Description: Discover seven practical Stratasys 3D printing tips to improve part quality, accuracy, surface finish, and consistency from design to post-processing.
Great 3D printing results do not happen by chance. From the initial CAD model to material selection and post-processing, every decision can influence the quality, accuracy, and performance of the finished part.
Whether you’re using Stratasys technology for prototyping, tooling, design validation, or production applications, these seven practical tips can help you achieve more consistent, high-quality results.
- Start with a Print-Ready 3D Model
A successful print starts with a well-prepared digital model. Before printing, check your CAD geometry for thin walls, open surfaces, overlapping features, or details that may be difficult to reproduce.
Designing with additive manufacturing in mind can also reduce potential printing issues and make post-processing easier.
- Choose the Right Material for the Job
Material selection should be based on the part’s intended application—not just appearance.
Consider whether the part requires strength, flexibility, heat resistance, durability, or fine visual detail. Stratasys offers engineering-grade FDM thermoplastics and PolyJet photopolymers for a wide range of applications.
Matching the material to the performance requirement helps ensure the finished part does what you need it to do.
- Optimise Part Orientation
How you position a model on the build platform can affect surface quality, strength, support requirements, build time, and dimensional results.
For FDM parts, orientation is particularly important because mechanical properties can vary depending on the build direction. Critical surfaces and the direction of expected loads should therefore be considered before printing.
Stratasys GrabCAD Print can also help users prepare and optimise model orientation for compatible systems.
- Select the Right Layer Height
A finer layer height can provide better detail and smoother surfaces, but it may also increase printing time.
Instead of automatically selecting the finest resolution, consider the purpose of the part. A visual prototype with intricate features may benefit from finer layers, while a functional fixture or early-stage prototype may prioritise speed.
The best setting is the one that balances quality, functionality, and productivity.
- Be Smart About Support Material
Supports are necessary for many complex geometries, but excessive support can increase material consumption and post-processing.
Smart orientation can help minimise unnecessary supports. You should also consider how easily support material can be removed, particularly around internal channels, cavities, and intricate features.
Think about support removal during design—not after the print is complete.
- Review the Build Before You Print
A quick build review can prevent wasted machine time and material.
Stratasys GrabCAD Print provides tools for preparing models, arranging parts, adjusting settings, and previewing builds before sending a job to compatible printers.
Taking a few extra minutes to verify your setup is particularly valuable for large parts, multi-part builds, and longer print jobs.
- Plan Post-Processing from the Beginning
Printing is only one stage of the additive manufacturing workflow.
Depending on the application, a part may require support removal, cleaning, sanding, painting, assembly, or inspection. Considering these requirements during the design stage can make finishing easier and help achieve the desired result.
Better Parts Start Before You Press Print
There is no single setting that guarantees the perfect 3D printed part. Consistent results come from optimising the entire process:
Design → Material → Orientation → Print Settings → Supports → Build Preparation → Post-Processing
By taking a complete workflow approach, manufacturers can reduce unnecessary trial and error while getting more value from their Stratasys 3D printing technology.
Ready to Get More from Your 3D Printing Workflow?
Every application has different requirements. Whether you’re improving an existing process, choosing a right material, or exploring Stratasys technology for a new application, IME’s 3D printing specialists can help you identify the right solution for your needs.
Talk to our expert to discuss your application and take the next step towards more consistent, high-quality 3D printed parts.
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