Two parts that fitted beautifully with one PLA brand are now frustratingly tight using another. Same CAD dimensions and printer, but the new filament produces slightly different wall measurements. I can force the joint together, though that's not a solution for a repeatable design. Do you calibrate flow for each spool, build in more clearance for interchangeable filaments, or print a small tolerance coupon first? It's a snap-fit feature, so a fraction of a millimeter matters.
Making two printed parts fit after switching filament brands
- 3d-printing
- printed
- parts
- switching
37
3 replies
Yes, but don’t assume every brand change needs a full redesign. I’d print a small tolerance test first and adjust clearance if needed.
Yes, but don’t assume every brand change needs a full redesign. I’d print a small tolerance test first and adjust clearance if needed.
I’d calibrate flow before changing CAD, because different filament can shift dimensions just enough to matter on snap fits. A test piece saves a lot of guessing.
I had the same issue switching spools and ended up with a perfect print that still didn’t clip together. Annoying, but the extra test coupon...