1. Choosing the right filament
Each filament has its properties: think about the rigidity required, the environment of use (indoor / outdoor) and the possible finishes (sanding, painting).
- PLA — easy, ideal for decorative work
- PETG — stronger, resistant to moisture
- ABS — strong and heat-resistant, harder to print
- TPU — flexible, for seals and shells
Each material calls for its own settings (temperature, cooling, speed). At Osmoz 3D, we print in particular with Ariane Plast filament, made in France.
2. Working on the part's orientation
The orientation on the build plate affects strength, visual finish and printing time.
- Place visible areas facing the build plate
- Orient so that stresses do not “open” the layers
- Reduce the print height to save time
- Split the part into several pieces if necessary
3. Setting the infill
The infill affects strength, weight and printing time.
- 10–20 %: decorative objects
- 30–50 %: functional parts
- 70 % and above: heavily stressed parts
- 100 %: rarely necessary
As for patterns: the grid (fast), the gyroid (fluid and strong), the cubic / triangle (multidirectional strength).
4. Layer and wall thicknesses
Layer height: 0.1 mm (very smooth), 0.2 mm (a common compromise), 0.3 mm and above (faster, more visible). Walls: 2 to 3 for simple parts, 4 and above for stressed parts. Adding walls often reinforces better than increasing the infill.
5. Supports and bed adhesion
Supports: enable them only if necessary; adjust the density and the separation distance, and orient the part to limit their use. Adhesion: the skirt primes the extrusion, the brim helps thin bases, the raft provides a full base for difficult materials.
In summary
A good result is the sum of good decisions: filament, orientation, infill, walls, supports. At Osmoz 3D, this advice is included in the support we provide.
Going further: hand the manufacturing to our prototyping workshop. For the general picture, see 3D printing.