Stop 3d printing so slow!!! 🤯 (how to print faster)

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Are you tired of waiting forever for your 3D prints to finish? Well, look no further! In this video by 3D Printer Academy, you’ll discover some simple tricks to help you print more than 3,357% faster. Yes, you read that right! No more spending days and hours on a single print. And guess what? You don’t need any expensive upgrades. Just a few tweaks and adjustments will get you printing at lightning speed. By increasing the layer height or using a bigger nozzle, you can significantly reduce print time. And if you’re not printing something that requires extreme strength, you can even use a lighter infill pattern to save time and cost. But wait, there’s more! If you’re considering buying more printers to speed up the process, Micro Center offers an incredible deal on the Creality Ender 3 Pro for just $99. So, what are you waiting for? Watch the video and get ready to start printing faster than ever before!

Table of Contents

Understanding the Issue

Introduction to the problem

If you’ve ever dabbled in the world of 3D Printing, you’ve probably experienced the frustration of long print times and high costs. Waiting for a print to finish can feel like an eternity, especially when you have multiple projects lined up. Additionally, the cost of materials and electricity can quickly add up, making 3D printing an expensive hobby or profession. But fear not, there are some tricks and techniques you can utilize to speed up your prints and save some money in the process.

Long print times and high costs

When you use a slicing program to prepare a 3D model for printing and the object is large in size, you may be shocked to see the estimated print time. It may take days or even weeks to complete the print, and the cost of materials can be exorbitant. For example, a large object could take more than three days and 22 hours to print, costing over $13. These long print times and high costs can discourage many enthusiasts and professionals from pursuing their 3D printing projects.

Trick 1: Adjusting Layer Height

Explanation of layer height

Layer height refers to the thickness of each layer that is deposited by the 3D printer during the printing process. The smaller the layer height, the higher the print quality, but also the longer the print time. On the other hand, larger layer heights can result in faster print times but may sacrifice some detail and surface smoothness.

Increasing layer height to reduce print time

One trick to speed up your prints is to increase the layer height. By changing the layer height to 0.28, for example, you can reduce the print time by approximately 60%. This simple adjustment can transform a multi-day print into a significantly shorter process. However, keep in mind that increasing the layer height may make the layer lines more visible on the finished object. So, if you prioritize speed over absolute perfection, adjusting the layer height is a valuable technique.

Trick 2: Using a Bigger Nozzle

The benefits of a larger nozzle

The nozzle size of a 3D printer determines the width of the extruded filament and plays a crucial role in print speed. Most stock 3D printers come with a standard nozzle size, which works well for most applications. However, by switching to a larger nozzle, you can achieve faster print times without compromising too much on quality.

Reducing print time with a bigger nozzle

By using a bigger nozzle, you can increase the print speed even further. For instance, the stock Creality Ender 3 printer can handle printing speeds of up to 120 millimeters per second without any upgrades. This change alone can reduce the print time by 72%. So, if you’re looking for a significant boost in print speed and don’t mind sacrificing some fine details, switching to a bigger nozzle is an effective strategy.

Trick 3: Utilizing Lightning Infill

Understanding infill in 3D printing

When a 3D object is printed, it is not solid inside. Instead, there is an infill structure that adds strength and durability to the printed object. Infill is typically a strong geometric shape, but it can be adjusted to suit different applications. However, for certain prototypes or objects that don’t require extreme strength, you can use a lighter and faster infill pattern.

Using lightning infill to decrease print time and cost

Lightning infill is an infill pattern that resembles tree branches, using variable density to create a strong structure. By utilizing lightning infill instead of a denser infill pattern, you can significantly reduce the print time and material usage. This change alone can decrease the print time by 85% and bring down the cost from over $13 to under $9. Not only will you save time, but you’ll also save money on materials, making lightning infill an excellent option for non-structural prints.

Trick 4: Investing in Multiple 3D Printers

Benefits of owning multiple 3D printers

If you’re serious about increasing your print speed and productivity, investing in multiple 3D printers can be a game-changer. By having multiple printers running simultaneously, you can multiply your output and complete projects in a fraction of the time. Additionally, owning multiple printers allows for more flexibility in terms of experimenting with different settings and materials.

Micro Center’s deal on Creality Ender 3 Pro

Although buying multiple 3D printers can be expensive, Micro Center offers a fantastic deal that makes it more accessible. For just $99, you can get a Creality Ender 3 Pro, a reliable and capable printer that is great for beginners and professionals alike. This deal is available for new customers through in-person shopping at their physical stores. Micro Center is known for its wide range of computer, 3D printing, and electronic products, making it a one-stop-shop for all your needs.

Micro Center: Your One-Stop Shop for 3D Printing

Introduction to Micro Center

Micro Center is a leading retailer of computers, electronics, and 3D printing products. They have a strong reputation for providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service. Whether you’re looking for 3D printer filament, electronics components, or even building your own PC, Micro Center has you covered.

Wide range of products and services

Micro Center offers a vast selection of 3D printers, filaments, accessories, and other essential components. They carry popular brands like Creality, Ultimaker, Prusa, and more. Additionally, they provide a range of services, including tech support, repairs, and workshops to help you enhance your 3D printing skills. Their knowledgeable staff can assist you in finding the right products and provide guidance on troubleshooting and optimizing your prints.

Demonstration: Printing a Giant Benchy

Using the mentioned tricks to print a large object

To showcase the effectiveness of the tricks mentioned, let’s consider the example of printing a giant Benchy, a well-known benchmarking model in the 3D printing community. By combining the adjusted layer height, a bigger nozzle, and lightning infill, we can significantly reduce the print time.

Results and time saved

Using these tricks and running five 3D printers continuously, we were able to 3D print the giant Benchy in just about one day. This represents a substantial time-saving compared to the original estimated print time of over three days and 22 hours. The layer lines may be more visible, but the overall quality and structure of the Benchy remain intact.

Conclusion

Recap of the tricks to print faster

By adjusting the layer height, using a bigger nozzle, utilizing lightning infill, and considering the option of owning multiple 3D printers, you can dramatically reduce print times and costs. These simple tricks can make 3D printing a more efficient and enjoyable process, whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional.

Encouragement to experiment and explore further

Remember, 3D printing is a rapidly evolving field, and there’s always room for experimentation and exploration. Don’t be afraid to try new techniques, test different settings, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. The joy of 3D printing lies not only in the final result but also in the process of discovery and innovation.

3D Printer Academy: Supporting the 3D Printing Community

Information about 3D Printer Academy

3D Printer Academy is an educational platform dedicated to helping individuals learn and excel in the field of 3D printing. They provide tutorials, workshops, and premium content to support the 3D printing community. Their goal is to empower enthusiasts and professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to optimize their prints and unleash their creativity.

Support options and access to premium content

Supporting 3D Printer Academy on Patreon gives you access to premium STL files, exclusive videos, and the opportunity to help shape the future of their content. Whether you have questions about 3D printing or need guidance on designing objects for printing, the community at 3D Printer Academy is there to assist you.

FAQs and Troubleshooting

Common questions and answers about 3D printing

Q: How can I speed up my 3D prints without sacrificing quality? A: Adjusting the layer height, using a bigger nozzle, and utilizing lightning infill are effective techniques to reduce print time while maintaining acceptable quality.

Q: Can I achieve fast print speeds without upgrading my 3D printer? A: Yes, many stock 3D printers are capable of printing at high speeds. By optimizing settings and using the tricks mentioned, you can achieve significant speed improvements without any upgrades.

Tips for troubleshooting common issues

Q: My prints are failing or coming out poorly. What could be the problem? A: Several factors can contribute to print failures or poor print quality, such as improper bed leveling, extrusion issues, or incorrect filament settings. Check these factors and ensure your printer is calibrated correctly.