(New to 3D printing), filament width compensation

[SFX Group]

Hi all

I am using Matter Control, i dont have a printer yet, but looking at the SeeMeCNC Rostock MAX™ v2 as i need to print 4x8x12 inch parts, however the question is this, as there will be tight interference fit (one part has a 0.5inch diameter pole to fit a 0.5inch diameter hole so they fit together).

I notice the filament would be maybe 0.4mm wide (i think, as this is the nozzle width), so does this software compensate for this or am i going to need change the drawing to compensate for it? (which i hope not, the same drawings are using by another project people meaning they then cant use them as this would be for this printer only).

[geneb]

The filament going IN to the hot end has a nominal diameter of 1.75mm. When you start with a new roll of filament, take 10 measurement samples along a 2 meter length and average them. Put the resulting value in the filament diameter field when you set up a new filament in MC.

Keep in mind that holes are a finicky thing with 3D printers. You can read about the issue here: http://hydraraptor.blogspot.com/2011/02/polyholes.html

g.

[SFX Group]

Hi

Thanks, so to clarify, does the "slicer" "try" to compensate for the filament on printing?

I can design items with less interference fit holes, i can also put them in locations they can be "slight" touched up with sand paper, but i would like to know before i go about designing hardware to print.

[geneb]

It doesn't "try" to compensate, it does. By giving the slicer an accurate filament diameter to work with, you'll get more accurate and better looking parts. For example, if your filament diameter is 1.69 and your slicer thinks it is 1.75, the print will look like crap because what the printer is being fed is vastly different from what the slicer used to calculate the flow rate with.

g.

[SFX Group]

It doesn't "try" to compensate, it does. By giving the slicer an accurate filament diameter to work with, you'll get more accurate and better looking parts. For example, if your filament diameter is 1.69 and your slicer thinks it is 1.75, the print will look like crap because what the printer is being fed is vastly different from what the slicer used to calculate the flow rate with.

g.

Thanks for the clarification...

[geneb]

You're welcome!

g.