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What resolution can I 3D print with?

3D Printing Help Centre

3D PRINTING HELP CENTRE

In the 123-3D help centre, we answer all your questions about 3D software and printer settings, problems you may experience during or after 3D printing and other 3D-related topics.

What resolution can I 3D print with?

Do you want to know what the maximum resolution is at which you can 3D print? Then it is first of all important to make a distinction in the type of printer that you have or want to purchase. With an FFF printer, also called an FDM printer, the resolution depends on the XYZ axis, among other things.

With resin printers, the resolution depends on the optical spot of the laser beam or the UV projector. Resin printers are generally more accurate than FDM printers and are ideal for very detailed and small 3D designs.

Index

What is the maximum resolution of an FFF/FDM 3D printer?

Do you want to know what the highest achievable quality of an FFF printer is? This does not only depend on the technical properties of the 3D printer itself, but also on the diameter of the nozzle and various software settings. It will therefore not surprise you that determining the maximum resolution is not a simple sum.  

What can I do to increase the 3D print resolution?

Below is an overview of the various factors that affect print resolution. When you take these into consideration when purchasing your FDM printer and any parts, your prints will always be of the highest resolution achievable.
  • Horizontal resolution
    The horizontal resolution, also called XY resolution, refers to the smallest movement the extruder of the printer can make when creating a layer. The lower this value is, the higher the quality of the 3D print. At a horizontal resolution between 10 and 50 microns, the conditions for creating high-quality 3D prints are optimal.
     
  • Vertical resolution
    The vertical resolution refers to the minimum thickness or height of each individual print layer. The narrower the print layer, the smoother the surface of the 3D print. Most 3D printers have a minimum layer thickness of 0.2mm or 0.3mm, but there are also high-end printers available that produce layers of 0.02mm. As a result, the 3D printer has to print more layers, which significantly increases the printing time.
     
  • The diameter of the nozzle
    For a high degree of precision and quality, it is best to choose a nozzle with a small diameter. Most 3D printers use a 0.4mm nozzle as standard, but 0.2mm nozzles are also available for extra accurate prints. Choosing a nozzle with a larger diameter than the thickness of the layer you are trying to print can cause several quality issues.

Which 3D software settings can I adjust for a higher resolution?

The quality of your 3D print also depends on a number of software settings, such as the print temperature and the print speed. The following applies: the lower the print speed, the higher the resolution of your print. A print speed of 30 - 40mm/s is a good guideline. The ideal print temperature depends on the chosen filament type. If the filament is too warm, you can experience over extrusion resulting in stringing or oozing. If the filament is not warm enough, you will suffer from under extrusion.
 

What is the maximum resolution of an SLA or DLP resin printer?

A Resin printer does not build up a 3D print layer by layer with an extruder, but forms the objects from liquid resin by exposing certain parts with a laser beam or UV projector. The areas that are lifted harden and have a smooth finish. Resin printers can therefore achieve a very high degree of precision. In terms of resolution, the SLA printer easily beats DLP and FDM printers.

Factors for a high SLA or DLP print resolution

SLA and DLP printers are both resin printers, but differ in the technique with which they cure the resin. The maximum resolution with these two printing methods is determined by two factors: the spot of the laser beam and the lighting method.
 
  • The optical spot of the laser beam
    The diameter of the laser beam of the 3D printer determines the resolution of the print. Laser beams can vary greatly but are generally much smaller than the nozzle of FDM printer. Think of a laser beam with a spot of 50 microns/0.05mm. This is an unprecedented level of precision!
     
  • The exposure method
    The ultra-fine laser spot of SLA printers is round and can light up and harden certain parts of the resin in a smooth movement, resulting in a higher resolution. The print bed is not made up of square pixels, which is the case with DLP printers. A DLP printer uses a projector with UV light that illuminates the resin from below, so that the print is pulled out of the resin, as it were. Although this form of 3D printing is also very accurate, SLA prints are of an even higher quality level!

Do you have another question?

Have you not been able to find the answer to your question in the overview above? At 123-3D.co.uk we are busy with 3D printing every day and we like to follow every development. We are happy to share the knowledge and experience that we have built up over the years with you in our 3D printing help centre!
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