3D Printing 101
Setup & Calibration Tips
Level the Bed Properly (Regularly!)
Even with auto bed leveling, a good manual check helps. Use a piece of paper to slide under the nozzle at each corner—resistance should feel like light dragging.Check Nozzle Height (Z-offset)
First layer too squished = elephant foot. Too high = poor adhesion. Dial in that sweet spot for a buttery smooth first layer.Tighten Belts and Check Pulleys
Loose belts = wavy walls or layer shifts. Tighten belts so they twang like a bass string. Check pulley grub screws too—they can back out over time.
Print Quality Hacks
Slow Down for Detail
For intricate or small parts, reduce print speed (down to ~30-40 mm/s) to boost detail. Fast prints = meh finish.Use Adaptive Layer Heights
Cura and PrusaSlicer have this feature—smaller layer height for curves, larger for flat areas = faster prints with near-same quality.Tweak Retraction Settings
Stringing? Increase retraction distance/speed a bit. Blobs or zits? Decrease it slightly. A good start: 1–2 mm at 25–40 mm/s.
Workflow & Efficiency
Batch Printing? Space It Out!
Leave small gaps between parts. If one fails, it’s less likely to knock others over. Also reduces heat buildup zones.Use Draft Shield or Brim for Tall Parts
Shields protect against warping from fan drafts; brims help with bed adhesion on narrow parts.Organize G-code by Project
If you're printing for multiple clients or product lines, keep your sliced files labeled and foldered. Saves time when reprinting popular items.
Maintenance & Material Tips
Clean the Bed with IPA Regularly
Especially with PLA and PETG—oils from your fingers kill adhesion. 70–99% isopropyl alcohol is perfect.Store Filament in Dry Boxes
Moisture kills print quality. Use silica gel packets and sealed bins (or a filament dryer if you’re fancy).Replace Nozzles Every Few Kilograms (for Brass)
Especially when using abrasive filaments like carbon fiber or glow-in-the-dark. Hardened steel or ruby tips are a great upgrade.
