3D model file format
File format for 3D models that the printer can handle.
Projects of 3D models are created using special programs (CAD — computer-aided design systems), while such programs can use different file formats, often incompatible with each other. This information can be useful both for selecting CAD for a specific printer model, and for assessing whether ready-made projects are suitable for printing on the selected model.
Among the most common file extensions nowadays (in alphabetical order) are — .3ds, .amf, .ctl, .dae, .fbx, .gcode, .obj, .slc, .stl, .ply, .vrml, .zrp.
Compatible software
Software for building models which the printer is optimally compatible with. The software used for 3D printing includes both CAD (automatic design systems for creating models) and slicers (software that break a three-dimensional model into separate layers, preparing it for printing). Therefore, this paragraph often indicates a whole list of software products.
Note that the degree of optimization in this case may be different: some models are compatible only with the claimed programs, but many printers are able to work with third-party CAD systems. However, it is best to choose software directly claimed by the manufacturer: this will maximize the capabilities of the printer and minimize the chance of failures and “inconsistencies” during operation.
Object dimensions (HxWxD)
The maximum dimensions of a product that can be printed on a 3D printer in one cycle.
The larger the dimensions of the model, the wider the choice for the user, the greater the variety of sizes available for printing. On the other hand, "large-sized" printers take a lot of space, and this parameter significantly affects the cost of the device. In addition, while printing a large model with FDM/FFF (see "Printing Technology"), larger nozzles and higher print speeds are desirable — and these features negatively affect detailing and the print quality of tiny objects. Therefore, while choosing, you should not aim the utmost maximum sizes — you should realistically assess the dimensions of the objects that you're going to print, and proceed from these data (plus a small margin in case of unexpected moments). In addition, we note that a large product can be printed in parts, and then piece these parts together.
Object volume
The largest volume of an object that can be printed on a printer. This indicator directly depends on the maximum dimensions (see above) — usually, it corresponds to these dimensions multiplied by each other. For example, dimensions of 230x240x270 mm will correspond to a volume of 23*24*27 = 14,904 cm³, that is, 14.9 litres.
The exact meaning of this indicator depends on the printing technology used (see above). These data are fundamental for photopolymer technologies SLA and DLP, as well as for powder SHS: the volume of the model corresponds to the amount of photopolymer/powder that needs to be loaded into the printer to print the product to the maximum height. If the size is smaller, this amount may decrease proportionally (for example, printing a model at half the maximum height will require half the volume), however, some printers require a full load regardless of the size of the product. In turn, for FDM/FFF and other similar technologies, the volume of the model is more of a reference value: the actual material consumption there will depend on the configuration of the printed product.
As for specific figures, the volume
up to 5 litres can be considered as small,
from 5 to 10 litres — medium,
more than 10 litres — large.
Kinematics
Kinematics in 3D printers is a way of organizing the movement of the print head and bed along the X, Y, and Z axes. The chosen kinematics affect the speed, accuracy, and reliability of the printing process. The most common types are:
— Bed Slinger (Core XZ). This design type features a bed that moves forward and backward (Y-axis), while the head with the nozzle moves left-right and up-down simultaneously (X and Z axes). In this system, vertical movement (height) is done not by raising the entire bed, as in some other printers, but by the head itself. This simplifies the device, making it lighter and cheaper, as well as allowing for printing tall parts with good stability.
— Core XY. An advanced design where the print head moves horizontally: left-right (X-axis) and forward-backward (Y-axis), while the bed moves up and down (Z-axis). Unlike traditional schemes, here the head movement is ensured by two belts that work in harmony, allowing it to move quickly and smoothly. The motors remain stationary and do not travel with the head, so the moving part is light and doesn't vibrate during operation. This results in high printing speed, accuracy, and neat layers, especially on large models. Simply put, CoreXY is smart mechanics for those who want fast, quiet, and high-quality printing.
— Delta. A unique and spectacular design where the print head is suspended on three vertical columns with moving carriages. These carriages move up and down, and thanks...to their coordinated work, the head moves in all directions: left-right (X-axis), forward-backward (Y-axis), and up-down (Z-axis). This system allows for very smooth and fast movements, especially suitable for tall models and complex curves. Delta printers are fast and quiet but require precise calibration and settings.
Print speed
The print speed provided by an FDM/FFF type 3D printer (see "Print Technology").
The print speed in this case is the maximum amount of material that can pass through a regular nozzle per second. The higher this value (
150 mm/s,
180 mm/s ,
200 mm/s and
above), the faster the printer is able to cope with a particular task. Of course, the actual production time will depend on the configuration of the printing model and the print settings, but other things being equal, a printer with a higher speed will operate faster. On the other hand, an increase in speed requires an increase in heating power (because the extruder has time to melt the required volume of material), blowing power (otherwise the plastic will not have time to solidify normally), as well as stricter control of the movement of the extruder (to compensate for inertia from fast movements). So, generally, this spec strongly depends on the price category and specialization of the device, and it’s worth looking specifically for a “fast” model in cases where the speed of production is critical. Otherwise, a
100 mm/s model or
120 mm/s is sufficient, or even less.
Heating bed temperature
Maximum heating temperature in 3D printers with heated bed (for more details, see the relevant paragraph). The higher the limit, the more varieties of plastic can be used for printing. So, models with heating up to 100 °C are suitable for 3D printing with PLA plastic, with a bed temperature of 100 to 120 °C — for working with ABS plastic and nylon, high-temperature ones — allow the use of polycarbonate and refractory varieties of plastic.
Extruder (nozzle) temperature
The heating temperature provided by the extruder in an FDM/FFF or PJP printer (see Printing Technology) .
Compatibility with this or that printed material directly depends on this parameter. For example, for PLA plastic, temperature range 180 – 230 °C is required, for ABS it will require 220 – 250 °C, and for polycarbonate — at least 270 °C. The temperature definitely should not be too low — otherwise the material simply cannot melt normally. But the margin in most cases is quite acceptable — for example, many PLA-compatible models operate at temperatures of about 250 °C, or even 280 °C.
Thus, a higher operating temperature enhances the printer's capabilities and its compatibility with various types of thermoplastics. On the other hand, the more the material is heated, the worse it cools down; to ensure sufficient solidification efficiency, one must either reduce the printing speed (which increases the time required) or increase the blowing intensity (which affects the cost). Well, anyway, while choosing, you should focus primarily on filaments, which compatibility is directly indicated in the specs.
Number of extruders
The number of separate extruders provided by the design of the FDM/FFF printer or other similar technology (see "Print Technology"). The extruder consists of a melting chamber with a heater and a nozzle through which the molten thermoplastic is fed; the models with CJP technology, have an injector nozzle. Anyway, the number of extruders is actually the number of nozzles the printer has.
Most modern 3D printers have one nozzle, but there are also more — most often
two extruders, and in some models up to five. Anyway, the presence of several nozzles significantly expands the printing possibilities. So, a pair of extruders allows you to print with different materials — the main one (for example, ABS) and additional for creating supports for overhanging parts (for example, HIPS — see "Filament Material"). At the same time, if there is no need for such functionality, one nozzle can be used. In addition, several extruders make it possible to combine plastic parts of different colours in the design, and full colour printing with any shade is also found in CJP devices.
The specific functionality of a printer with multiple extruders should be specified separately, but anyway it is wider than that of models with a single nozzle. On the other hand, an increase in the number of extruders significantly affects the cost. Therefore, it is worth looking for a model for more than one nozzle in cases where additional features are cri
...tical. In this regard, it is also worth noting that some printers are available in several modifications that differ in the number of extruders.