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I’m prototyping a project which requires liquid to flow through a very small hole, the smaller the better. It seems that a lot of the 3D printing services have a resolution limit of 0.1 mm so I’m tempted to make the hole that small. This is my first 3D modelling project so I’m unaware whether the printer will be able to manage this minute detailing. Any comments/suggestions are welcome :slight_smile:

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Hi Stuart,

It depends which type of 3D printer you intend to use.

On a FDM – like an Ultimaker, I own 2 – there is no way this size hole will print. I would maybe attempt a 0.5 but even at this size I think it will partly fill. My suggestion is a little cone recess to mark the position and to drill it post printing.

If you use an SLA printer – like the Form 1 or 2 – a 0.1 hole is probably achievable but it will be difficult to clean the resin from it so it may need drilling too.

Hope this helps.

Sébastien

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Stuart,

I have to agree with Sébastien.

Been there, Done that! Poor result.

Peter

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Agree with the previous posters.

Although it’s theoretically possible to print small holes, in reality this will not work.

Even a 1 mm hole is too small for most printers to print reliably and it certainly will not be round.

And even if you could do it, the interiors walls of the hole will not be smooth.

The best way to do this (imho) is to make a large® hole and, after printing, press fit a metal tube in the printed hole.

First, you would get a tight fit, second, any fluid going through will not eat way at the printed material and third, a well extruded piece of tubing is smooth all the way.

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Hi Sébastien

yeah, i reckon you are right. probably the best course of action is to drill the hole.

thanks

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Hi, When I started with 3d printing I had many troubles with holes diameters and inner pocket sizes many if they are vertical way. Then reading about that and testing , I have found that . For hole and inner diameter ,you have to had yours nozzle diameter into you 3d. Example: you want hole with diameter D. Then in your 3d put D+nozzle diameter. You will see the results are very good… Good luck