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3D Printing FAQ & Glossary / Lexicon

Frequently asked questions in search engines:

Where to buy filament?

★★★★★ Buy Filament & Accessories at 3D-Drucker-Filament.de☺

Why to dry filament?

Filament must be dried because moisture in the filament can affect the quality of the printed part. Moisture in the filament can cause warping, bubbling, and uneven layer buildup. Some materials, such as ABS, NYLON, or PVA, are more susceptible to moisture than other materials, such as PLA. Therefore, it is important to dry the filament before use to improve the quality of the printed part.

How to dry filament?

There are several ways to dry filament:

Oven drying: Filament can be dried in an oven at a low temperature (e.g. 60-70°C). It is important to rotate the filament regularly during the drying process to ensure even drying.

Drying box: There are also special drying boxes where the filament can be stored to protect it from moisture.

Desiccant (Not really drying, more like prevention): Some manufacturers offer desiccants that can be inserted into the filament to absorb moisture.

It is important to note that not all types of filament should be dried the same way, and that drying filament can take different amounts of time depending on the material. It is recommended that you follow the manufacturer's instructions or try a drying temperature and time that is suitable for the filament material you are using.

How to store filament?

Filament is best stored in an airtight container to keep out moisture and contaminants. Some manufacturers offer special storage containers that include an airtight seal and space for desiccants.

It is also important to protect the filament from light, heat and UV radiation, as these can affect the material properties. A cool and dark place, such as a closet or shelf in a room with constant room temperature, is ideal.

It is also recommended to dry the filament before use if it has been stored for a long time or if you notice that it has absorbed moisture.

Be sure to carefully seal and store the filament after each use to extend the life of the material and improve the quality of the printed parts.

Why does filament break?

Filament can break for a variety of reasons:

Moisture: Moisture in filament can weaken it and make it more susceptible to breakage. Moisture can be absorbed through inadequate storage or storage in a humid environment.

Aging: Filament can become brittle and more prone to breakage due to aging.

Incorrect tension: incorrect tension of filament in the extruder can cause it to twist or become twisted, resulting in breakage.

Wear: Filament can become worn and more prone to breakage due to frequent use.

Incorrect settings: Incorrect settings such as too high a compression force or too high an extrusion rate can cause filament to break.

Undersized hardware: Undersized hardware can cause the filament to be overstressed and break.

It is important to dry the filament before use, store it in a dry environment, and ensure that the tension of the filament in the extruder is set correctly to minimize the risk of filament breakage.

Why does filament not come out of the nozzle?

There are several reasons why filament may not come out of the nozzle:

Clogged nozzle: A clogged nozzle can prevent filament from flowing through. This can happen due to material debris, contamination, or incompletely used filament.

Incorrect settings: Incorrect settings such as an extrusion rate that is too low or a nozzle temperature that is too low can cause filament to not come out of the nozzle.

Blocked extruder gear: If the extruder gear is blocked, it cannot grip the filament properly and it will not be pushed through the nozzle.

No Tension: If the filament is not properly tensioned, it may twist and not flow through the nozzle.

Defective nozzle: A damaged or defective nozzle can prevent filament from flowing through.

Defective Control: A fault in the printer's control system may prevent filament from coming out of the nozzle.

To correct the problem, you should first clean the nozzle, check the settings, and make sure the filament is properly tensioned. If the problem persists, it is recommended that you check the extruder and replace it if necessary or contact a professional.

3D Printing Terminology:

What is a 3D print file?

A 3D file is an electronic file that represents an object in three dimensions. The object is designed with CAD (Computer Aided Design). Common file extension is the .STL format.

What is a 3D model?

A 3D model is a three-dimensional digital representation of an object, without which 3D printing would not be possible.

What is the 15 seconds rule?

The 15s rule states that when printing, the hot nozzle must not return to the same point within 15 seconds (damage in printing, possible due to overheating). It can be used as a rough guide as to when the printing speed should be reduced to increase the "layer time".

What is the 45° rule?

The 45° rule states that overhangs and areas with an angle greater than 45° must be provided so that they can be printed properly and without errors.

What is ABS?

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a plastic that is relatively strong mechanically. It is used in 3D printing, as a filament for the FDM process. Print settings with SLICER profiles and more information about the material can be found HERE.

What is ABL?

ABL stands for Automatic Bed Leveling. Automatic compensation of height deviations of the print bed to the print nozzle by a sensor-based process. The aim is to compensate for any unevenness in the print bed and to achieve an even distance between the print bed and the nozzle, thus obtaining layers that are as uniform as possible.

What is ABS juice?

ABS juice is the liquid that is produced when ABS residues are dissolved in acetone. This type of "glue" can be applied thinly to the print bed to increase adhesion. ABS filament in particular adheres very well to a print bed coated with ABS juice.