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Hello,

I am new to ordering 3d prints through 3dhubs having ordered only a couple so far.

Recently I’ve designed a model which is about 4x4x8 cm using sketchup and want to make sure it is optimized before placing another order.

Since each 3d hub has a different type of printer, nozzle size, etc… how do I design the model to account for these differences? Specifically, how thick should I make the walls? Do I need to import the model into Cura and set the fill density and shell thickness? If so, what should I set them to?

Also, when I upload my model file to the 3dhubs order screen and put my address in, several hundred hubs come up each having different machines and print prices. Some hubs offer shipping but the 3dhubs order screen does not list shipping prices. Is there any way to know how much shipping will cost before I place my order. That would enable me to make apples-to-apples comparisons between hubs before placing an order.

Finally, are there any other design considerations that a designer should take into account?

Thanks for any guidance you can offer.

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Hi,

As you said it’s a lot to take under account. New machines are in fact very similar, main difference is in slicing software.

The best way I think is to have continuous feedback during slicing and printing process from selected hub. That’s why “communication” ratings are important. You always can talk everything with the hub.

What comes to shell thickness it can’t be thinner than nozzle diameter. Standard is 0.4, safer is to set to 0.5 or thicker. Some guys print on 0.2! When you don’t know nozzle size, set walls to 0.8-1mm as I do. If you have any worries tell it the hub in order form.

For me main thing to think about during design process is support structure. When you load model to 3D Hubs, their system count costs based on objects volume but without support. Sometimes it could be twice a price with!

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Thanks for the advice! Much appreciated!

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What material do you intend on getting your model printed in? If you’re going with ABS or PLA (anything being printed on a desktop 3D printer) a good rule of thumb is (as BartsGarage said) to keep your wall thickness above .8mm because a standard nozzle is .4mm. A .8mm wall is quite thin though, so if wall thickness isn’t important to your model, I’d go with 1.5mm or 2mm for stability.

You don’t need to bring your model into Cura to upload to 3D Hubs. Your Hub will do the slicing for you. But if you have a preference for infill or shells for your model you should communicate that to your Hub.

If you are designing for PLA or ABS, here are some beginner tips for optimizing your model:

-Wall thickness above .8mm

-Overhangs over 68 degrees (then your part will not need support)

-Flat connection point on the build plate

-Tolerance of snap fit parts between .3 and .5mm

-If you are designing parts to “print in place” (moveable parts that print all at once) make sure there is at least a .5-.7mm space between parts

Hope that helps!

Ashley

1 Like
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Thanks for the guidance Ashley! The previous two small prints I ordered were in PLA. After reading your comment I realize that my wall thickness may have been too thin because they both ended up chipping. With this next print I want to try ABS because I understand it to be less brittle - or maybe Nylon since that is more flexible. I’ll keep your tips in mind with this next model and see how it goes!