHT RANGE
0.1-0.3MM
Detail vs speed tradeoff. 0.2mm standard.
BRIDGE DISTANCE
<20MM
Unsupported spans. Longer distances may sag.
HOLE DIAMETER
>0.5MM
Minimum printable holes. Drill for precision.
OPTIMISATION TECHNIQUES
DESIGN STRATEGIES
WALL THICKNESS OPTIMISATION
Design walls in multiples of nozzle width for strength and print quality.
• Use 1.2mm (3 perimeters) minimum
• 2.4mm (6 perimeters) for functional parts
• Avoid odd multiples (1.0mm, 1.8mm)
• Consider infill pattern interaction
OVERHANG MANAGEMENT
Minimise supports through strategic design orientation and geometry.
• Keep overhangs under 55° when possible
• Use chamfers instead of sharp overhangs
• Design self-supporting geometries
• Consider print orientation early
STRESS CONCENTRATION
Avoid sharp corners and stress concentrators for stronger parts.
• Add fillets to internal corners
• Use chamfers on external edges
• Avoid sharp transitions
• Consider loading conditions
ASSEMBLY CONSIDERATIONS
Design for easy assembly and post-processing requirements.
• Add clearance for moving parts
• Design for print-in-place when possible
• Consider support removal access
• Plan for post-processing operations
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