Helpful Knowledge
Post-Processing Basics
What is Support Material
Support material is an auxiliary structure that supports floating parts or steep angles during 3D printing. It needs to be removed after printing.
When Support is Needed
- • Parts with overhang angles of 45 degrees or more
- • Floating structures (bridge-like parts, etc.)
- • Thin protrusions or complex shapes
Basic Support Removal Steps
- Roughly remove with nippers or pliers
- Cut fine parts with a cutter
- Smooth the traces with sandpaper
Sanding Basics
Sandpaper grit is indicated by number (#), with higher numbers being finer. The basic approach is to gradually move to finer grits.
#120~#240 (Coarse)
Used for removing support traces and correcting large irregularities. Strong cutting power, used in the initial shaping stage.
#400~#600 (Medium)
Used for surface smoothing and reducing layer lines. Suitable for intermediate finishing after coarse sanding.
#800~#1200 (Fine)
Used for final polishing and pre-painting surface preparation. Can smooth the surface and create a glossy finish.
Using wet sanding paper reduces dust and provides a smoother finish.
Deburring with Cutter
Burrs are thread-like protrusions created during printing or small protrusions remaining after support removal. Remove them carefully with a cutter.
Basic Usage
- • Lay the blade flat and use in a scraping motion
- • Remove gradually, be careful not to over-cut
- • Can also be used for chamfering edges
Safe Working Methods
- • Always move the blade away from your body
- • Use a work surface, do not hold in hand
- • Replace blade immediately when dull
Simple Finishing with Heat Gun
By lightly melting the surface with a heat gun, you can make layer lines less noticeable and achieve a smooth finish.
Effects
- • Make layer lines less noticeable
- • Add gloss to the surface
- • Reduce sanding effort
Cautions
- • Do not apply to one spot continuously (causes deformation)
- • Work in a well-ventilated area
- • Appropriate temperature varies by material
Fine Adjustment with Rotary Tool
An electric small grinding tool used for carving fine parts, drilling holes, and polishing.
Main Uses
- • Carving fine parts
- • Hole expansion and shape correction
- • Finishing with polishing bits
- • Engraving and decorative work
Bit Types
- • Grinding bits: for carving
- • Diamond bits: for hard materials
- • Felt bits: for polishing finish
- • Cutting bits: for cutting
Painting Super Basics
Painting consists of three steps. Performing each step carefully results in a beautiful finish.
1. Primer (Base)
Base treatment that improves paint adhesion and color development.
- • Smooth the surface with sandpaper
- • Remove oil with degreaser
- • Apply primer thinly and evenly
- • Let it dry completely
2. Painting (Main Coat)
The step of applying color. The trick is to apply thin coats repeatedly.
- • Do not apply thick in one coat, apply thinly
- • Follow drying time (15-30 minutes)
- • Apply 2-3 coats
- • Check for unevenness
3. Clear Coat (Finish)
Transparent coating for protection and gloss.
- • After main coat is completely dry
- • Can choose glossy or matte
- • Apply thinly about 2 times
- • Let dry for 24 hours or more
Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask. Spray painting is ideally done outdoors.
Screws and Fastening Basics
Screw Types
Two main types of screws are used for fastening 3D printed parts. Use them according to the application.
Tapping Screws
Screws that can be screwed directly into resin. They create their own threads as they tighten.
Features:
- • Can be used with just a pilot hole (no threads needed)
- • Easy to install
- • Becomes loose with repeated removal
Suitable Uses:
- • Parts that will not be removed once assembled
- • Light load fastening
- • Temporary assembly or prototypes
Machine Screws (Bolts)
Screws that require threads in nuts or metal. Used in combination with insert nuts.
Features:
- • Requires nuts or insert nuts
- • Can be removed and installed repeatedly
- • Strong fastening possible
Suitable Uses:
- • Parts that need to be removed for maintenance
- • Fastening requiring strength
- • Product-level assembly
What are Insert Nuts
Insert nuts (heat-set nuts) are brass nuts that can be embedded in resin with heat. They can create metal screw holes in 3D printed parts and are a very compatible fastening method.
Benefits
- • Can be removed and installed repeatedly
- • Threads do not get damaged
- • Strong fastening possible
- • Professional quality finish
Required Tools
- • Soldering iron (about 40W)
- • Insert nuts
- • Appropriate pilot hole (during design)
Installation Steps
- Heat with soldering iron
- Press in vertically
- Until flush with surface
- Hold until cooled
Insert nuts are important parts for finishing 3D printed items to product level. Always use them for parts that require maintenance.
Meaning of M3 / M2, etc.
In screw size notation, "M" indicates metric thread standard, and the following number represents thickness (diameter).
How to Read Sizes
Commonly Used Sizes in 3D Printing
M2
M2: Small electronic devices, precision parts, miniature models, etc.
M3
M3: Most common. Small to medium parts, electronics projects, hobby use
M4
M4: Medium parts, areas requiring some strength
M5
M5: Large parts, structural materials, high-load areas
3D Data Acquisition Methods
3D data required for 3D printing can be obtained mainly through three methods. Use them according to your purpose.
1. Download from the Internet
There are many model hosting sites for 3D printing, with a vast number of models published both free and paid.
Thingiverse
Thingiverse: The largest free 3D model sharing site. Wide range from hobby to practical items.
Features: Completely free, active community
Printables
Printables: Free site operated by Prusa Research. Many high-quality models.
Features: Quality-focused, contests held
Cults3D
Cults3D: Mix of free and paid. Rich in design-oriented models.
Features: Designer works, paid models available
Nextprint
Nextprint: 3D model sharing platform operated by ELEGOO. Users worldwide can upload and download 3D data such as STL.
Features: Supports profiles and one-click printing for ELEGOO printers, while also offering versatile 3D models usable with other manufacturers' printers.
Check the license before using downloaded models. Commercial use may be prohibited in some cases.
2. Design Yourself
By creating models yourself, you can realize completely original shapes. Use two types of software according to the application.
Design Models: Blender
Features: Good at creating free-form shapes. Suitable for figures, characters, and organic shapes.
Suitable Uses:
- • Figures and characters
- • Decorative items and art works
- • Sculptural shapes
- • Animation production
Shape Creation Concept: Like kneading clay, manipulate vertices, edges, and faces to create shapes
CAD Models: Autodesk Fusion (formerly Fusion360)
Features: Can design with precise dimensions. Suitable for mechanical parts, practical items, and assembled products.
Suitable Uses:
- • Mechanical parts and industrial products
- • Precision work such as screw holes
- • Assembled products
- • Practical tools and jigs
Shape Creation Concept: Create shapes through engineering methods such as drawing sketches and extruding or rotating them
Design models are "appearance-focused," while CAD models are "dimension and function-focused" - this is easy to remember.
3. AI Automatic Generation
Recently, with the advancement of AI technology, services that can automatically generate 3D models from text or images have emerged.
Current Status and Possibilities
- • Generate 3D models from text
- • Technology to convert images to 3D
- • Still developing technology
- • Practical for small items and simple shapes
Cautions
- • Not good at complex shapes
- • Often requires corrections
- • Cannot expect precise dimensions
- • Convenient for prototype creation
AI generation is a field where further evolution is expected in the future. Currently, auxiliary use is recommended.
Useful Tools for 3D Printing Work
Precision Screwdriver
Use: Fastening small screws, installing electronic components
Recommended Sizes: +00, +0, +1, -2.0, -3.0
Magnetic tip is convenient, choose ESD-safe
Soldering Iron (for Correction)
Use: Insert nut insertion, surface correction
Recommended Output: 30-60W (with temperature control)
Ventilation required, beware of burns
Nozzle Replacement Tool
Use: Nozzle removal and installation, maintenance
Types: Socket wrench, dedicated tool
Caution when working at high temperature, use appropriate tools
Deburring Tool
Use: Hole chamfering, deburring
Types: Rotary type, fixed type
Pay attention to blade angle, use in safe direction
Clamps
Use: Fixing during processing, pressing during bonding
Types: C-clamp, bar clamp, hand vice
Use appropriate clamping force, be careful not to damage material
Glue Stick (Stationery)
Use: Regular "glue stick" that can be used when you want to slightly improve adhesion of printed objects.
Regular ones sold in stationery sections work well enough. By applying thinly to glass beds or steel plates, model adhesion becomes slightly more stable.
Apply thinly and evenly, wipe with water after printing
Magigoo (3D Printer Adhesive)
Use: For stronger adhesion, dedicated 3D printer adhesives like "Magigoo" are also convenient.
By applying to the bed, many types adhere firmly during printing and naturally peel off easily when cooled.
High effectiveness as dedicated product, price is somewhat high
3DBenchy: Standard Test Model for 3D Printer Performance Comparison
3DBenchy is a standard model for 3D printer performance testing in the shape of a small boat. It is used worldwide.
Testable Items
- • Overhang performance
- • Bridging capability
- • Detail reproduction
- • Surface finish
- • Dimensional accuracy
How to Use
- • Free download available
- • Print time: about 1-2 hours
- • Ideal for checking effects of setting changes
- • Can be used for performance comparison between models