How is the printing accuracy of a 3D printer defined? What factors affect its printing accuracy?
Publish Time: 2024-07-26
Definition of printing accuracy of 3D printers
In 3D printing, the term "accuracy" usually refers to the accuracy of a part or the resolution of a machine, which reflects the level of detail and dimensional accuracy that a 3D printer can achieve during the manufacturing process. Specifically, printing accuracy refers to the range within which a printer can achieve high-precision printing, which is usually measured in millimeters (mm) or smaller units, such as 0.1mm. Higher printing accuracy means that the printed object has a smoother surface, richer details, and a higher degree of match with the digital design file.
Factors affecting the printing accuracy of 3D printers
The accuracy of the equipment itself:
Motion control system: The motion control system of a 3D printer is responsible for manipulating the tool tip (such as the nozzle) to accurately pass through the X, Y, and Z axes. The accuracy of the motion control system directly affects the printing accuracy, including the accuracy of the stepper motor, the stability of the transmission system, etc.
Nozzle aperture: The size of the nozzle aperture directly limits the minimum detail that can be printed. Generally speaking, the smaller the nozzle aperture, the higher the printing accuracy, but too small nozzles are prone to blockage, requiring more delicate maintenance and slower printing speeds.
Equipment movement accuracy: Any machine will have certain errors during movement, which are caused by friction and vibration between moving parts and guide rails. The design and manufacturing quality of the equipment have an important impact on the movement accuracy.
Printing parameter settings:
Printing layer thickness: 3D printing is to manufacture objects by adding materials layer by layer. The thickness of each layer of material (layer thickness) will directly affect the smoothness and details of the printed surface. The smaller the layer thickness, the higher the printing accuracy, but the printing time will also increase accordingly.
Nozzle temperature: The nozzle temperature determines the bonding properties, stacking properties and wire flow rate of the material. The appropriate nozzle temperature can ensure that the material is extruded in a molten flow state, thereby obtaining higher printing accuracy.
Forming chamber temperature: The forming chamber temperature will affect the thermal stress of the formed part, and then affect its dimensional stability and accuracy. Different materials have different requirements for the forming chamber temperature.
Material properties:
The shrinkage rate, thermal properties and flow properties of the material will affect the printing accuracy. For example, the material may produce stress deformation due to shrinkage during solidification, resulting in reduced precision of the formed part.
Different materials (such as PLA, ABS, photosensitive resin, etc.) have different physical and chemical properties, which affect the material flow, bonding and curing processes during printing, thereby affecting the printing accuracy.
Software and algorithms:
The algorithms and settings in the slicing software also affect the printing accuracy. For example, the "shrinkage compensation factor" in the slicing software can compensate for the impact of material shrinkage on the accuracy of the molded part.
The path planning algorithm also affects the movement trajectory and speed control of the nozzle during printing, thereby affecting the printing accuracy.
Design of the printed object:
The design of the printed object also affects the printing accuracy. For example, features such as overhangs, bridges, and complex details may require additional support structures or specific printing technologies to maintain accuracy.
In summary, the printing accuracy of a 3D printer is a complex indicator affected by many factors. In order to improve the printing accuracy, comprehensive optimization is required from multiple aspects such as the device itself, printing parameter settings, material properties, software and algorithms, and printing object design.
