3D Printing: Expectations vs. Reality

You may have stumbled upon some TikToks and YouTube videos showcasing the wonders of 3D printing. With a few clicks on your computer screen, you can send a 3D model to a budget desktop machine that magically transforms a roll of colourful cord into a stunning masterpiece, complete with a toolhead that moves around like lightning. It’s mesmerizing to watch, and yes, sometimes it is that effortless. However, even the most expensive industrial 3D printers encounter their fair share of issues. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the reality of owning a 3D printer.

When it comes to 3D printing, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is one of the most widely used technologies. In FDM, a thin filament of material, usually a thermoplastic like PLA or ABS, is extruded through a heated nozzle and deposited layer by layer to form a three-dimensional object. Most desktop 3D printers employ FDM technology, which can range in price from as low as $200 to over $100,000. Despite the cost, all 3D printers – regardless of their price tag – are susceptible to the same issues.

One thing to keep in mind when purchasing and operating a 3D printer is that you’ll likely encounter a variety of issues along the way. From failed prints to clogged nozzles and faulty components, 3D printing is not without its challenges. Unlike traditional consumer electronics, 3D printers can be temperamental and require a bit of finesse to get them working properly. Additionally, purchasing and operating a 3D printer often means taking on the responsibility of troubleshooting and fixing issues yourself. While there are online communities and resources to help guide you, problem-solving will ultimately fall on you as the owner.

Poor adhesion to the print bed is a common issue when 3D printing. If your print bed is not properly leveled or the temperature is not set correctly, your print may not adhere to the bed and could warp or detach mid-print. This can be frustrating and waste valuable time and material. To prevent this issue, it is important to ensure that your print bed is clean and free of debris, and that it is level and at the proper temperature for your chosen material. Using an automatic bed leveling system can make this process easier and more accurate. Additionally, using a build surface made of PEI (Polyetherimide) can improve adhesion and make it easier to remove prints. PEI build surfaces are durable and can withstand repeated use without losing their adhesive properties. When using a PEI build surface, it is important to clean it regularly with isopropyl alcohol to maintain its effectiveness.

Extruder jams or clogs are a common issue in 3D printing that can result in inconsistent or no extrusion, causing prints to fail. This can happen when the filament gets stuck in the extruder, typically due to a buildup of material or a misaligned feeder. With such a range of different filaments and filament brands available, it’s likely that you will encounter this problem at some point. To prevent this issue, it is important to use high-quality filament that is free of debris or moisture, and to ensure that the feeder and extruder are clean and well-maintained. Regularly cleaning or replacing the nozzle and feeder can also help prevent clogs.

Another common issue in 3D printing is stringing or oozing, where excess material is left behind on the print. This can happen when the printer’s nozzle is not retracting the filament quickly enough as it moves between different parts of the print, resulting in thin strands or blobs of material appearing on the surface. Stringing and oozing can be particularly problematic when printing complex models with lots of small details or overhangs. To reduce the likelihood of stringing and oozing, it is important to tune your 3D printer’s settings, including retraction, temperature controls, and speed, to suit the specific filament being used. Some printers also offer features like “coast” or “wipe” that can help reduce the amount of excess material left behind. It’s up to you as the printer owner to experiment with and fine-tune these settings to avoid issues with stringing and oozing.

Purchasing and operating a 3D printer means that you’ll not only need to be able to troubleshoot issues that arise during the printing process, but you’ll also need to be able to maintain and repair your printer over time. 3D printers are machines that require precision and attention to detail, while also operating at high temperatures, which can put a strain on the printer’s components over time. Regular maintenance tasks like cleaning the print bed and lubricating moving parts can help keep the printer running smoothly and prevent damage to its components. In addition, you may need to troubleshoot and repair issues like clogged or misaligned nozzles, faulty power supplies, or broken belts or gears. While some repairs may require the help of a professional technician, many issues can be resolved with some basic tools and a little bit of know-how. As a 3D printer owner, it’s important to be willing to learn about your printer’s components and how they work, and to be prepared to take on maintenance and repair tasks as needed.

In conclusion, owning and operating a 3D printer can be a rewarding and satisfying experience, allowing you to bring your ideas to life and create custom objects with precision and accuracy. However, it’s important to understand that 3D printing is not a foolproof process, and even the most experienced users can encounter issues and challenges along the way. From poor bed adhesion and extruder jams to stringing and oozing, there are many potential pitfalls to watch out for when printing. To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to properly maintain and tune your printer, using high-quality filaments and investing in tools like automatic bed leveling and PEI build surfaces. It’s also important to choose a reliable brand that makes maintenance parts easily accessible, so you can quickly replace any worn or damaged components as needed. And when issues do arise, it’s important to have the skills and knowledge to troubleshoot and repair your printer as needed. With patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn, anyone can master the art of 3D printing and create amazing objects from the comfort of their own home.