7 Mistakes to Avoid When Designing 3D-Printed Parts

1. Avoid Too-Large or Too-Small Feature Sizes for Certain Processes, Materials

This is a prime issue, which you’ll see emerge across several additive methods. Keep in mind that there are some geometries that will allow for exceptions so feel free to consult with one of our applications engineers with questions. 

DMLS

Wall thicknesses in metal 3D printing can be tricky and differ, depending on metal material selection, orientation, and resolution. Aluminum, for example, require a much higher minimum feature size than other metal materials. Generally, for aluminum, specify at least 0.030 in. - 0.040 in.  (0.762mm - 1.016mm) for wall thicknesses because both are harder to sinter.

For other metals, the absolute minimum feature size (for positive features—those that are solid or dense) for high-resolution (HR) DMLS prints is 0.006 in. (0.1524mm), and 0.012 in. (0.3048mm) for normal resolution (NR) DMLS prints. This is the minimum feature size the laser will draw. This does not mean that every feature designed at this thickness will form or survive post-processing. This minimum applies to well-designed features that fall in the draw plane (x, y) such as walls or features that are vertical. Horizontal or angled walls have higher minimum feature size of 0.015 in. (0.381mm) for HR DMLS prints and 0.030 in. (0.762mm) for NR DMLS prints. This is due to these features falling in the build direction (z). The added thickness helps avoid conflicts with laser penetration or supported surfaces that need finishing.  

Hole-size capabilities depend on the depth of the hole and resolution. Typically, holes less than 0.025 in. (0.635mm) will be susceptible to sealing shut or coming smaller than designed. For holes smaller than 0.025 in. (0.635), consider high resolution.

Carbon DLS

When designing parts for Carbon DLS, it is important to have wall thicknesses of at least 0.040 in. - 0.125 in. (1.016mm by 3.175mm). Anything less than the 0.040 in. value will result in features not fully forming, or severely warping.

Sometimes these thin walls could result in the parts being easily broken in post processing. On the opposite end of this we sometimes see walls that are too thick, which can result in stress cracking or dimensional inaccuracy. It is important to try and keep most walls in the 0.040 in. - 0.125 in. range.

While structural walls need to be at least 0.040 in. (1.016mm), Carbon has excellent positive feature resolution. The minimum positive feature size is 0.020 in. (0.508mm). This applies to features like small text, inset, and embossed features.

For negative spaces, we recommend that the minimum hole, channel, or gap size be at least 0.025 in. (0.635mm) due to how viscous the resin is—anything less than this would be at risk of sealing shut during build.

3D-Printed Nylons

For 3D-printed nylon parts, listed below are three important issues we often see on those parts that need to be addressed in the CAD model. Common geometries that can be problematic include blind holes, threads, and areas where internal diameters and tapers are in too close proximity to exterior walls.

• Wall Thickness: This refers to the thickness in any direction on part walls or geometries. The minimum allowable wall thickness is 0.030 in. (0.762mm) in SLS and 0.020 in. (0.508mm) in MJF.
• Channel Gaps: This refers to the distance between two features. Channel gaps are important to consider when designing for 3D-printed nylons because the sintering process can fuse two features together that do not account for channel gaps. We recommend minimum channel gap sizes of 0.030 in. (0.762mm) for both SLS and MJF.
• Knife Edging: Consider designs that have an inset feature, such as a counter-bored hole. Your dimension may drop below the minimum feature size at the distal end of the hole. This could result in a shortened or round feature that does not properly form.

2. Avoid Low-Resolution STL Files

In some cases, we receive STL files that are low resolution, which results in coarse faceting (surfaces similar to gemstone). Low-resolution files with coarse faceting will not prevent us from manufacturing the part, but it could affect the aesthetics of the part. Most CAD modeling software allows you to adjust your STL resolution in your export settings. Reducing tolerance usually has the greatest effect and improves resolution. We recommend that you ensure your STL’s are high resolution (not so large that they can’t be uploaded or manipulated 100MB or less) or submit a STP/STEP file that we can convert to STL on our end.

We accept the following CAD files for 3D printing: MESH (.stl), STEP (.stp/.step), SOLIDWORKS (.sldprt), or IGES (.igs/.iges).

3. Prevent Part Warpage in SLS and MJF Parts

Powder-based printing processes like SLS and MJF use heat to sinter powder together into a solid part. The heat that builds the parts can also lead to undesired part warpage. Again, part size and overall thickness has the largest impact on part warping potential. The larger the part—7 in. (177.8mm) and above being particularly difficult—the more likely the part is to warp. The thinner a part is and the closer it is overall to the minimum feature size, the more likely it is to warp. We recommend four options if you are concerned warpage may be an issue for your design.

1. Make the part close to the uniform thickness of 0.125 in. (3.175mm) to help ensure stability.
2. Opt for a glass-filled or mineral-filled nylon, like PA 12 40% glass-filled or PA 12 25% mineral-filled (SLS materials).
3. If your part is above 7 in. (177.8mm) and you are concerned about warpage, another option is to run an unfilled nylon material in our large frame SLS machine with build extents of 17.6 in. (447.04mm) by 17.6 in. (447.04mm) by 17 in. (431.8mm).
4. A final option is to print the part in our larger format stereolithography (SLA) machines, which have build extents as large as 29 in. (736.6mm) by 25 in. (635mm) by 21 in. (533.4mm).

6. Don't Choose the Wrong Material for SLA Parts

Today’s SLA machines use a range of thermoplastic-like materials, with several options to mimic polypropylene, ABS, and polycarbonate available. However, please note the term “thermoplastic-like.” This is an important distinction in that the mechanical properties of SLA materials only mimic those of their molded counterparts. SLA parts do not provide the same strength and durability as parts that are sintered, cast, machined, or molded. That said, SLA is still an excellent choice for quality prototype parts where validation of form and fit—but not necessarily function—is the most important factor. You can find more guidance in our design tip that focuses on SLA materials and in our 3D printing materials selection guide. Plus, our applications engineers can help guide you during material and manufacturing process selection if help is needed.

7. Ensure 3D-Printed Elastomeric Parts are Suitable for Overmolding

Next, caution is advised around elastomers for 3D printing. PolyJet, uses a special type of “sprayable” liquid photopolymer with a hardness that can be tweaked on the fly and in the same build. This process makes it a great choice for prototyping parts that will at some point be overmolded—a soft, grippable handle for a power tool, for example, or a weatherproof, gasketed cover for a scientific instrument housing. In addition, digital photopolymers in white, black, and clear/translucent are available.

Accordingly, if you want to validate an overmold design, this is probably a good place to start. However, and this is where the caution comes in—be sure to check with one of our applications engineers that your 3D-printed part is also suitable for molding. Some designers get caught in a jam with a particular part design, only to find that it can’t be manufactured en masse in a cost-effective manner. More information can be found in our elastomers design tip and at our overmolding and insert molding services page.

We know we covered a lot of 3D printing territory here, but as always, feel free to contact us with any questions at 877-479-3680 or [email protected].