Slide 002: Key Print Settings and Parameters¶
Slide Visual¶
Slide Overview¶
This slide covers the essential print parameters that students must understand and configure in any slicer. These settings directly determine print quality, strength, material usage, and print time. Mastering these parameters is the foundation of effective FDM print preparation.
Instruction Notes¶
Layer Height¶
Layer height is the single most impactful quality setting. It determines the vertical resolution of the print: - Draft quality: 0.28-0.32mm — fast prints, visible layer lines - Standard quality: 0.20mm — balanced speed and quality - Fine quality: 0.12-0.16mm — smoother surfaces, 2-3x longer print time - Ultra-fine: 0.08mm — near-invisible layers, 4-5x longer
Rule of thumb: layer height should not exceed 75% of nozzle diameter. For a 0.4mm nozzle, maximum recommended is 0.30mm.
Wall Thickness and Perimeters¶
Walls (perimeters) define the outer shell strength: - 2 walls (0.8mm): Adequate for decorative prints - 3 walls (1.2mm): Standard for functional parts - 4+ walls (1.6mm+): High-strength mechanical parts
Infill Settings¶
| Pattern | Strength | Material Use | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grid | Medium | Medium | General purpose |
| Gyroid | High (isotropic) | Medium | Functional parts |
| Triangles | High (directional) | Medium | Load-bearing |
| Lightning | Low | Very Low | Display models |
| Cubic | High | Medium-High | All-around strength |
Common infill densities: 10-15% for prototypes, 20-30% for functional parts, 50%+ for structural components.
Top and Bottom Layers¶
- Minimum 3 top layers to prevent infill show-through (pillowing)
- Minimum 3 bottom layers for adhesion and structural base
- At 0.20mm layer height, this equals 0.60mm top and bottom shell thickness
Print Speed¶
- Perimeters: 40-60 mm/s for quality surface finish
- Infill: 60-100 mm/s (hidden, speed matters more)
- First layer: 20-30 mm/s for bed adhesion
- Travel: 120-200 mm/s (non-printing moves)
Temperature Settings¶
- PLA: Nozzle 195-215°C, Bed 50-60°C
- PETG: Nozzle 225-245°C, Bed 70-85°C
- ABS: Nozzle 230-250°C, Bed 95-110°C (enclosure recommended)
Key Talking Points¶
- Layer height is the biggest trade-off between speed and quality — always choose based on the part's purpose
- Infill pattern and density should match the mechanical requirements; more infill is not always better
- Temperature settings are material-dependent and should be calibrated with test prints for each filament brand
Learning Objectives (Concept Check)¶
- [ ] Students can select appropriate layer height for different print quality requirements
- [ ] Students can choose infill pattern and density based on part function
- [ ] Students can configure temperature settings for PLA, PETG, and ABS
Last Updated: 2026-03-19