The rough surface of 3D printed objects is a common problem that affects printing quality. Different types of 3D printers may have different reasons and solutions.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Possible reasons:
- The nozzle temperature is inappropriate, resulting in uneven material extrusion.
- The printing speed is too fast, and the material is not sufficiently cooled and solidified.
- The height setting is too high, resulting in loose bonding between layers.
- The printing platform is not level, which affects the flatness of the layer.
Solution:
- Adjust the nozzle temperature to the optimum printing temperature for the material.
- Reduce the printing speed to ensure that the material has enough time to cool and solidify.
- Reduce layer height and increase print resolution.
- Calibrate the printing platform to ensure its level.
Stereolithography (SLA)
Possible reasons:
- Exposure time is too long or too short, resulting in uneven resin curing.
- The construction platform is not level, which affects the flatness of the layer.
- The resin quality is poor and contains impurities.
Solution:
- Adjust the exposure time to ensure uniform curing of the resin.
- Calibrate the build platform to ensure its level.
- Use high-quality resins and avoid using expired or contaminated resins.
Digital Light Processing (DLP)
Possible reasons:
- The projected image is not clear, resulting in uneven solidification.
- The exposure time is too long or too short.
- The uneven resin level affects the curing depth.
Solution:
- Clean the projector lens to ensure clear images.
- Adjust the exposure time to ensure uniform curing of the resin.
- Ensure that the resin liquid level is uniform, and use a scraper to level the liquid level if necessary.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Possible reasons:
- Uneven laser power leads to uneven powder sintering.
- The powder bed is not level, which affects the flatness of the layer.
Solution:
- Check the laser power to ensure uniform distribution.
- Calibrate the powder bed to ensure its level.
Powder Bed Fusion (PBF)
Possible reasons:
- The laser beam is not focused accurately, resulting in uneven melting.
- The powder bed is not level, which affects the flatness of the layer.
Solution:
- Check the laser beam focus and calibrate if necessary.
- Calibrate the powder bed to ensure its level.
General Solution
- Material quality: Use high-quality printing materials and avoid using materials that are damp or contain impurities.
- Printing parameters: Adjust printing parameters, such as nozzle temperature, printing speed, layer height, to obtain better surface quality.
- Post-processing: Post-processing of printed objects, such as sanding, sandblasting or chemical smoothing, to improve surface roughness.
- Maintenance: Regularly maintain and clean the 3D printer to ensure that the printer is in optimal working condition.
For different types of 3D printers, solving surface roughness problems requires a deep understanding of the printer’s working principle and adjusting and optimizing according to specific situations. Regular maintenance and calibration are also key to ensuring print quality.
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