Print Speed vs. Quality – Finding the Balance

In 3D printing, there’s always a tension between how fast you print and the quality of your final part. Printing faster can save time but may sacrifice surface finish and detail.

What Happens When You Increase Print Speed

• Less detail: High speeds don’t give layers enough time to cool, causing smearing.

• Weak layer adhesion: Less time on each layer can mean poor bonding and reduced strength.

• Ringing and vibrations: Quick movements can create echoes or ghosting on surfaces.

When to Slow Down for Quality

• Fine features and miniatures: Slow speeds allow small details to be captured cleanly.

• Materials prone to warping: Slower prints reduce stress and warping on ABS or Nylon.

• High precision parts: Functional parts that need tight tolerances benefit from lower speeds.

Finding Your Balance

• Start with your slicer’s default speed (e.g., 50‑60 mm/s) and adjust gradually.

• Increase speed for simple shapes or draft prototypes.

• Decrease speed for overhangs, sharp corners, and decorative surfaces.

• Combine slower perimeters with faster infill to save time without sacrificing looks.

Tips for Tuning

• Adjust acceleration and jerk settings to reduce shaking at high speeds.

• Use adequate cooling: fans help solidify layers quickly.

• Don’t exceed your filament’s recommended speed; PLA prints well up to 70 mm/s, whereas TPU may need slower speeds.

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Balancing speed and quality is about matching your print settings to the part’s purpose. Dial in speeds that suit your design, material, and printer capabilities to get the best results without waiting forever.