What criteria do you use to compare 3D printing protocols?

1 Printing time

One of the most obvious criteria to compare 3D printing protocols is the printing time, which is how long it takes to complete a print. Printing time depends on several factors, such as the size and complexity of the model, the layer height, the speed, and the infill percentage. Generally, lower layer heights, slower speeds, and higher infill percentages increase the printing time, but also improve the resolution and strength of the print. You can use software tools, such as slicers, to estimate the printing time and adjust the parameters according to your needs and preferences.

2 Material consumption

Another criterion to compare 3D printing protocols is the material consumption, which is how much material is used to print a model. Material consumption affects the cost and the environmental impact of your 3D prints, so you may want to minimize it as much as possible. Material consumption depends on factors such as the type and density of the material, the layer height, the infill percentage, and the use of supports or rafts. Generally, higher layer heights, lower infill percentages, and fewer supports or rafts reduce the material consumption, but also compromise the quality and durability of the print. You can use software tools, such as slicers, to calculate the material consumption and optimize the parameters according to your budget and goals.

3 Print quality

A third criterion to compare 3D printing protocols is the print quality, which is how well the print matches the original model and meets your expectations. Print quality can be measured by several indicators, such as the accuracy, the resolution, the surface finish, the dimensional stability, and the mechanical properties of the print. Print quality depends on factors such as the type and quality of the material, the layer height, the temperature, the speed, the cooling, and the extrusion rate. Generally, higher quality materials, lower layer heights, optimal temperatures, moderate speeds, adequate cooling, and consistent extrusion rates improve the print quality, but also increase the printing time and material consumption. You can use visual inspection, testing tools, or quality standards to evaluate the print quality and fine-tune the parameters according to your requirements and specifications.

4 Print reliability

A fourth criterion to compare 3D printing protocols is the print reliability, which is how likely the print is to succeed without errors or failures. Print reliability can be affected by several factors, such as the type and condition of the printer, the calibration and maintenance of the printer, the type and storage of the material, the ambient temperature and humidity, and the complexity and orientation of the model. Generally, higher quality printers, regular calibration and maintenance, proper material handling and storage, stable and controlled environment, and simpler and horizontal models increase the print reliability, but also require more time and resources. You can use trial and error, feedback, or best practices to improve the print reliability and avoid wasting material and time.

5 Protocol compatibility

A fifth criterion to compare 3D printing protocols is the protocol compatibility, which is how well the protocol works with different printers, materials, and models. Protocol compatibility can be influenced by several factors, such as the format and standardization of the protocol, the features and specifications of the printer, the properties and availability of the material, and the design and functionality of the model. Generally, more universal and standardized protocols, more versatile and compatible printers, more common and adaptable materials, and more generic and functional models increase the protocol compatibility, but also limit the customization and innovation of the print. You can use online platforms, databases, or communities to find and share compatible protocols for different printers, materials, and models.

6 Protocol accessibility

A sixth criterion to compare 3D printing protocols is the protocol accessibility, which is how easy it is to find, use, and modify the protocol. Protocol accessibility can be determined by several factors, such as the source and license of the protocol, the software and hardware requirements of the protocol, the documentation and support of the protocol, and the skills and knowledge of the user. Generally, more open and free protocols, more user-friendly and accessible software and hardware, more comprehensive and helpful documentation and support, and more basic and intuitive skills and knowledge increase the protocol accessibility, but also reduce the security and quality of the print. You can use online resources, tutorials, or courses to learn and improve your skills and knowledge of different protocols.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?