This document provides an overview of 3D printing with FDM technology and the properties of PLA filament. It discusses exporting files, the build volume size, using support structures, bridging distances, minimum feature sizes, and balancing print quality with speed by adjusting layer height. Support structures are automatically generated but can be difficult to remove, so part orientation should be considered carefully. PLA is a thermoplastic material that is hard, brittle, and biodegradable, making it a good choice for FDM printing.

1. Printing with the

2. In this presentation
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FDM
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Material Properties of PLA
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Exporting a file
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Maximum Build Volume
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Support Structures
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Bridging
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Supporting Angles
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Minimum Features Size
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Layer height - Quality vs. Speed

3. FDM
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4. Material Properties of PLA
Thermoplastic
Hard
Brittle
Can be sanded or machined
Can be primed and painted
Starch based –
biodegradable
• Lots of colour choice
• A very good material for FDM
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5. Exporting a file
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Save as an .stl file.
Set angle as 0.5 degrees.
Set deviation as 0.03.
Lower numbers mean better quality but increased processing time

6. Maximum Build Volume
15cm
15cm
28cm
• Larger parts can be split into sections and super glued.
• Each section must be saved as a separate .stl files.

7. Support Structures
• If your design does not have a flat base it
will require supports.
• Unsupported features e.g. overhangs
require a support structure.
• Supports are automatically generated by
the software.
• The support material is the same material
as the part, with weaker bonds between
the layers.
• Supports can be difficult to remove and
parts require extra finishing time.
• Consider the orientation of your build
carefully.

8. Bridging
• Must be across the same
layer – exactly horizontal.
• Must be a straight line. No
curves.
• Maximum gap approximately
2.5cm.
• When the gap is too large
the bridge sags.

9. Supporting Angles
Simple overhangs can support up to 60°. For more complex shapes 45° is better.
45°
50°
55°
60°
Clip Design
To avoid using auto generated supports.
1. Add a supporting angle to the CAD data.
2. File away excess material after

10. Minimum Feature Size
• Minimum feature size is 0.8mm
• Better detail can be achieved on the z axis due to smaller layer
heights.
3mm
4mm
5mm
6mm
7mm

11. Layer Height - Quality vs. Speed
• Prints in layer heights of 0.5mm to 0.4mm.
• Usually prints at 0.2mm as it is fast, has a good level of detail
and is reliable.
0.1mm
0.2mm
0.3mm
0.4mm

12. Any Questions?
S.Shelley@lboro.ac.uk