How to 3D Print Text, Logos and Fine Detail

3D Print text is very simple when you understand the basics of how the the 3D printer and its technology works. If you are using a SLA (stereolithography) printer, it is easy and possible to achieve a small design with great levels of detail. However with FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) it can sometimes be a bit more tricky to get the best results that you wish to have.

Here we provide tips and idea to achieve your desired product. Let us discover how to 3D Print text, logo or fine detail and why you will get better success in some orientations than others.

3D Print Image / Text Tips

1. Design Size: Make sure that your design size is as large as possible, without any loss in image quality.

2. Solid Image: Make sure that the image is solid, which means there will have no small lines. You can add some contour if you want to show lines.

3. Image Filter: Remove any shadows or highlights, including anything that makes your design look 3D if you can (shading, different colours etc.) You can also add any extra text or image items needed for the print.

In comparison to what your design would looked like before it might now look quite boring. However, the design with high contrast, clean, and simple edges, it will help the printing process to transfer easier to your desired outcome.

How to 3D Print

We can first understand the FDM 3D printing process with the image provided below;

The areas responsible for how well we can print fine details will be the nozzle (F), the extruded filament (G) , and the orientation of the part on the build platform (H).

When using an FDM printer like Ultimaker, Raise 3D, etc, you will need to take into account the nozzle width. The nozzle is about 0.4mm thick which limits the amount of detail that it can produce when laying down material. Make sure you position them on the XY plane (sides) of your part to avoid this issue and produce high quality logos or names.

This benefits the quality directly as the layer height defines the quality instead of the nozzle width. The normal layer height is 0.1 mm so therefore much more detailed; meaning your design of logo or text will be result in much sharper and precise. Layer height is also customisable which will helps for you to change the level of detail depending on what your part requires.

Conclusion

When it comes to printing in detail, there are a lot to keep in mind. Most importantly is to start printing your design on the XY plane. Which will be far superior to print it on the Z plane and looks much better with the printed design.

Check out our related blog that you might be interested:

• SLA Comparison: Prusa SL1S Speed vs Formlabs Form 3
• Choose the Right FDM 3D Printer for You!
• 10 3D Printing Facts You Should Know About

Contact Us

Solid Print3D is here to help you with the right decisions when it comes to 3D printing. For more information, please call Solid Print3D at 01926 333 777 or email at info@solidprint3d.co.uk