They need to be handled with utmost care; printers need to be cleaned regularly, and once you are done creating a 3D print like print a 3D helmet, it should also be removed carefully so the product does not come off as damaged.

If you are new at using 3D printers and are not aware of all their intricacies, then keep reading this article because we are going to talk about how you can remove your 3D print from the printer. There are different methods used for this purpose, and these depend on the print and in what manner it has adhered to the build plate.

First Let it Cool Down 

One of the most common and foremost practices is to wait for your printer to cool down once you are done creating a 3D print. If you have not used the adhesive and directly created the print on the glass plate, and if the build plate was also not held too tightly, then print can be easily removed once you let it cool.

Once you are done printing the product, let the build plate and the 3D printer come back to room temperature. When the product material comes back to room temperature or cools down, it shrinks in size, which makes it easy to remove it conveniently. So first let 3D printer adapt to the room temperature.

Use a Spatula 

If you allowed your print and the build plate to cool down and still could not remove the print, then here is another technique you should use. Take a spatula, place it under the print and apply a small amount of force so you can easily remove the print without breaking or damaging it.

Spatula has often proved to be helpful when the cooling method failed to work. But you should keep in mind to take the glass plate out of the printer so no damage is caused to it during the removal process.

Use Water 

If both the cooling down method and spatula do not work, then there is a third method. You can also detach the model by applying some water. Be very cautious while doing this so you do not hurt your hand.

Once the plate cools down, the print will shrink and contract in size. Once cool, the print will easily pop off from the plate.

If you used glue on the glass plate of the printer, then run lukewarm water over the side of the glass plate that has print on it. This lukewarm water will remove the glue from underneath the print.

Once this glue is dissolved, it becomes much easier to remove 3D print. In case you used PVA instead of the glue, then you should immerse the glass plate with print on it in the water and the PVA will be dissolved easily. This method aids the removal of print from the glass plate.

Use Force 

Another method you can use to remove your 3D print from the build plate is by using brute force. For this method, you only have to use your hands, no additional tools are required. Hold the build plate with one hand, and push or pull the print with the other hand from the surface of the build plate.

Keep in mind that this can be quite a risky process as the sudden release of your hand from the printer bed could cause your hand to slam into something heavy and cause injury. So be very careful while using this technique to remove the print from the build plate.

Another thing you must keep in mind is that you can use this method only when your 3D print is very strong. If the print has detailed prints and small features, then applying this method could damage the print. So if your printer does not have any strong or smooth surface to hold onto, then avoid using this method.

Replace the Build Platform 

If none of the above-mentioned techniques are working for you, then you may want to consider switching your build plate. You can switch your current build plate with a flexible build plate if removing the print requires too much effort every time.

Flexible build plates are convenient because these can be bent easily. This quality allows the users to easily remove their 3D prints from the build plate once the print has dried up and cooled down.

Several options of flexible build plates are available in the market today. You can walk into any nearby accessory store and choose a flexible build plate for yourself.

However, there are certain things you must keep in mind while purchasing a flexible build plate for your 3D printer. For instance, its dimensions are correct and it is compatible with your 3D printer. Because you would not want to have a thicker plate that blocks the inductive sensor of your 3D printer.

In case you cannot get a flexible build plate, then you should consider switching from a glass plate to a build plate of different material, either metal or some other flexible material as it can also have many benefits. For instance, you can get a flexible bed with a smooth or textured surface, which allows you to try different adhesive finishes.

Once you have chosen a build plate for your printer, set the Z offset, level the bed, and you are ready to start printing 3D objects. When you finish the printing, remove the print bed or plate from the printer and gently bend it so the dried print can easily pop off. A flexible build plate can be easily bent in multiple dimensions.

Enable a Raft

 You can also try enabling a raft in the 3D slicer while creating a 3D print. Although rafts are used to improve the bad adhesion, these are also a set of buffer layers present between your print and the build plate of the printer. Moreover, you do not have to worry about the raft getting damaged because you will likely dispose of it off.

Other than making it easier to remove the prints, rafts are also known for reducing the chance of your print being warped, so it’s a very beneficial feature. One drawback of rafts, however, is the increase in printing time and filament consumption.

Most 3D slicers have raft settings that can be adjusted such as the number of layers. Once you have printed your article, you can easily remove your part in two ways. Either remove the part from the raft first or remove the build plate first.

It is, however, more convenient and sensible to remove the raft from the build plate first, and you can do this by any method as long as you are only touching the raft.

Bring a Change in the Build Platform

Here is another easy method that will help you remove the print from the build plate easily. If you add a buffer layer or another surface to the build plate, this will be helpful in the removal of print. This method is also similar to using raft but it includes the use of non-printable buffer layers such as sheets, glue, or tape, between the build plate and the print.

FAQs:

How do you get a 3D print plate off resin? 

One of the easiest ways to get your resin prints off the build plate is to use a good metal scraper. Gently wiggle and push the edges of the resin print once it has dried and cooled down. As you will push further through the print with the help of a metal scraper, it will gradually weaken the adhesion of the print with the build plate and eventually come off it.

Should I remove the filament after printing? 

Some filaments of 3D printers are required to be stored away from the moisture because they can easily absorb moisture. Moisture damages the quality of filament and as a result, the prints are not printed well because the high heat that passes through the filament gets poor flow due to moisture in the filament.

Sometimes the filaments can also become brittle so it is better not to leave them in the printer.

How do you remove the PLA raft?

You can easily remove the extra filament with the help of a needle nose plier 3.2k. We also recommend that you grab some sandpaper and smooth the rough surface of support removal spots.

Since 3D printing uses both, filaments and resins, sometimes it gets confusing which material costs how much. So if you also have similar questions, keep reading this article because we are going to talk about 3D printing and its costs in detail.

Filament: 

If you already own a 3D printer, then you must be aware that your cost for the most part is the electricity bill and the filament. If you are to 3D print an object that is going to use 100 grams of filament, it will cost you around $2.50 if we assume the price of filament to be $25 per KG.

The same 3D print in resin will cost you a different amount. For instance, $4.50 if the price of resin is $45 per KG.

Resin, filaments and similar materials’ prices do not fluctuate too often so it is relatively easy to estimate the cost of any object we are going to print. However, you might want to do some maintenance and take care of some post-processing after you are done printing.

Now let us look into the basic costs of 3D printing so you can have a better understanding of different objects and how much money they are going to cost you.

How much does a 3D Printer Cost? 

In this section, we will be looking at the biggest initial cost which is also very basic in 3D printing. This initial yet most important object is the 3D printer itself. Fortunately, with time the costs of 3D printers have lowered so it is beneficial for normal customers.

The materials used for making 3D prints are also increasing in supply as well as the number of manufacturers dealing with 3D printing material. You can buy a standard FDM filament 3D printer like Ender 3 for about $200 from Amazon.

There are a few other types of 3D printers which are growing in popularity such as SLA resin 3D printers. Although these printers are very good in functioning, with time their prices have also decreased. You can easily purchase a budget SLA resin 3D printer such as Elegoo Mars 2 Mono for about $230 which is a very reasonable price for a great functioning 3D printer.

If we compare today’s prices with those of a few years back, then you would be paying $1000 for a basic version of a 3D printer. So you can see how profitable the prices have become for customers.

The 3D printers we mentioned above are great for entry-level hobbyists. So if you want a more detailed featured and highly functioning machine, you will have to spend more. The Artillery Sidewinder X1 V4 is a great option for a 3D filament printer and you can buy it for $450 only.

The Artillery Sidewinder X1 V4 comes 95% pre-assembled, which means a beginner can also put it together quite easily without any external help. This 3D printer also comes with a larger build volume of about 300 x 300 x 400mm, which is more than the Ender 3.

It also has a touch screen display and a direct drive extruder which makes the printing process a lot easier. Its design is simple, clean, compact, and professional-looking so investing in this machine seems the right option because it is a long-term machine.

Cost of Printing Materials: 

When it comes to 3D printing, there are two types of printing materials, Filament and Resin. Resin starts around at $35 per KG, while Filament starts at around $20 per KG.

The resin comes in a dark bottle that is UV protected and contains the photopolymer liquid resin that you need to pour into the resin vat of your 3D printer. The resin bottle is stored exactly in this manner because when the liquid is exposed to UV light, it hardens up.

Filament, however, is packaged into a round spool of plastic which is usually placed on the top of a 3S printer and it also has a spool holder for FDM printers.

Cost of 3D Filament: 

A standard spool of 3D filaments costs around $20-30 per KG, but there are different types of filaments and their prices vary a bit.

Cost of 3D Resin: 

There are two most popular resin brands for 3D printing, the Anycubic UV-Curing Resin, and the Elegoo Rapid Resin. These are great quality resins and you can produce high-quality products with these.

These harden quickly and exhibit good levels of rigidity and toughness. Moreover, these resins also have great fluidity so these can be molded into detailed and complex shapes quite easily.

The Elegoo Water Washable Resin costs about $40-45 per Kilogram and you can wash the products made by this resin with a plain model instead of Isopropyl Alcohol.

The Siraya Tech Tenacious Resistant Resin costs $65 per Kilogram and the users can make products with this premium quality resin quite conveniently. The great advantage of this resin is that it can be easily mixed with other resins to increase the overall flexibility and strength.

3D Printing Metal Powers: 

To complete the material knowledge of 3D printing, let us look into the mental powers. One of the most popular metal power is Aluminum Alsi7mg. It costs somewhere between $24-$26 per Kilogram, but the printer can set you back with $50,000-$1,000,000. So these printers and materials are not very regular-customer friendly, rather industrial machines.

How Much Does 3D Printing Cost? 

If you think purchasing a 3D printer and filaments means your job is complete, then you might be mistaken. Here are a few other materials and their costs that you need to print 3D objects like 3D print helmet using a 3D printer.

You can try to be as cost-effective you want to, but if you want to produce great 3D objects, then you will have to invest some into the basic materials.

Disappearing Glue: 

Elmer’s disappearing glue is one of the most popular and best glues for 3D printing. It is known as disappearing glue because initially, it’s purple. But once you apply it, it turns clear after drying up.

This glue was manufactured using an acid-free formula which makes the adhesive properties of this glue splendid. You can glue tiny parts of your model together without worrying that they might come off because they will not. Moreover, Elmer’s disappearing glue is also non-toxic which makes it a great glue for use at homes, schools, and office places.

Sand Paper: 

Austor sandpaper is made using silicon carbide so it provides a great dry or wet sanding experience. One package of Austor Sand Paper contains 102 pieces of abrasive sheets with different grits that range between 60 to 3,000.

Paint and Paintbrushes: 

When you paint your finished models, their aesthetic values increase, and this way you can also add your personal touch to these products. But you need to use the right type of paint and paintbrush to finish your 3D object.

Acrylic paints and paintbrushes are the best options for painting 3D prints. These are bright and can be used on a variety of surfaces such as PLA, wood, PTEG, and ABS.

In terms of the paintbrush, you can use any paintbrushes that are suitable for acrylic paints.

How Much Does a 3D Helmet Cost: 

So once you have assembled all the required materials, you can begin to 3D print the objects you want to. And if you are going to make a 3D helmet, depending on the costs of all the required materials, it is going to cost you somewhere between $3-$1,000. It all depends on your choice of materials and their quality.

FAQs:

How much does it cost to make a 3D printed mask? 

Including the cost of different materials and object sizes, a mask can cost somewhere between $2 to $3.

Is 3D printing expensive? 

3D printing is all about your choice of materials and how much you are willing to invest. So adding the cost of all materials required, 3D printing can cost as minimum as $3 and it can go up to $1,000 as well.

Can you make money with a 3D printer?

Yes, you can make money with a 3D printer. Many people make 3D items like action figures and sell them online. This way they earn by 3D printers.

Poor first layer adhesion can be a problem at times, but part adhesion to the build surface is also quite a nuisance. Removing a print from the printer bed can be a difficult task especially when the print is stubborn and does not want to move.

Ideally, you would like to remove the print without damaging it or any other part of the printer. So if you are looking for tips to conveniently remove prints off your printer bed without causing any harm, keep reading this article because we are going to discuss different methods to remove 3D print off the bed of the printer.

Brute Force 

The first and very common method is to use brute force to remove the print. You do not need any additional tools for this method, because your bare hands will suffice. Hold the build plate with one hand, and push or pull the print from the surface with your other hand.

This can be quite a risky process because the sudden release from the bed could end up you slamming your hand into something, so better be cautious while doing this.

Another thing you need to kind in mind is that you can use brute force only when you are sure your print is strong enough to bear the force, or else it will damage the product if it is full of small detailed features and designs.

Replace the Build Platform 

If you have been using the 3D printer for quite a while and have not replaced any of its parts up until now, you might want to consider changing the build platform. Switch to a flexible build plate if removing the produce always causes an issue.

Flexible build plates are a much better substitute in numerous ways, mainly because they can be bent easily. This feature makes the removal of 3D prints much easier because you only need to simply flex the build plate and the print pops off.

There are plenty of options for a flexible build plate for a # printer. Some of these are:

• BuildTak FlexPlate
• Adafruit Flexible Plate
• Ziflex
• Easy-Peelzy

When you are choosing a flexible build plate, make sure the dimensions are compatible with your 3D printer. For instance, you would not want to choose a thicket build plate that instead blocks the inductive sensor.

Since there are no flexible glass build plates, switching from glass to plastic or different metals build plate can be a good chance. It can also have many benefits such as it will allow you to try your hand at different adhesives and see which one suits your printer the best.

Enable a Raft

There is another tried and tested method that you can use to remove your 3D print from the printer bed. If you enable a raft in a 3D slicer while preparing a model for 3D printing, this will be of help to you in the removal of print.

Although rafts are used as a set of buffer layers between the print and the build plate they have other uses as well. You also do not have to worry about damaging the raft because you are going to dispose of it anyway.

Besides making it convenient to remove 3D print off the bed, rafts also decrease the chances of your part being warped, so you do not have to worry about it. However, one drawback of using a raft is that more filament is consumed and it takes more printing time.

Most of the slicers come with adjustable raft settings just like the number of top layers. Once you are done printing, you can directly remove your print in two ways: either remove the raft from the build plate first or remove the print from the raft first.

It is, however, easier if you remove the raft from the build plate first, and you can do this in any way. You just have to make sure you are only touching the raft, and not the print so no damage is caused to your print.

Flat Blade 

Stubborn prints from the print bed can also be scraped by using a sharp and flat blade, like a spatula. Since these types of tools come in all sizes and shapes, you can use anything that does the job neatly, even a paint scraper or a flathead screwdriver.

What you need to keep in mind while using a flat blade or a similar tool is safety. If you use the abruptly, you can hurt yourself or ruin your print. So it is better to be cautious so you do not accidentally dislodge some parts from the printer bed or cut yourself.

If you push the blade away from you, you can avoid hurting yourself. Be careful to not scratch the surface f your print because it will make it difficult to level the bed afterward.

Temperature difference 

If you cool down the print, you can easily remove it from the bed. When materials cool down, they shrink in size and you can take advantage of their unique property and detach them from the printing bed.

If the printing plate of your 3D printer is made of a material that is sensitive to temperature fluctuations, such as aluminum or glass, you can change the temperature to detach your 3D print from the bed.

To apply this method, first, let your print and the build plate cool down to room temperature. See if the print can be separated now, and if it does not, place the build plate with the print on it in a cool area. You can put it in your freezer, on top of a vent that is spewing cold air, or a fridge.

Leave the plate there for a few minutes until it gets moderately cold, then try to remove your print off it. By now, the print should fall off easily. But if it still does not come off,  but the build plate back in the cold temperature for a longer time and try removing it again.

Floss it Off 

The flossing method is a bit unconventional for removing a 3D print off the build plate, but it is one of the most effective methods and you can easily remove a stuck part from the bed.

Although dental floss is the most commonly used tool for this method, you can also use stronger strings or string-like products such as high-gauge soldering wire or a jewelry wire.

Once you get the floss wire, loop it around the base of your 3D print in a way that it is lying on the build plate, and then rapidly move the wire back and forth, pulling towards you.

Your print will eventually dislodge from the build plate and now you have a print detached from the plate.

Cold Water 

If you have tried all or some of the above-mentioned methods and unfortunately none of it has worked so far, you should then try the following method. It is a fairly simple method as you do not need lots of materials or expertise to remove the print off the bed.

All you need to do is to put your print under the running cold water and wait for the print to dislodge from the build plate.  But first, you will have to wait until the print and the build plate cools down to room temperature. If you had used an adhesive on the build plate, then run some cold water first so the adhesive comes off.

Once the glue has been removed, run some cold water on the build plate for a few minutes. Try to avoid the print from getting wet, because this technique works best when only the build plate is cool.

After a few minutes, try to remove the print with your hands or a flat sharp tool like a spatula. It will easily come off.

FAQs:

How do you remove PLA residue from a mattress? 

You can use acetone to remove PLA residue from the mattress. Pour some acetone on the bed where the residue is stuck, and gently wipe it off with a cotton cloth in a circular motion.

How do you remove the PLA raft? 

You can use a needle nose plier 3.2k to remove the extra filament. You should also use sandpaper to make the process simple and easy.

Does acetone dissolve PLA? 

Yes, under certain conditions, acetone can dissolve PLA. However, different solvents work best for different filaments, there is never a specific solvent for one filament.

Among the additional costs and problems that come along with the 3D printer, one of the most common troubles many users encounter is the 3D printer’s nozzle. The 3D printers’ nozzles wear out after some time and the printing quality gets poor and the products lack a smooth finish and a neat look after completion.

Nozzles play a huge role in the proper functioning of 3D printers as they impact the quality of the product and if you want smoothly finished products, you will have to invest time and effort in the regular replacing and maintenance of nozzle, especially if you are using the brass nozzle because it requires additional care.

Now you might be wondering what is the best time to change the 3D printer’s nozzle and how often you should do it. Well, the straight answer is, it depends on different factors.

The filament you use, the hours your printer runs in a day, and the brand of your printer, all these factors contribute to the determination of how often the nozzle should be replaced.

Some people use PLA filament while others prefer Polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is an abrasive filament and the nozzle can wear down rather quickly if the filament is abrasive. So in this case, users are advised to use hardened steel nozzles.

In this article, we are going to look into different factors that determine how often you should change the nozzle of your 3D printer, and if you have a similar question, keep reading to find out the answer.

Nozzle Type

The lifespan of the nozzle is determined by the type of nozzle you are using and the hours your printer runs every day. Nozzles are usually brass, ruby-tipped, or steel.

If you use a printer once or twice a week, then a brass nozzle will last for 3-6 months, but if your 3D printer runs 24/7, you will have to replace the brass nozzle every month.

Stainless steel nozzles last around for a year and the ruby nozzles are the most reliable, lasting for years.

Why Should You Replace Nozzles? 

The printing quality of a 3D printer gets affected over time by different factors, such as leveled print bed, nozzle health, and a few others. Therefore, keeping track of work hours and performance of the printer’s nozzle is very important but it helps you in determining the right time to change the printer’s nozzle.

Printers’ nozzles deteriorate over time by constant use, which is nothing to worry about. The type of filament you use for printing also has a major impact on the serviceable life of the nozzle because non-abrasive materials such as PLA are not as harmful to the nozzle as abrasive materials like Polycarbonate are.

If your printer’s nozzle has started to deteriorate, you will notice a difference in the print quality. Print quality is directly related to the health of the nozzle, so if one goes down, the other follows suit.

The worn-out nozzles are not suitable to print filaments as new nozzles do so it is better if you learn how to test and detect your nozzle’s health.

Apart from the nozzle’s health, different other factors can affect the quality of a 3D print. One such factor is the level of the print bed, which, if placed incorrectly, creates a lot of trouble.

So if you want to maintain a consistent printing quality, it is important to ensure that all the variables are in line, because only if one gets out of line, it will affect the printing quality. You also need to keep a track of your printer’s nozzle health and its serviceable life.

Problems of a Worn-Out Nozzle

The printing quality is diminished if the diameter and fluency of an extruded plastic material are altered in any way. The effect is there even if the change is slight.

The more a printer’s nozzle is worn out, the more declined quality of the print will be the outcome. And it does not happen only because of nozzle clogging, but the extruded filament also varies in diameter and adds to the poor printing quality.

The nozzle getting clogged is a major concern for 3D printer users, and it usually happens due to excessive exposure to high temperatures and radiation over time. It also depends on the type of filament being used and carbon build-up, which acts as an abrasive inside the nozzle.

Inside the nozzle, there are groves, which slowly increase in diameter and provide opportunities for clogging to take place in the nozzle.

Moreover, with time, dirt and dust settle down on the filament roll which burns inside the hot end of the nozzle and adds to the carbon build-up which further narrows the extrusion diameter of certain nozzle areas and causes clogging while deteriorating the print quality.

A printer’s worn-out nozzle also affects the Z coordinate because of changes appearing in the nozzle features. As a general rule of thumb, the height of the Z coordinate should not be higher than the diameter of the nozzle, and it also should not be lower than the quarter of the nozzle’s diameter.

The print quality of a 3D printer also depends on the accurate Z height, the right melting temperature for the filament at the hot end, the level of printing bed, accurate temperature if you are using the heating bed, correct and fluent diameter extrusion, and few other variables such as printing speed.

All these factors collectively allow for a fluent and uninterrupted layer upon layered printing. Worn-out nozzles result in print complications and often result in total failures.

How to Know About the worn Out Nozzle?

One of the easiest and most useful ways to detect the nozzle serviceable life is to print a small piece of filament with the currently used nozzle and print another piece with a new nozzle. Compare the difference between both prints.

You will indicate quality differences from both results. However, the ideal condition will be to run both tests simultaneously: make the first print with the worn-out nozzle, and the second with the new nozzle, and compare both the prints.

Another thing you should practice is to check the inside of the nozzle to see if it’s worn out because most of the nozzle deterioration begins from its inside. Internet deterioration leads to uneven extrusion and uneven clogging on the nozzle, which affects the print quality of the product.

Here is another test you might want to carry out. Look at the shape of the tip of the nozzle; if the tip has become rounded, you should replace the nozzle very as soon as possible. Because the nozzle tip should be free of chips, nicks, accumulated materials, and look sharp.

How Do Nozzles Get Damaged 

Some 3D printers are fitted with cheaper nozzles because these nozzles do not cost much and bring the overall price of a 3D printer down. The standard nozzle type in most printers is brass, which is a soft metal and susceptible to getting damaged after a few prints.

But the plus point of brass nozzles is that these have the best thermal characteristics and are very suitable for 3D printing. They retain and conduct heat consistently heat which is optimal for 3D printing.

Printing with more abrasive and harder metals like polycarbonate, carbon fiber, composite filaments, nylon, and some brands of glow-in-the-dark filaments will cause more stress on the nozzle. Consequently, the nozzle will wear out much sooner, so it is better if you stick to the PLA filament.

This also reduces the lifespan of your printer nozzle and the only option you are left with is to replace the nozzle after some time with a better quality nozzle.

Stainless Hardened Steel Nozzle 

If you plan to use abrasive printing filaments or print food-safe items, then we recommend you use stainless steel nozzles. Stainless steel is a relatively harder metal than brass and can easily withstand abrasive materials for quite a long time.

FAQs:

When should I replace my 3D printer nozzle?

There is no set time frame to replace your printer nozzle, but it is recommended that you should change it every 3 to 6 months for better working of the printer.

How long does a nozzle last with PLA? 

If you have a brass nozzle in your printer, then it can easily work on the standard PLA filament for a year or more.

How do I know if my 3D printer nozzle is bad? 

You should look inside the walls of the nozzle. The marks and groves in the inner walls of the nozzle indicate whether the nozzle is worn-out or not. The nozzle’s diameter also becomes bigger than usual as well as its tip becomes round and dulled down.

You might also get the feeling to buy a few more printers and set up a 3D printing market because it all looks so achievable and convenient. But a few days later you see your objects getting detached from the build plate of the 3D printer during the printing process. Then all the dreams do not seem so achievable anymore.

I faced these issues when I initially started 3D printing, and I assume many of you might be going through the same. So if you are in the same boat that I was in some time back, keep reading this article because I am going to give you some tips to keep your printer bed clean and printing uninterrupted.

A clean printing bed is also essential for improving layer adhesion to the build plate of the printer, and also results in a better-looking first layer. You can use Isopropyl Alcohol (ranging from 70% to 99.99%) for cleaning your printer bed.

How to Clean the Printer Bed?

Take a microfiber cloth, cotton, or paper towel and soak it in a generous quantity of Isopropyl Alcohol. Clean the printer bed with the soaked cloth in a circular motion, rinse and repeat the process until your printer bed is free from fingerprints, oils, leftover filament, and other imperfections that can potentially ruin the quality of your 3D print.

You can use different types of solvents such as acetone, it depends on your printer bed type. But make sure to use acetone as the last resort as it is very strong and use it only to clean those parts of the printer bed that cannot be cleaned with alcohol.

Even if you are not sure whether your build plate is dirty or clean, clean it anyway. This practice will make the print bed look new and flawless.

Importance of Cleaning 3D Printer Bed

3d printer bed is the base and you print your model on it. When you print your model, some residual filament is left behind after the printing process is completed.

Apart from the filament residual, the printer bed also becomes dirty by excessive touching and handling such as fingerprints, skin oil, dirt, and material from the surrounding environment. These contaminants not only ruin the quality of your future print but also cause damage to your printed bed in the long run so clean 3D printer bed properly.

So try not to avoid maintenance of your 3D printer, its bed, or the build plate because this negligence can cause irreversible damage to your machine and its functioning and it will only be resolved by replacing those parts.

Advantages of Clean 3D Printer Bed

If you want to achieve perfect results for 3D prints, then a clean printing bed is an essential requirement. Moreover, keeping your 3D printer bed clean also prolongs the work-life of your printer.

You do not have to replace its components after some time which saves you some bucks too. The core issue with printing is the fine adhesion of the first layer to the build plate of the printer.

When the 3D printer bed is clean, it ensures that your models get printed properly and neatly, without any issues. So if you plan to 3D print some designs and models, keep in mind the tips to keep the printer bed neat and clean. Because the cleaning process varies from printer to printer depending on the material and model.

Maintaining the 3D Printer Bed

Most of the 3D printer beds are made up of glass or PEI (Polyetherimide). Because some printers have beds that are covered in tape, so let’s look into these different types of beds and how can you keep them clean.

Polyetherimide Printing Bed

Most of the 3D printers gave a PIE sheet as a bed because polyetherimide has little maintenance and is a very suitable material for 3D printing. PIE beds are also frequently used because they are resistant to the strong radiation that is used in 3D printing as well as exhibit very little weathering to extreme temperatures used in the printing process.

Polyetherimide sheets do not normally get stuck with the model because they have good adhesion properties, and if you maintain them properly they last for a long time. However, there are a few times when the tapes and adhesives are needed while using the PIE sheets.

Although PIE sheets are quite flexible in usage, to keep up the quality of your 3D prints, you have to maintain these sheets.

Because if not maintained over time, their adhesion becomes weaker because the printer bed is constantly subjected to high temperature, radiation, 3D printing inks, general handling, and environmental contaminants.

Consequently, the bed becomes polluted with printing ink, glue, oils, dirt, and left-over filaments. Simple cleaning procedures such as scraping, wiping, and scratching with any ordinary material can damage the printer bed.

How to Clean a PEI Printing Bed? 

The usual recommended method for cleaning a PIE 3D printing bed is given below:

Materials Required

To clean the printing bed, you will be needing the following materials:

• Acetone or Propanone
• Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) ranging from 70% to 99.99% concentration
• Microfiber cloth, cotton, or paper towel
• Sandpaper (more than 1,500 grit)

Cleaning Process 

The generally considered safe method for cleaning the PIE 3D bed, you will need unscented IPA of 70% concentration. Because the IPA is volatile, it evaporates easily. It also means you do not have to worry about the liquid mess. In case the dirt on the IPE bed is a lot, you will need higher purity of IPA.

But as a safety precaution, use the IPA in moderate concentration. Before you start the maintenance, make sure the IPE 3D printing bed cools down. Then apply IPA on the bed and wipe it thoroughly with a cotton cloth, microfiber, or a paper towel.

In case of increased dirt and grease on the bed, the use of a higher concentration of IPA will easily break down the organic oils, making the cleaning process a lot easier.

If the 3D ink or plastics stuck on the printing bed are stubborn, then you should use Acetone. Pour the acetone on the wiping cloth and clean the bed with it. Do not pour the acetone directly on the printing bed.

PEI sheets are not soluble in acetone. However, to be on the safe side, you should avoid using too much acetone in one area for prolonged periods because it can cause damage to the IPE bed.

To remove the plastic compounds from the bed, wipe the printing bed with a cotton/paper towel in a circular motion for better removal. To remove the tough stains from the bed, you can pour a small quantity of acetone directly on the bed.

However, you should only opt for acetone when alcohol is no longer working for you. In case of stubborn stains on the bed, you can use sandpaper of about +1,500 grit and scrub off the residual to clean and smoothen the surface of the printing bed. Once you are done using the sandpaper, again wipe the bed with a cotton or microfiber cloth.

Maintenance Time 

The maintenance time of IPE sheets is different depending on their brands. Maintenance time also decides the serviceable life of IPE sheets. By using hair spray or glue, you can prevent the model from sticking to the printing bed. This technique has become very common and effective over time.

Glass

One of the most common materials used for 3D printing beds is glass. It lasts much longer than IPE sheets as well as facilitates the usage of adhesives and hair spray for the 3D printing process because glass does not react with any of the materials placed on it. Another advantage of a glass bed is that it is relatively easier to clean.

FAQs:

Does acetone dissolve PLA?

Yes, under certain conditions acetone can dissolve PLA. Several solvents can provide great results for PLA, but not one solvent works for all kinds of PLA filaments.

What is PE cleaner? 

PE cleaner is a high-quality cleanser for degreasing plastic joint components before welding as well as cleaning purposes. PE cleaner is also available as PE spray: it is a user-friendly PE spray.

How do you deep clean a 3D bed? 

One of the best ways to deep clean a glass bed is to slightly heat it and then apply the cleaning solvent. The solvent can be a window cleaner, soapy water, as well as acetone. Leave the solvent on the bed for some time then wipe it with a paper towel or cotton cloth.

But there is a bit of difficulty associated with owning 3D printed articles. Many people wonder how to clean these miniatures once dust accumulates on them, and use different solvents and methods for cleaning.

Well, we do not recommend using different kinds of liquids for cleaning your 3D printed miniatures because these solutions can damage your product.

So in this article, we are going to discuss different methods that you can use to clean your 3D printed miniatures. So if you also own 3D articles, keep reading this article to learn about its cleaning.

Liquid Metal Polish

You can use any metal polish in liquid form to clean up 3D printed miniatures because liquid metal polishes work great for such processes. One of the most popular metal polishes for cleaning the 3D miniatures is Brasso Multi-Purposed Metal Polish.

Apart from the liquid metal polish, you will also need a soft cotton cloth or simple cotton swabs to apply the polish on the 3D miniatures. Once you have collected all the required materials, apply a small amount of liquid metal polish to the cloth and clean the miniature.

How to Polish the 3D Miniatures?

The technique used for polishing your 3D printed miniatures I very easy and simple. You need a liquid metal polish, and a soft cotton cloth or a cotton swab. Apply a small amount of liquid polish on the cotton swab or the cloth, and rub this cotton on your 3D printed miniature’s surface in a circular manner.

Slowly and consistently move the cotton on the miniature until its whole surface is covered with polish. Once you have done this, the whole surface of the miniature will look shiny and neat.

How to Make the 3D Miniature’s Surface Smooth?

If you have already tried the liquid metal polish method for your 3D printed miniatures and did not find the results satisfactory, we have another method you can try to make your miniatures look more smooth and shiny.

By adding a coating of the basic material on the miniature, either by painting it by hand, spraying, or dipping the 3D printed miniatures into that material, you can make its surface look more smooth and shiny.

Apart from making the surface smooth, this method will also help in filling any defects your miniature has on its surfaces, such as layer lines, and the result is a shiny, flawless surface. You can use the paint primer or an epoxy coating for making the miniature surface smooth.

Make the Surface Smooth Without Sanding it

Many people do not like the process of sanding and often look for alternatives for cleaning their 3D miniatures. You can clean your 3D prints without doing any filler-work or sanding by using a low viscosity epoxy resin. Many 3D printing enthusiasts mix different epoxy resins and make a “cocktail” to smooth their 3D prints.

Washing the 3D Prints

Water can be used for 3D prints as it does not damage them. However, you can use warm or lukewarm water and antibacterial soap to wash the 3D prints. However, you should avoid using the dishwasher, and wash the 3D prints with lukewarm water and anti-bacterial soap right after using them.

This will not only remove the bacteria present on the surface but also reduce the risk of print melting away. Many people often ask if the 3D prints should be washed or not. Well, the answer to this question is yes! It is an absolute necessity to wash and cure 3D resin prints because it keeps them shiny and smooth.

Once a 3D print looks dull, its appeal decreases. The Cure V2 and Anycubic Wash are the most inexpensive and convenient methods to handle the mess created by 3D resin printing. By using a 3.5 liters Isopropyl Alcohol tank and a UV turntable, you can take a lot of fuss out of resin 3D printing.

Best Glue for PLA

If you have to glue together PLA parts and are not sure what glue to use, Cyanoacrylate is the choice you can make. You can use any brand: SuperGlue, Instant Glue, Extra-Strong Glue, Gorilla Glue, or Loctite.

Personally, we add some of the glue in a small bottle and use it from it every time we need to because it is a more convenient and safe way to handle the glue.

Improving the Quality of 3D Printer

You can surely improve the quality of your 3D printer by following these simple steps:

• Adjust the bed.
• Set the height of the printer nozzle.
• Check the temperature of the nozzle.
• For creating different effects, use different building plates.
• Be attentive towards your printer’s maintenance and adjustment.
• Handle the filament of the printer carefully.
• Use the slicer.
• Decrease the printing speed of the 3D printer.

Washing the PLA Prints

PLA prints are easily washable, however, you should avoid washing these prints in a dishwasher. One of the best options for PLA filaments is using Polyurethane which is easily available in most hardware stores.

By using lukewarm water and anti-bacterial soap, you can easily wash your PLA prints and make them get rid of all the dust and germs.

Lack of Smoothness on PLA Prints

While the freshly printed 3D resin miniatures and PLA prints are smooth and shiny, the surface can get rough and abrasive after some time.

The best method to fix the 3D prints that are not smooth anymore is to identify the under-extrusion or over-extrusion issues and tackle them to get rid of these problems.

After identifying the issues in 3D prints, change the settings such as lowering the printing temperature of retraction. By fixing the vibration, you can solve the problem of prints not being smooth.

Removing the PLA residue off the Print Bed

You can get rid of the PLA residue accumulating on your print bed by using any of the following tips:

• Using Acetone will dissolve the PLA or ABS.
• Heat the bed back up and it will make the plastic softer and convenient to remove.
• If you have used the tape on the print bed, then by removing the tape you can take off the plastic stuck to the printer.

FAQs:

What can dissolve PLA?

Different solvents can dissolve PLA filaments, such as Methylene Chloride, Ethyl Acetate, Pyridine, Propylene Carbonate, and Acetone, which are the most commonly used solvents to dissolve PLA.

Propylene Carbonate, Methylene Chloride, and Ethyl Acetate can also be used to dissolve the PLA supporters and clean your printer, while the other solvents are mainly used to glue the printed parts or smooth them.

What is better, ABS or PLA?

When we talk about what is better, PLA and ABS, we have to compare the pros and cons of both these materials. PLA is stiffer and stronger than ABS, but ABS has more heat-resistant properties than PLA. This means that PLA is mostly a hobbyist material.

Furthermore, ABS is less rigid and much weaker, but also light in weight and much tougher than PLA which makes it a better choice for prototyping applications.

Is it possible to sand a 3D-printed miniature?

Yes, 3D printed objects can be sanded as well as FDM plastic parts. You can sand these objects either with hand or with belt sanders such as automotive parts or wood. Sanding is a very effective, inexpensive, and proven method for having a smooth finishing on your 3D prints.

Sanding is one of the most commonly used techniques for the smooth finishing of 3D articles. One drawback of sanding is that it is ineffective for the tiniest parts.

What is best for PLA, Acetone, or Alcohol?

Acetone is one of the most popular solvents used for cleaning up the printer bed and removing 3D printed parts from the build plate. Acetone also can dissolve PLA to some extent, so it is a great solvent for cleaning and smoothing your 3D printed objects.

Isopropyl alcohol has also proven to be very effective for cleaning PLA, and the major advantage of using alcohol is that it is much less dangerous than methylene chloride and acetone.

Countless products are being produced today with the help of 3D printers, such as furniture designs, shoe designs, tripods, tools, toys, novelty items and wax castings for jewelry, etc.

3D printers have earned an essential spot in today’s market and although they are very useful instruments, there is a lot of discussion and controversy going on about their usage and impact on environment.

Because 3D printers operate on electricity, it has become a hot topic how much energy do they consume and how does it affect the designers who use these. So in this article, we are going to do an in-depth analysis of the power consumption of 3D printers and how does it affect the designers who rely on these instruments.

Power consumption of 3D printers:

 To collect impressive data about 3D printers power consumption, we did a complete analysis, and the printers that we used ran on electricity. We got 3-4 3D printers to review their performance and study their statistics.

To study in detail the power consumption of these printers, we put big industrial power so all the printers could be plugged in the bench at once.

We also have solar panels in our office for electricity generation, but nevertheless the consumption by 3D printers was very low. We work 10 hours per day, but the printers were kept running for 24 hours.

There were also some computers and lights running 24/7. We received about $750 as electric bill per years, which means about $60+ per month.

Before 3D printers, we had no clear idea of power consumption of 3D printing. However, we have collected some quantitative data over the years from people who used a proper energy consumption meter to research about power consumption and reached a conclusion.

What they found out was that most often a 3D printer uses around 0.5 kW hours for a one hour print, which is actually a very low amount of energy for such a heavy instrument.

Average Power Consumption of 3D printers:

The average power consumption of 3D printers for an hour is about 50 watts. When you pay your electricity bill, you are basically paying in cents per kilowatt hour. From our electricity bills and solar panels, we have calculated that we generate about 20 kW a day.

If you are California, the power rates can become 12-13 cents per kW hour to about 50 cents per kW hour. We took this data and compared it with computer use and did the math.

For computer use, it is about 1.05 kilowatts hour, which means more power is required to run a computer than a 3d printer. Most of the printers these days have and also use a heated bed which generates heat, therefore, it consumes extra electricity for generating that heat, but it is still manageable.

It might use twice the amount of electricity and cost you 1.2% instead of 0.6% on the electricity bill. We still believe that electricity consumption and the bill in terms of cost of goods running the 3D printers is very low and economic.

Mechanics of 3D printing:

You do not need a dedicated electric circuit for 3D printer, but you might want to keep a battery backup or UPS. We recommend this because it will save you lots of panic and headache if you temporarily lose power or if you belong to an area that has an unstable power grid.

You will be probably out of luck if the power goes off for days, but if you are facing the case of flickering lights then a backup battery or UPS will come in handy and save your time.

With time we finally managed to collect some data of our own and it just confirmed our original thoughts. You do not have to worry about the power consumption if you are using 3D printers, rather, it is better if you get solar, especially if you are in the southwest part of the country because here, solar is very important.

What you need to keep in mind here is that different models of 3D printers consume different levels of electricity. For instance, printers that have a larger build platform require more electricity to function, and the 3D printers that need high temperature for printing also need more power to operate.

Different Printers and their Power Consumption:

As we mentioned earlier, depending on the work performance and overall functioning of the 3D printers, their original prices and power consumption varies.

So in this section, we are going to talk about how different models consume electricity. If you have a 3D printer that needs a 30A 12V to operate, it will draw maximum of 360 watts of power.

Remember that Power is the product of voltage and current. If somebody uses a 3D printer that has a hotbed of 205 degrees Celsius, and lets say that a heated bed of 60 degrees Celsius requires 70 watts per hour, it means that this printer consumes 0.7 kW for 10 hour work. In most cases, 3D printers run for longer hours, stretching up to 8 or more hours a day.

FDM Filament:

FDM filament Printers usually run for 2-3 days, which means that the printer works for more than 24 hours without a break or stopping in between. Given this information, we can also say that standard 3D printers need 50 watts of power per hour.

So if we take into account the non-stop nature of the FDM printing operations, we can say that it adds to a much power usage. So it may lead you to have a big electricity bill.

However, for other printers that heat the print bed, electricity consumption is more and they need approximately 120 Volts of power. In other words, a supply of 600 watts per hour is required to heat the print bed.

Cost of running a 3D printer per hour:

Given the above data, you might be wondering that how much does it cost to run a 3D printer for an hour. Well, using a 3D printer comes with a cost and different factors add to this bill differently. Most of this consumption comes from the different power components that are crucial in the working of the 3D printer.

Main elements of 3D printer:

The main parts of a printer that need a lot of electricity to function are stepper motors, fans, heated build platform, and hot end nozzles for melting filament materials.

Furthermore, the factors that are significant in determining the power bill are the printer, speed, material, the applicable 3D printing technology and the age of the printer.

You also need to consider the electricity cost while trying to calculate the cost of running a 3D printer per hour. Remember, power consumption depends on two things: the duration of the printing and the type of 3D printer being used. For instance, a 30A 12V printer requires 360 watts of power, and most of the standard printers require 50 watts of power per hour.

Factors determining the power consumption of 3D printers:

As we mentioned earlier, different components of printers determine the energy it is going to consume to function smoothly. These are:

Heating of Hot End:

Hot end is one of the most power-draining element of a 3D printer, mainly because the nozzle consumes high level of power. Now, the power it is going to consume depends on the temperature you are going to set for it. Temperature settings are further dependent on the filament type, such as ABS or Nylon, etc.

Printer Bed:

Printer heated bed and the hot end nozzle work almost on same range of temperature so if you change one’s setting, you have to manage the other’s as well. It prevents object warping during the 3D manufacturing and also improves the bed adhesion.

Heat Loss:

Different elements of 3D printers such as Z-axis and stepper motors usually heat up to as high as 200 degrees Celsius and stay at that temperature for the whole duration of 3D printing process.

This inevitably results in heat losses which lead to more power consumption because power is required to maintain the temperature of the printer.

FAQs

1۔ Do 3D printers use a lot of electricity?

Different 3D printers use different amount of electricity. Standard 3D printers require 50 watts of power per hour to operate, while some models consume more power depending on their model, the 3D printing technology being used and their different components.

2۔ How much electricity does a 3D printer use?

A standard 3D printer with a heated bed at 60 degrees Celsius and hot end at 205 degrees Celsius requires about 70 watts of power. This means, it needs a 0.7kWh for a 10 hour print which will cost you around 9 cents.

3۔ Are 3D printers energy efficient?

3D printing is not a low-energy technology, but some studies show that by changing settings of certain components like Monoprice Maker Select Plus 3D pritner, it can be made an energy efficient process.

Solid Works is rated as one of the best CAD 3D modeling software program for creating 3D models and objects.

You will find many CAD software in the market, but not all of them all feasible for 3D printing. When it comes to Solid Works, 3D printing is made easy with a number of features and options.

This software allows you to generate 3D models in a way that you can easily get a 3D print of them and providing you a user-friendliness environment.

SolidWorks

As mentioned earlier, Solid Works is a Computer-Aided Design software that allows you to create 3D models and designs. It is one of the most popular software when it comes to building 3D models due to its unique features and characteristics.

SolidWorks has several advantages over other CAD software. The notable attributes of the software include a user-friendly interface, compatibility, efficiency, performance, and effectiveness, and in addition, you can simulate the design as well.

Above all, Solid Works is based on parametric design, which makes it much easier to create and build 3D models without any difficulty as compared to other software programs.

Subscription and Pricing

All the above benefits and functions of this software make the perfect 3D model, but it does not come free. There are versions of this software with different price tags featuring different functions and abilities.

You should know that the software should only be bought from the certified registered reseller in order to avoid any problems in the future.

The reseller may offer discounts and can also give offers based on the functions and features required by the user.

Standard SolidWorks

The standard version of this software covers all the basic functions and features of this program, including productivity tools, animation, and visualization.

Currently, the subscription cost around $1,295 per year, with licensing cost of 3,995 dollars.

Professional SolidWorks

The professional Solid Works version covers the tools and functions which are required at the professional level and are used by experienced designers.

The features mainly include Automatic task scheduling, CAD libraries, stack-up analysis, and batch processing. At this time, it comes with subscription charges of $1,495 with licensing fees of 5,490 dollars.

Premium SolidWorks

As of now, the premium SolidWorks version of this software comes with a subscription charge of $1,995 with licensing fees of 7,995 dollars.

In addition to the features as mentioned above, it mainly includes advanced surface flattening, Routing, and motion analysis.

3D printing with SolidWorks

Solid Works software is capable of creating an STL file, which is used by the 3D printers to print 3D models.

Solid work software offers you a number of parameters to adjust the 3D model correctly, and it prints without any distortion and warping.

The settings and parameters need to be considered carefully as they directly affect the overall quality of the print result. Plus, it should be applied to the 3D printer you are going to use.

In order to get the perfect 3D print, you should be familiar with the Solid Works software first, and therefore you should proceed with 3D printing if you are familiar with the software.

As you know that it is a paid software; therefore, professionals are recommended to go for this program.

Designing a printable 3D file

When working on SolidWorks, designing a 3D file involves modeling with correct dimensions and volume, surface modeling, and adding text or coloring for a 3D print.

When modeling a 3D design, using SolidWorks for 3D printing gives you two types of modeling, Solid and Surface; you can work on one kind and as well as combine both and can work at the same time.

On the left side of the screen, you will see a scroll down menu where you can see all the available bodies.

In order to get the 3D print, the surface model needs to be converted into a solid before exporting, and for this, your surface bodies require to be sealed with continuous, standard, and finite borders.

With a hollowing function, you can create a hollow object if required. It will also save your material and will eventually reduce the production cost.

Once you are done with the designing phase, the software allows you to measure the dimensions and distances with a tool called “Measure” so that you can change it before it starts printing. The information tab, on the other hand, gives you all the details of the specific file.

Export File

Now, all you need to do is to make an STL file so that it can be sent to the 3D printer for print. For this, select the “save as” option, and then under the “type” section, select .stl file type.

Before saving the file, the screen will show you the different setting parameters that can affect the quality of the result.

The two main vital elements to check here are deviation and the angle. Both of these factors play an essential role in the accuracy and precision of the print result.

You will also be able to see a preview of the model before you save the file; therefore, check all the elements carefully so that your time and resources are not wasted, and you get the perfect result in the end.

Common mistakes such as file too large, merging volumes, etc., can be avoided if the parameters are carefully chosen.

This platform has made it easier to discover and share multiple 3D designs and has created a community of like-minded people sharing files and ideas related to the field.

No matter you are working in a professional environment or just started learning the art of 3D printing, Thingiverse is your platform, and you can learn it with ease in a few days.

Having command on this platform gives you an edge in your career and enhances your speed and performance.

By now, MakerBot Thingiverse has become the most popular platform and the world’s largest 3D printing community to find out and print 3D models in a go.

Therefore it is important that you know how to get involved in it and for this reason, here we are going to present you with a comprehensive guide to give you a round of this amazing platform.

Thingiverse

Giving you the basic idea or introduction, Thingiverse is an online platform which allows you to find 3D models and designs from millions of 3D files available on the site.

The platform is used by thousands of users around the world who upload and download 3D print designs of all kinds and making it the most important and reliable file-sharing sites on the 3D printing marketplace.

The best thing about this platform is that it is absolutely free, and in addition, it allows you to customize the model according to your requirements.

By this way, rather than creating a 3D model from the very start, you may find a similar model on this platform and can make changes into it to as per your need.

3D Printing with Thingiverse

In order to get access to the millions of models and designs, you need to sign up on Thingiverse, which only takes a minute, you can also use Thingiverse 3D printing Service.

Once you are in, you can search for your desire model, saves your files, organize or download models. Let’s get familiarize with the interface first.

Exploring Interface

As soon as you enter the website of the platform, on the home screen you will see a collection of 3D models from a wide variety of trades and in the header section, you will see a search bar along with other options, such as creating an account, signing in, etc. in order to utilize all the features of the platform it is recommended that you sign in with your credentials and if you don’t have an account, you can create it for free.

Looking Up For The Design And Models

In the header section of the interface, you will also see an “Explore” option; here, you can see that models are categorized into different fields. Drop-down and filter options further make it easier for you to search related item and design.

The search bar area in the header section is also a good option to find out your design. Enter the keyword you are looking for, and you will find hundreds of related designs and models.

It becomes difficult to choose and identify the appropriate design, and for this reason, you will see filter options on the left side to specify the model you are looking for based on the given options.

In addition, you can see on the screen that designs are arranged by default based on the popularity, number of likes or shares and other factors. In short, there are many elements which help you in searching for the relevant and best design.

Model Selection

Once you have searched your model, you will see all the relevant details, instructions, and photos of that particular model as you click on it.

The other important feature of this platform is that it has Thingiverse customizer, which allows you to make changes in the design you have selected.

You will see similar models of the same category at the bottom of the screen that you have chosen above.

Downloading A Model

By now, you have selected the model which you are going to work on. The Thingiverse platform allows you to download the design into your computer.

For this, you will see “Thing Files” option as you click on the specific model, by clicking on this tab, you will get access to all the files of the design and also a description.

You can download all the files in a zip folder, or you can also download the specific files at a time. Save your file where you can easily access it later.

Printing The Model

You are done with the time-consuming part as searching for the right models takes time and efforts.

Now you need to make changes in the design if need any, and then slice the model according to the design you are going to build, set the appropriate parameters, filament material and all other related stuff.

Once you are done with the setting, send the sliced file to the 3D printer like Dreamer 3D printer, and now you just need to wait and watch as you see the model getting a print.

What if we can convert a physical product into a digital model, well, it has now become possible, and there are a few methods that can be used for this purpose.

This article is all about how we can scan a physical object for 3D printing, and below, you will see the most used and reliable way of doing this task in a perfect manner.

3D Scanning

Scanning involves capturing a product and converting it into a model where it can be modified using a computer.

3D scanning has changed the working of the 3D printing industry; as with 3D scanning, it is now possible to create a model for any type of shape which exists in the real world.

3D scanning a physical object saves much of your time, which is consumed in the designing phase, accurate and precise measurements are ensured, and eventually, it will reduce the number of times you have to produce the same design because the parts will fit together perfectly in the first try.

In addition, 3D scanning helps us in producing objects that could not else be designed on a computer.

Furthermore, it will reduce the production cost with enhanced quality, speed and can create the best version of the product; similarly, making variations in design will also become easier on an existing model without building it from the start.

3D scanning is further divided into categories; each type of it consists of a distinct technique and method to scan an object for 3D printing. We will discuss each one of them briefly to see how it works.

Photogrammetry

This scanning technique is considered as the most easier and affordable technique of all.

The process of scanning by photogrammetry involves capturing pictures of a product from each and every angle. The cost may increase depending on the quality you want to achieve.

As you have taken the pictures from every side of the object, you fed all these pictures into software, which then compiles them to give it a proper shape of a model.

You may also need to perform editing to enhance the quality and provide the model the exact shape as a physical object.

There are different software available which you can use for this task; the choice of software is mainly based on the user and system requirements, speed, accuracy, and user-friendliness.

No matter how large the object is, all you need is a camera to capture it, and the rest is done by the software.

The popular software includes Mesh room, Mic Mac, Open MVG, and Reality Capture; however, you can choose any software as per your need.

Laser Scanning or Laser Triangulation

When you want to achieve high quality and resolution, laser scanning is what you need.

Laser scanning is a technique that uses a laser beam projected towards the scanning object; it calculates the parameters and dimensions and feeds this information into a computer; the software then uses this information to shape a model.

To determine the distance and coordinates of an object, it calculates the distance between the camera and the object, the laser source, and the angle it forms.

Using the trigonometric calculations and analyzing the given information, the model is designed.

The thing that makes this technique the most popular is its accuracy and speed; however, scanning reflective or transparent objects becomes quite difficult with laser scanning. Read Also, How 3D Printer Extruder Works?

Structured Light

Instead of the laser beam as in laser scanning, a light beam is used in the structured light technique of scanning the object for 3D printing.

In structured light scanning, a pattern of a light source is projected on the object, which is hunted down by the cameras.

It takes measurements by radiating a beam at an object, and then the data is sent to the computer for modeling.

Structured light scanning is also very fast and gives high-resolution results; however, it is not feasible to work with structured light scanning in an outside environment.

In fact, the structured light technique proves to be faster than the laser technology as the cameras in structured light records the information at once, while in laser technique, single laser light is put over the object at different positions, calling for repeating the process several times.

Contact Based

In this type of process, a physical probe is used, and as the name suggests, it has to touch the surface of the objects at a different point to take readings.

There are two ways in which it can be prepared; the stationary probe is required if the scanning object is moving, and if the object is at rest, the moving probe is used.

When you want to scan a transparent object, a contact-based technique is preferred; however, it takes longer than the other methods and does not give high-quality results. Plus, this technique is not feasible for complex shapes.

Other Techniques

New techniques are being developed as 3D scanning is becoming popular day by day and you can use to scan an object for your 3D printing. The other approach includes Laser Pulse Based scanning and Direct scanning by your smartphones.

Based on your requirements and the quality, you can choose the appropriate technique for scanning the object for 3D printing.