How to Make a 3D Printer Faster

Coby McKinley Profile image

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Updated March 17, 2023

Even if you have a high-end printer, you may wonder how to make a 3D printer faster. Premium 3D printers produce models by laying molten filament down layer by layer. You can speed up your prints with some minor adjustments to the printing process through software and hardware settings. Stick around to learn how to make a 3D printer faster.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • You can speed up the 3D printing process, but it may decrease the detail in your successful prints.
  • Adjust the printing speed inside your slicer program, and increase the nozzle temperature to prevent under-extrusion.
  • Lower your print resolution by printing thicker layers, and consider reducing the infill of your models.

Understanding how to fix a stringing 3D printer is critical for accurate and detailed 3D prints. Even if your printer goes quick, it won’t matter if the models are lopsided. Additionally, learning what filament to use for 3D printing can be vital for your health because some filaments require more safety precautions.

Insider Tip

Reducing the infill density or changing the infill pattern of your 3D objects can give you faster print speeds.

How to Speed Up a 3D Printer

Certain 3D printing applications require a long printing time to attain fully detailed models, even with the best 3D printer for action figures. Luckily, you can attain faster print times without losing quality, assuming you take the right steps.

If you’re wondering how small can you print, you’ll need a smaller nozzle and a slower print speed for flawless models.

Increase Your Print Speed

Slicer software like Ultimaker Cura features speed settings for various printing actions. After learning what is infill in 3D printing, you can increase the 3D printing speed for the inner parts of the model like infill, walls, and entire layer control. Experts recommend a slower printing time for external walls, especially for display models. Knowing how to calibrate a 3D printer will assist

Increase the Print Temperature

If you increase the printing speed, you must raise the printing temperature and understand **what is resolution in 3d printing **to prevent under-extrusion. Without a hot enough nozzle, your filament will travel too fast to properly melt during the printing process. Raise the printing temperature by five to fifteen degrees for every five to ten mm speed increase.

Adust the Travel Speed

The travel speed measures how fast the print head travels when it isn’t extruding filament. That said, if you raise the travel speed, you need to adjust the Z-axis height to prevent collisions with parts of your 3D model. Additionally, activate the combing mode to further protect raised parts of your 3D prints.

Increase the Layer Height

Your layer height is one of the most impactful settings to increase 3D printing speed. Thicker layers lower the resolution of your models, producing less detailed prints. That said, a higher layer thickness results in stronger 3D objects while increasing the print speed.

Warning

Ensure your 3D print head is clean before a print job because clogs and debris will lead to worse quality prints or complete failures.

Change the Infill Density

The infill represents the unseen middle of your 3D models. You can change the infill pattern to reduce the printing time on unseen parts of the model. Users can skip the infill process and produce hollow models.

STAT: A 2019 Global EY study showed that 83% of the worldwide electronics industry already applied or considered additive manufacturing for their businesses. (source)

How to Make a 3D Printer Faster FAQs

Is Resin 3D printing dangerous?

Uncured liquid resin is a toxic substance and you should wear PPE while dealing with it. You should have a well-ventilated printing space and wear safety gloves and goggles while cleaning or filling the resin tank.

How do I promote bed adhesion?

3D printing experts recommend adhesion assistants like tape or a regular glue stick. Creating a thin layer of adhesive ensures that your print stays flat throughout the printing process.

What is a 3D printing farm?

A 3D printing farm is a manufacturing process that involves multiple printers. A farm of machines is especially helpful in high-demand manufacturing to cut down on printing times.
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