The quickest thing to 3D print is a simple object with a low level of detail, such as a cube, a sphere, or a ring. These objects can be printed in a matter of minutes, depending on the size, material, and settings of the 3D printer. In contrast, complex objects with a high level of detail, such as a human face, a car, or a sculpture, can take hours or even days to print. In this article, we will explore the factors that affect the printing speed of 3D objects, and how to optimize them for faster results.
There are several factors that influence how long it takes to 3D print an object. Some of these factors are related to the design of the object, while others are related to the 3D printer itself. Here are some of the most important factors to consider:
Size: The size of the object determines how much material and time are needed to print it. Larger objects require more layers and more filament, which increases the printing time. Smaller objects can be printed faster, as they need less material and fewer layers.
Shape: The shape of the object affects the printing speed in two ways: the amount of support material needed, and the amount of movement required by the printer. Support material is used to hold up parts of the object that would otherwise collapse or sag during printing, such as overhangs, bridges, or hollow spaces. Support material adds to the printing time, as it needs to be printed and removed afterwards. The amount of movement required by the printer refers to how often the printer has to change direction, speed, or extrusion rate. More movement means more time spent on acceleration, deceleration, and retraction, which slows down the printing process. Simple shapes, such as cubes or spheres, require less support material and less movement than complex shapes, such as stars or spirals.
Resolution: The resolution of the object refers to the level of detail and smoothness of the surface. Resolution is determined by the layer height, which is the thickness of each layer of material that is printed. Lower layer heights result in higher resolution, as the layers are less visible and the surface is smoother. Higher layer heights result in lower resolution, as the layers are more visible and the surface is rougher. Lower layer heights also increase the printing time, as more layers are needed to print the same object. Higher layer heights decrease the printing time, as fewer layers are needed to print the same object.
Infill: The infill of the object refers to the percentage of the interior volume that is filled with material. Higher infill percentages result in stronger and heavier objects, as more material is used to fill the gaps. Lower infill percentages result in weaker and lighter objects, as less material is used to fill the gaps. Higher infill percentages also increase the printing time, as more material and time are needed to print the interior. Lower infill percentages decrease the printing time, as less material and time are needed to print the interior.
Material: The material of the object refers to the type of filament that is used to print it. Different materials have different properties, such as melting point, cooling rate, shrinkage, and flexibility. These properties affect the printing speed in various ways. For example, materials with a higher melting point require more heat and time to melt and extrude, which slows down the printing process. Materials with a lower cooling rate require more time to solidify and adhere to the previous layer, which also slows down the printing process. Materials with a higher shrinkage rate tend to warp and crack during cooling, which can ruin the print or require more adjustments. Materials with a lower flexibility tend to break or jam during extrusion, which can also ruin the print or require more maintenance. Some of the most common materials used for 3D printing are PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
There is no definitive answer to the question of what is the quickest thing to 3D print, as different objects and printers may have different optimal settings and parameters. However, there are some general tips and tricks that can help you reduce the printing time of any object, without compromising the quality or functionality. Here are some of them:
Choose a simple shape: As mentioned before, simple shapes, such as cubes or spheres, require less support material and less movement than complex shapes, such as stars or spirals. Therefore, choosing a simple shape can save you a lot of time and material, especially if the shape does not affect the purpose or aesthetics of the object.
Reduce the size: As mentioned before, smaller objects require less material and fewer layers than larger objects. Therefore, reducing the size of the object can save you a lot of time and material, as long as the size does not affect the functionality or appearance of the object.
Increase the layer height: As mentioned before, higher layer heights result in lower resolution, but also fewer layers and faster printing. Therefore, increasing the layer height can save you a lot of time, as long as the resolution is not critical for the object. A good rule of thumb is to use a layer height that is 50% of the nozzle diameter, which is usually 0.4 mm for most 3D printers. For example, a layer height of 0.2 mm can provide a decent resolution and a reasonable printing speed.
Decrease the infill percentage: As mentioned before, lower infill percentages result in weaker and lighter objects, but also less material and faster printing. Therefore, decreasing the infill percentage can save you a lot of time and material, as long as the strength and weight are not essential for the object. A good rule of thumb is to use an infill percentage that is 20% of the object’s volume, which can provide a sufficient strength and stability for most objects.
Choose a suitable material: As mentioned before, different materials have different properties that affect the printing speed in various ways. Therefore, choosing a suitable material can save you a lot of time and trouble, depending on the object’s requirements and preferences. For example, PLA is a popular material that is easy to print, biodegradable, and comes in a variety of colors. However, PLA is also brittle, sensitive to heat, and prone to stringing. ABS is another popular material that is strong, durable, and resistant to heat. However, ABS is also toxic, prone to warping, and requires a heated bed and enclosure. PETG is a newer material that combines the best of both PLA and ABS, as it is strong, flexible, and resistant to heat and chemicals. However, PETG is also sticky, stringy, and sensitive to moisture. TPU is a flexible material that is ideal for printing objects that need to bend, stretch, or twist. However, TPU is also difficult to print, as it requires a direct drive extruder, a slow printing speed, and a high retraction distance.
3D printing is a fascinating technology that allows you to create almost anything you can imagine. However, 3D printing can also be a time-consuming and frustrating process, especially if you want to print something quickly. The quickest thing to 3D print is a simple object with a low level of detail, such as a cube, a sphere, or a ring. However, you can also optimize the printing speed of any object by adjusting the factors that affect it, such as size, shape, resolution, infill, and material. By following these tips and tricks, you can save yourself a lot of time and material, and enjoy the benefits of 3D printing. Happy printing!
