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Design guidelines.

Starting values for parts that print well and fit the first time.

These are recommendations, not limits. Many features go thinner, smaller or steeper than this with the right orientation, material and settings. If your design needs to, send it. We will tell you what works.

Recommended values

Wall thickness1.2 mm or more. 2 mm or more for walls that carry load.
OverhangsUp to 45° from vertical without support. Steeper needs support, which leaves a rougher face.
BridgesUp to 10 mm. Longer spans print, with some sag.
Hole diameter2 mm or more. Holes run ±0.2 mm; see tolerances.
Horizontal holesTeardrop above about 8 mm. A pointed top lets a sideways hole print round without support.
Moving clearance0.3 to 0.5 mm per side for hinges, sliders and parts printed to move.
Modeled threadsM6 or ¼″ and larger. Smaller threads are better as heat-set inserts or tapped holes.
Insert bosses1.5 mm of wall around the insert. Size the hole to the insert maker’s spec.
Raised or recessed text0.5 mm deep, 4 mm tall. Bold, simple fonts read best.
Loaded inside corners1 mm fillet or more. It cuts stress concentration and cracking.

Design for strength

  • Run the load along the layers. Printed parts are weakest across them. Tell us the load direction and we orient the part to suit.
  • Watch thin, tall features. Pins, posts and tabs that bend across layers fail first. Fillet the base or thicken them.
  • Match the material to the feature. Snap fits and hinges want a tough material. See the materials page.

Design for accuracy

  • Put precision features in the print plane where you can.
  • Keep the critical flat face on the bed. It is the flattest surface on the part.
  • Call out critical dimensions on a drawing so we can orient the part to hold them.

Files that quote fastest

A STEP file, a PDF drawing for anything critical, the quantity, and the date you need the parts. The estimator reads STEP, STL, OBJ or 3MF. For overhangs, bridging and infill in more depth, see DFAM resources.

Pushing past these?

Send it anyway. The review tells you what is achievable with the right orientation and material.

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