Intro
How to design for 3D printing
Welcome to our comprehensive design guide, your indispensable resource for ensuring that your designs align with the guidelines governing our cutting-edge 3D printing Service. Whether you are a seasoned designer or new to the world of 3D printing, these 3D printing design tips have been meticulously crafted to empower you with the knowledge and insights needed to create exceptional parts using any of the materials and technologies we offer.
Key design rules
Wall thickness
Wall thickness influences printability and material properties: below 1.0mm may not print and risks damage; up to ~3mm has flexibility, and beyond this will be stiff. Thick walls may be hollowed out to avoid deformation during manufacturing, leaving the internal spaces full of unfused PA12 Nylon powder.
Part size
Parts exceeding or falling below the specified limits are incompatible with our equipment and cannot be produced effectively. We can offer splitting services if parts are too large
Embossed detail
Embossed details are shallow raised features on your model, such as texture, patterns and text. Details smaller than 0.8mm in thickness may not be visible on your part.
Engraved detail
Engraved details are imprinted or recessed features on your model. Details must be at least 0.4mm in width and depth for clarity.
Through holes
To prevent blockages a minimum diameter of 1.5mm is recommended, with an increase of 1mm in diameter for every 10mm depth. (e.g., a 30mm hole should be at least 4.5mm wide)
Blind holes
Blind holes are more susceptible to blockages than through holes. A minimum diameter of 2mm is recommended, with an increase of 2mm in diameter for every 10mm depth.
Cavities
When designing hollow parts, be sure to use large openings and avoid non-line-of-sight cavities to prevent trapping unsintered material inside.
Integrated clearance
Pre-assembled components such as hinges or interlocking parts may fuse if too close together, especially if they have thick walls.
Assembly clearance
For parts intended to be assembled post-printing. A free fit offers more space for easy assembly and movement, while a close fit is tighter and may require some force or adjustments to assemble.
Text size
It’s important to consider the distance between engraved letters as well as the line weight of embossed text. Any material thickness below 0.8mm may not be visible.
Large flat parts
Avoid designing large flat components as they’re particularly susceptible to deformation or warping. Adding support ribs often exacerbates deformation, so it’s best to steer clear of large flat surfaces if possible
Wire diameter
It’s advisable to maintain a minimum thickness of 1.2mm for wires up to 7mm long, increase to 2mm for lengths up to 30mm, and use at least 3mm thickness for anything longer.
Edge thickness
To prevent damage during manufacturing, avoid designs with edges that taper to zero thickness. Thin edges are prone to damage; it’s recommended to blunt these tapered edges to a minimum thickness of 1mm.
Wall thickness
Wall thickness influences printability and material properties: below 1.0mm may not print and risks damage; up to ~3mm has flexibility, and beyond this will be stiff. Thick walls may be hollowed out to avoid deformation during manufacturing, leaving the internal spaces full of unfused PA12 Nylon powder.
Part size
Parts exceeding or falling below the specified limits are incompatible with our equipment and cannot be produced effectively. We can offer splitting services if parts are too large
Embossed detail
Embossed details are shallow raised features on your model, such as texture, patterns and text. Details smaller than 0.8mm in thickness may not be visible on your part.
Engraved detail
Engraved details are imprinted or recessed features on your model. Details must be at least 0.4mm in width and depth for clarity.
Through holes
To prevent blockages a minimum diameter of 1.5mm is recommended, with an increase of 1mm in diameter for every 10mm depth. (e.g., a 30mm hole should be at least 4.5mm wide)
Blind holes
Blind holes are more susceptible to blockages than through holes. A minimum diameter of 2mm is recommended, with an increase of 2mm in diameter for every 10mm depth.
Cavities
When designing hollow parts, be sure to use large openings and avoid non-line-of-sight cavities to prevent trapping unsintered material inside.
Integrated clearance
Pre-assembled components such as hinges or interlocking parts may fuse if too close together, especially if they have thick walls.
Assembly clearance
For parts intended to be assembled post-printing. A free fit offers more space for easy assembly and movement, while a close fit is tighter and may require some force or adjustments to assemble.
Text size
It’s important to consider the distance between engraved letters as well as the line weight of embossed text. Any material thickness below 0.8mm may not be visible.
Large flat parts
Avoid designing large flat components as they’re particularly susceptible to deformation or warping. Adding support ribs often exacerbates deformation, so it’s best to steer clear of large flat surfaces if possible
Wire diameter
It’s advisable to maintain a minimum thickness of 1.2mm for wires up to 7mm long, increase to 2mm for lengths up to 30mm, and use at least 3mm thickness for anything longer.
Edge thickness
To prevent damage during manufacturing, avoid designs with edges that taper to zero thickness. Thin edges are prone to damage; it’s recommended to blunt these tapered edges to a minimum thickness of 1mm.
Follow this design for 3D printing guide to ensure top quality components from our additive manufacturing service
Design guide notes
While it’s worth noting that some designs with unconventional geometries may still achieve successful prints, adhering to this guide is your best pathway to consistently achieving outstanding results. Whether you’re seeking precision, durability, or aesthetic perfection, this guide will serve as your trusted companion on your journey to mastering the art of designing for 3D printing.
We understand that creativity knows no bounds, and sometimes you may have designs that fall outside these guidelines. In such cases, we may still attempt to print your project; however, please be aware that deviations from the recommended parameters may result in suboptimal outcomes, and we cannot guarantee the quality or functionality of such prints. Therefore, it’s important to carefully review and follow our design guidelines to maximize the chances of success.
Additionally, please note that if your design does not adhere to these guidelines and we proceed with the printing, we will not be able to offer refunds for orders that do not meet the specified criteria. Our aim is to provide you with the best possible 3D printing experience, and we encourage you to utilize these 3D Printing Design tips to make informed decisions about your projects.
Material specific design guides
Design guide
FAQ
What if my 3D file does not meet the design requirements?
If your 3D file does not meet ALL of the guidelines related to the printing method selected, the parts are likely to fail during the printing process. Before we print your parts, the files undergo an automated inspection analysis to identify any issues and pre-empt failures. It is not a perfect system and we are not able to guarantee on time delivery for parts that do not meet the guidelines. If the 3D file does not meet these guides, we would not be able to hold responsibility for the printing defects, therefore please follow the guidelines carefully.
Which design for 3D printing guidelines are the most important?
Some of our guidelines are essential, for instance we cannot 3D print parts that exceed the maximum size. Others, such as the moving parts, may not be essential for your design. Each of the guidelines are relevant for features included in your model. It is therefore important to consider each of the guidelines for the technology you are designing for.
If my part does not meet the guidelines, will 3D People still print it?
Maybe. We inspect parts for any major defects that cause problems with our machines but not all of these guidelines are easily checked automatically. We will get in touch prior to printing to pre-empt a failure however we cannot guarantee to spot every issue. If your parts fail to meet the design guidelines, we will not be liable for their defects.
Can 3D People edit my model to make it fit the guidelines?
You can utilise our CAD and File Repair service to optimise your design for 3D printing. We will help you to prepare your model for printing with any of our technologies. Get in touch through the contact form and we will reply with a quote. Remember to attach your 3D files and let us know which technology you require!
What happens if my part is below the minimum wall thickness?
Thin areas of your model that fall below our minimum thickness will not print. Thin walls will completely disappear during the 3D Printing process and you will be left with holes or missing sections. There are certain geometries which allow for walls below the minimum thickness to be printed, to enquire about this please send us your model using the contact form.