The print speed calculator
With all this knowledge, it’s now time to introduce the speed calculator. The goal of this tool is to offer the most precise slicer configuration for your 3D printer. The data comes from multiple experimental tests in different configurations:
- Nozzle size
- Material
- Temperature
- Hotend
- Extruder
All these results were broke down into charts which are used in this calculator. Once you enter the desired layer parameters, the maximum printing speed is calculated. From this point, the user can choose a lower value if desired. The suggested flow is then adjusted based on the slower speed.
This flow adjustment is critical for dimensional accuracy. The pressure is reduced as the speed is farther from the maximum, thus requiring a slightly lower flow. Keeping the same flow for different speed might lead to a small difference in dimensions.
Printing with large nozzles can confuse some users as the speed might seems slow. In fact, when using a 1.00mm nozzle with a 0.50mm layer height and 1.50mm line width, the suggested speed is below 35mm/s. Many users would be tempted to guess this speed at a much higher value.
The experiments are still undergoing and the calculator will be improved with more choices and more precise values.