Printing Speeds
Core Concepts in Speed Configuration
Print speed in 3D printing is governed by hardware capabilities, material properties, and slicer settings. Key factors include nozzle diameter, hotend flow capacity, calibrations, and printer kinematics (e.g., Cartesian, CoreXY, Delta). Balancing speed and quality requires understanding how these elements interact.
Machine Kinematics and Speed Potential
CoreXY vs. Cartesian vs. Delta
CoreXY: Uses synchronized belt systems for lightweight printhead movement, enabling high accelerations (3000+ mm/s²) and speeds up to 300 mm/s with minimal artifacts.
Delta: Lightweight arms allow rapid directional changes, ideal for tall prints but limited by Bowden extruders in budget models.
Cartesian: Traditional bed-flinger designs struggle with inertia at high speeds but remain reliable for detail-oriented prints.
Key Insight: CoreXY and Delta systems excel in speed due to reduced moving mass, while Cartesian printers prioritize simplicity over velocity.
Slicer Speed Settings Explained
Critical Parameters
Default Print Speed:
Governs overall extrusion movements (typically 40–100 mm/s).
Adjust incrementally (+5–10 mm/s) to avoid under-extrusion or layer shifts.
Section-Specific Speeds:
Infill: Match default speed for efficiency.
Outer Walls: Reduce to 50–75% of default speed for smoother surfaces.
First Layer: Set to 15–25 mm/s (or 50% of default) to ensure adhesion.
Travel: Increase to 150+ mm/s (Bowden systems handle higher speeds better).
Volumetric Flow Rate:
Formula: Flow Rate (mm³/s)=Nozzle Diameter (mm)×Layer Height (mm)×Speed (mm/s)Flow Rate (mm³/s)=Nozzle Diameter (mm)×Layer Height (mm)×Speed (mm/s).
Example: A 0.4mm nozzle at 0.2mm layer height and 100 mm/s requires 8 mm³/s.
Hotend Limits: Standard V6 hotends max at ~12 mm³/s, while Volcano-style reach 25+ mm³/s.
Hardware Limitations and Solutions
Extruder Types
Geared Extruders: Enable faster speeds (e.g., 300× nozzle diameter) by improving grip on filament.
Direct Drive: Better for flexible filaments but adds mass, limiting acceleration.
Nozzle and Layer Height
Rule of Thumb: Print speed ≤ 100× nozzle diameter (e.g., 40 mm/s for 0.4mm nozzle). This is just a starting point for stock older style printers, newer machines with good components can print much faster.
Layer Height: Mid-range heights (~50% nozzle diameter) balance speed and detail.
Acceleration and Jerk Settings
Acceleration: Controls how quickly the printer reaches target speeds.
High Values (3000+ mm/s²): Reduce print time but risk ghosting/ringing.
New Printers: New machines with vibration compensation can print at up to 20,000mm/s² due to reducing this ghosting/ringing effect.
Low Values: Improve surface quality at the cost of speed.
Jerk: Governs instant speed changes during direction shifts.
Typical Range: 10–20 mm/s (higher for Delta/CoreXY).
Note: Small prints may not benefit from high speeds due to limited acceleration distance.
Practical Workflow for Speed Optimization
Baseline Calibration:
Start with manufacturer-recommended speeds for your material.
Print a temperature tower and speed test model to identify limits.
Prioritize Sections:
Maximize infill and travel speeds.
Slow outer walls and first layers for quality.
Monitor Volumetric Flow:
Ensure slicer settings align with hotend capabilities (e.g., Bambu Lab X1C handles 32 mm³/s).
Adjust Mechanics:
Tighten belts and lubricate rods to reduce rattling at high speeds.
Upgrade to high-flow nozzles (e.g., CHT, Volcano) for demanding materials.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Under-Extrusion: Increase hotend temperature or reduce speed.
Ghosting/Ringing: Lower acceleration/jerk or install input shaping (Klipper).
Adhesion Failures: Slow first-layer speed and increase bed temperature.
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