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Looking for Guidance on the Best FDM Configurations for High-Resolution Prints


dijede4287

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Hello Everyone,

 

Since I'm not too familiar with Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing, I'm hoping to learn from more seasoned members of this community. For the past few months, I've been using an Ender 3 and a Prusa i3 MK3S+, and although I've gotten some respectable results, I'm finding it difficult to match the resolution and level of detail found in some professional prints. Although I am aware of these printers' capabilities, I have a suspicion that my settings may be suboptimal.

Details are crucial because my primary focus is producing intricate models for tabletop games and working prototypes. Even after experimenting with various temperature settings, print speeds, and layer heights, I'm still not entirely happy. I'm specifically seeking guidance on the following:

 

Layer Height and Print Speed: For high-resolution prints, what are the ideal layer height and print speed? I'm wondering if there is any way to improve the 0.12mm layer height and 50mm/s print speed that I've been using.

Temperature Settings: I primarily use PLA+. Is it possible to enhance surface quality without compromising structural integrity by determining the ideal temperature?

Tips for Slicing Software: I mostly use Cura, but if PrusaSlicer or another program gives me more control over fine details, I'm willing to give it a try. Any suggestions for helpful plug-ins or slicer settings?

General Advice: We would greatly appreciate any additional tips you may have for enhancing the quality and resolution of FDM prints.

I'm eager to enhance my prints and gain knowledge from the community here. Thanks in advance for your help and support.

dijedegcp

 

 

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I'm chasing that grail myself, it's really hard. I'm using either a Trident or V0.2 both with Revo Voron hot ends. I've been using either the 0.25 or 0.15 nozzle for my experiments and primarily Polymaker PLA. For the slicer I'm now fully moved over to Orca Slicer--a fork of Bambu.

For terrain pieces or larger vehicles I've gotten reasonably results using the 0.25 nozzle and 0.1-0.12 layer height.

Speeds have to slow down from the standard 0.4 nozzle speed because of the smaller orifice. The 0.25 isn't too bad, the 0.15 needs to really slow down--like close to TPU speeds.

I've also found that going below 0.1 layer height makes over hangs extremely challenging. I haven't figured that out yet. I still see curling and get smearing, especially in the corners. I probably need to throw more supports in there now that I'm thinking about it. Add to that is stringing which I also still haven't gotten under control. Small details like columns or bars get lots of wispy junk that can be hard to clean.

Here's my album of what I've managed to achieve printing up miniatures so far. On the table they look pretty good all finished up.

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