This design rule test aims to explore the minimal clearance or tolerance of the 3D printer. The test is done by fitting boxes with a hole in the middle , on a shaft, each hole is decreased in diameter by 0.1 mm. The boxes are expected to rotate around the shaft if the clearance distance allows.
I downloaded the STL file directly from the 3D scanning and printing page of the Fab Academy website.
The next step was to slice it using Cura . The general values I used are the following:
Material = PLA 0.4 mm.
Layer Height = 0.15 mm (normal).
Wall thickness = 1 mm.
Infill = 15% Triangles.
The print duration was calculated to be 1 hour 35 minutes.
After saving the file on my flash drive, I headed to the Ultimaker 3D printer extended to start printing. I loaded the material I am using, calibrated the build plate, and then inserted the flash drive and initiated the printing process.
On the first attempt for the test, I forgot to add support to the design.Consequently, aborting the print midway and ending up with this:
For my second attempt, I kept the general values the same as the previous attempt and added support.
The support values I used are the following:
Support placement = everywhere.
Support overhang angle = 65.
The print duration was calculated to be 1 hour 42 minutes.
The clearance test was a challenge for the printer so at the end we have. Almost all the pieces rotated except for last two pieces with a tolerance of 0.2mm,0.1mm.