Prototyping Plastic

Embossed and engraved details

1 MM ON TOP AND BOTTOM, 2 MM ON VERTICAL WALLS

For embossed and engraved details, we recommend a minimum line thickness of 1 mm and a depth of 1 mm on the top and bottom of the design, and 2mm on vertical walls.

Tip: if you are putting text on your design, use a bold sans-serif font for readability, such as Arial Bold.

Minimum detail size

0.8 MM

In order to create visible details with General Purpose Plastics, your model will need to have at least 0.8 mm details.

Minimum feature size

2 MM (OR 1 MM IF CONNECTED ON BOTH SIDE)

The minimum feature size for printing with General Purpose Plastics is 2 mm. If your feature is a thin wire connected on both sides, you can go slightly thinner to 1 mm, otherwise we recommend at least 2 mm thickness.

Moving or interlocking parts

0.5 MM CLEARANCE BETWEEN PARTS

A powerful feature of General Purpose Plastics is that you can have moving or interlocking parts printed in one go. In order for the parts to come loose you need to keep a 0.5 mm clearance.

Overhangs and supports

Because each layer needs to build off the last, angles of more than 45 degrees generally require supports to be printed along with the design. Supports are not inherently detrimental for your design, but they do add complexity to the printing process and lead to less smooth finish on overhanging parts.

Tip: if your model is complex or has intricate details, we recommend using different materials.

Wall thickness

2 MM (OR 1 MM IF SUPPORTED)

The model's wall must be thick enough to support the model. We recommend working with a minimum wall thickness of 1 mm when the wall is connected to other walls on two or more sides, and 2 mm if it’s only connected one side.