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All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => 3D printing and files => Topic started by: subscriber on November 16, 2022, 08:48:31 PM

Title: Simple 3D test prints to help achieve important dimensions in important parts
Post by: subscriber on November 16, 2022, 08:48:31 PM
We know that 3D printed parts often do not match the CAD dimensions of their print files.  For many surfaces this is of no consequence.  Interface dimensions that are off by more than a little may require work to fix, or can result in scrap parts.  To improve the odds of success, I have created a few simple test prints:

The attached STL files are intended to be printed so that you can measure the resultant test prints, to see how closely your printer, material and slicer settings result in matching CAD specs.  You would choose a fast printing test print or prints, near the dimensions of the more complex parts you care about, and use the results to tune printer parameters before starting long complex parts.  This is more important when parts have to fit with or inside other parts.

There are a range of test print sizes because the extent to which walls are off varies by absolute dimension - especially for the ID of cylindrical holes.  This, while flat walls may print with a more or less fixed error, for given printer settings.
Title: Re: Simple 3D test prints to help achieve important dimensions in important parts
Post by: subscriber on November 16, 2022, 09:34:36 PM
When you measure springy plastic parts, avoid using force to close the caliper jaws; or you risk getting a false reading...
Title: Re: Simple 3D test prints to help achieve important dimensions in important parts
Post by: subscriber on November 16, 2022, 10:47:41 PM
Sage advice:

If you find that holes are printing consistently snug, CURA has a setting for tweaking just hole diameters. It also has a setting for scaling just the first layer to help with elephant's foot.
Title: Re: Simple 3D test prints to help achieve important dimensions in important parts
Post by: Insanity on November 24, 2022, 11:42:47 AM
Stickied this thank you!
Title: Re: Simple 3D test prints to help achieve important dimensions in important parts
Post by: Conecrusher on December 07, 2023, 07:27:20 AM
Thank you Subscriber!
Title: Re: Simple 3D test prints to help achieve important dimensions in important parts
Post by: Bubba18655 on December 07, 2023, 10:33:33 AM
Check your x and y 'steps per mm' also. You might find the moves don't equal the actual distance.