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 …

Neil Sewell

October 7, 2020

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.

Markforged Prototyping
Markforged Industrial Printer

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).

FDM-Printing Process

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.

Nozzle-vs-layer-height

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:

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

Banner Here

How to Use 3D Printing in Education

Additive manufacturing and 3D printing have firmly established themselves in industry, from consumer goods to aerospace applications. But the technology isn’t just for commercial use — 3D printing in education is becoming more and more common. The old adage states …

Learn More

A Guide to 3D Printing Jigs

For most manufacturing companies and organisations in the industrial world, having 3D printed jigs is becoming increasingly important . This guide will help explain why this is so – and why your firm should consider investing in a 3D Continuous …

Learn More

10 3D Printing Facts You Should Know About

3D printers are increasingly common in both the industry and in households. As such, many people are familiar with basic 3D printing facts and concepts, like how the machines actually create the objects. But there’s a lot more to 3D …

Learn More
Solid Print3D Ltd Building 500, Abbey Park, Stareton, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LY Copyright © 2023 Solid Print3D All Rights Reserved.
01926 333 777 sales@solidprint3d.co.uk