People often inquire if it’s feasible to simultaneously 3D print several items using a 3D printer. Being a tech enthusiast, I, Carolina, felt compelled to pen down my insights to shed light on this. So, here’s a deep dive into the mesmerizing world of 3D printing!
Is Simultaneous 3D Printing of Multiple Items Doable?
Decoding Sequential Printing in Cura
Mastering Sequential Printing with PrusaSlicer
Ever Wondered About Stacking 3D Prints? Printing atop Another Creation
A Step-by-Step Guide: Stacking 3D Prints and Printing atop Existing Designs in Cura
Merging 3D Prints in Cura
Adding a Supportive Base to Your 3D Design in Cura
Is Simultaneous 3D Printing of Multiple Items Doable?
Absolutely! To 3D print multiple designs simultaneously, simply position more than one design on your slicer platform and slice as usual. You have the option to 3D print designs individually or print all layers of multiple items concurrently.
While many opt for printing single designs, printing multiple items together is indeed achievable. For novices, I’d advise starting with solo printing until mastering the art of getting designs to stick perfectly to the platform.
In Cura, duplicating designs on the platform is a breeze. Just right-click on your design and opt for “Multiply Selected” or select the design and press CTRL + M.
You can then determine how many replicas to create.
Rearranging designs on the platform is straightforward.
Generally, designs are printed layer by layer, so both will be printed simultaneously. But, there’s also the sequential printing method where objects are printed one after another. This method is great for smaller designs since they get ample cooling time.
Decoding Sequential Printing in Cura
To embrace sequential printing in Cura:
1. Navigate to Print Sequence in Cura under Special Modes.
2. Open the options and choose “One at a Time”.
If you encounter an error related to build volume height, adjust it by a margin (e.g., from 250 to 251) in the Machine Settings.
Sequential printing ensures that the first design on the platform prints first. Adjust the printing order by deleting and undoing the deletion of designs. If you have two designs, to print the right one first, delete it, then the left one. Undoing will make the right design print first.
Be cautious of overlapping or too-close designs; the slicer won’t be able to process them.
Mastering Sequential Printing with PrusaSlicer
For sequential printing in PrusaSlicer:
1. Navigate to “Print Settings” while in “Expert Mode”.
2. Under “Output Options”, locate “Complete individual objects” and activate it.
Replicating designs is as simple as right-clicking and selecting “Set number of instances…”.
Remember to space your designs appropriately to avoid slicing errors.
Ever Wondered About Stacking 3D Prints? Printing atop Another Creation
Yes, it’s possible! By positioning designs atop another within your slicer, you can achieve this. This technique has been effectively utilized for items like face shields. It’s wise to maintain a small gap between stacked designs for post-print separation and to ensure surface smoothness.
A Step-by-Step Guide: Stacking 3D Prints and Printing atop Existing Designs in Cura
1. Begin by deactivating “Ensure Models are Kept Apart” & “Automatically Drop Models to the Build Plate” in Cura settings.
2. Import or duplicate your designs and stack them.
Merging 3D Prints in Cura
Combining designs in Cura is an effortless endeavor:
1. Drag and drop STL files into Cura.
2. Disable specific settings to freely move designs.
3. Stack or side-align designs.
4. Group and slice designs.
For a harmonious print, ensure minimal gaps between designs in Cura.
Adding a Supportive Base to Your 3D Design in Cura
If you wish to bolster your design with a base in Cura, a Raft is your go-to. Modify the Raft settings in the Build Plate Adhesion section in Cura for your desired base.