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3D Printing Design Guide

This resource is intended to help ensure your part can be manufactured using our 3D printing service. If this design guide is not followed we cannot guarantee the quality or delivery of you part.

Some part designs that do not follow this guide may print successfully however, following this guide will guarantee your part will print successfully.

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Wall thickness

Wall thickness can affect the printability of a part. Walls which are below 1mm risk damage during the production process.

Minimum

1mm

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Embossed details

Raised areas on a part allow the use of text and patterns. Details which are too thin risk damage during production.

Minimum

0.8mm

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Through holes

To prevent print failure, a hole diameter of at least 0.8mm is neccesary.

Minimum

0.8mm

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Sharp corners

Square or sharp corners will be  rounded. Add a fillet at least 1mm in radius to reduce this effect.

Minimum

1mm (radius fillet)

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Pin diameter

Pins may snap or deform during printing. Adding a draft angle or increasing diameter can help.

Minimum

3mm

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Part size

Parts which exceed our limits are not comptible with our machines and equipment.

Minimum

5 x 5 x 5 (mm)

Maximum

256 x 256 x 256 (mm)

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Debossed details

Engraved areas on a part allow the use of text and patterns. Details which are too thin risk damage during production.

Minimum

0.8mm

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Blind holes

To prevent print failure, a hole diameter of at least 0.8mm is neccesary.

Minimum

0.8mm

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Bridges

Floating regions without support may droop and sag. Support material can be used but may alter surface finish.

Maximum

10mm

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Assembly clearance

For parts which will be slotted together after printing, a tolerance must be addded.

Free fit
Friction fit

0.5mm
0.2mm

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Overhang angle

Areas which exceed 40° (from vertical) do not have adequate support to print mid-air. Support material can be used but it may alter surface finish.

Maxiumum

40° (from vertical)

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Edge thickness

Edges that taper to zero thickness may be damaged during the print process.

Minimum

0.6mm

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Text size

Small text may become invisible when printed.

Minimum

2mm (height)

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Flat parts

Large flat parts tend to warp and deform during printing. Adding support ribs or reducing the area of a face can help.

Maximum

1000mm³

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Mechanism clearance

Pre-assembled or 'print in place' mechanisms may fuse together if too close.

Minimum

0.5mm

  • What if my part does not meet the guidelines?
    If your part does not meet the guidelines, it is likely to fail during the manufacturing process. Therefore, AX3D does not hold responsibility for any print defects and the lead time may increase. Before we manufacture your part, our team will inspect your model and identify any issues and potential failures.
  • If my part does not meet the guidelines, will AX3D still print it?
    We cannot guarantee. If the part is likely to fail, our team will contact you. If you do go forward with manufacturing, AX3D will not be held liable for any print defects and the lead time may increase. AX3D can re-model your part to fit the guidelines if wanted.
  • Can AX3D edit my model to make it fit the guidelines?
    Yes! Our CAD team can optimise, alter or even completely re-design your parts to meet the guidelines. We guarantee your parts manufacturing success this way. You can get in touch the contact form or email info@ax3d.co.uk

Frequently asked questions

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