Short answer
Always validate the dimensional accuracy of critical features for a chosen material and printer setup before committing to a design.
- Field
- Modelling
- Source
- Academic Publication (2013)
- Method
- Experimental
- Evidence
- Strong effect
The precision of objects created through additive manufacturing is highly dependent on the chosen material and specific printing parameters. This modelling research insight is drawn from a 2013 study published in Academic Publication. Using Experimental, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Always validate the dimensional accuracy of critical features for a chosen material and printer setup before committing to a design.
3D Printing Accuracy Varies Significantly with Material and Print Settings
The precision of objects created through additive manufacturing is highly dependent on the chosen material and specific printing parameters.
Academic Publication · 2013
Key Findings
- 01Dimensional deviations from CAD models were observed in all printed parts.
- 02The magnitude of these deviations varied significantly between different materials.
- 03Specific print settings, such as layer height and infill density, also influenced dimensional accuracy.
Application
Design takeaway
Always validate the dimensional accuracy of critical features for a chosen material and printer setup before committing to a design.
How to apply
When designing parts for 3D printing, consult material datasheets for typical shrinkage rates and conduct test prints of critical dimensions to establish empirical correction factors.
Project actions
- 01When testing, print simple shapes with precise dimensions (like cubes or cylinders) to easily measure differences.
- 02Keep a detailed log of all printer settings used for each print.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides quantitative data on dimensional accuracy.
- +Highlights the variability across different materials and settings.
Limitations
The specific 3D printer and materials used in your project might behave differently than those in the study.
Reliability & validity
Reliability could be improved by repeating prints multiple times for each condition and averaging the measurements. Validity is supported by comparing measurements to established CAD models, but the generalizability to all 3D printing scenarios is limited.
Think critically
How might the 'post-processing' of a 3D printed part (e.g., sanding, painting) further affect its final dimensions?
Design Principles
"Design for Additive Manufacturing: Account for process-specific deviations in dimensional accuracy."
For designers and engineers, understanding these dependencies is crucial for achieving desired tolerances and functional performance in prototypes and end-use parts. Selecting the wrong material or settings can lead to dimensional inaccuracies, rendering a design unusable or requiring extensive post-processing.
What This Means for Your Design
When you 3D print something, it might not be exactly the size you designed it to be. Different plastics and different printer settings make the size errors bigger or smaller.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use findings to justify design choices related to tolerances and material selection for 3D printed components in your design project.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
Research indicates that additive manufacturing processes exhibit inherent dimensional inaccuracies that are influenced by material properties and print parameters. For instance, studies have shown significant deviations from nominal CAD dimensions depending on the polymer used and settings like layer height and infill. Therefore, when designing for 3D printing, it is essential to incorporate design allowances or conduct empirical testing to achieve the required tolerances for functional components.
Source
Academic Publication
Additive Manufacturing Technical Workshop Summary Report
journal · 2013
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about 3d printing accuracy varies significantly with material and print settings?
- Always validate the dimensional accuracy of critical features for a chosen material and printer setup before committing to a design. Evidence: Academic Publication (2013).
- Why does "3D Printing Accuracy Varies Significantly with Material and Print Settings" matter for design?
- For designers and engineers, understanding these dependencies is crucial for achieving desired tolerances and functional performance in prototypes and end-use parts. Selecting the wrong material or settings can lead to dimensional inaccuracies, rendering a design unusable or requiring extensive post-processing.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Always validate the dimensional accuracy of critical features for a chosen material and printer setup before committing to a design.
- What were the main findings?
- Dimensional deviations from CAD models were observed in all printed parts.. The magnitude of these deviations varied significantly between different materials.. Specific print settings, such as layer height and infill density, also influenced dimensional accuracy.
- What research method was used?
- Experimental.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2013 journal from Academic Publication.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing parts for 3D printing, consult material datasheets for typical shrinkage rates and conduct test prints of critical dimensions to establish empirical correction factors.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focused on a limited set of materials and printing technologies; results may not generalize to all additive manufacturing processes or materials. Environmental factors like humidity and temperature were not extensively controlled.