How Long Does 3D Printing Take? [2024] 🕒

selective focus photo of brown and blue hourglass on stones

Have you ever wondered how long it takes to 3D print an object? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced 3D printing enthusiast, understanding the time it takes to complete a print job is crucial for planning and managing your projects. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of 3D printing and explore the factors that determine how long a print job will take. We’ll also provide you with some quick tips and facts to help you optimize your printing time. So, let’s get started and uncover the secrets of 3D printing speed!

Quick Answer

Quick Tips and Facts
Background: The Evolution of 3D Printing
Factors That Determine the Speed of 3D Printing

Optimizing Your 3D Printing Time
Choosing the Right 3D Printer for Faster Prints
The Impact of Material Choice on Printing Time

Understanding the Role of Part Size and Complexity
Exploring Different Printing Methods and Their Speeds
The Influence of Infill Pattern and Density

Quality and Layer Height: Balancing Speed and Detail
Post-Processing: The Final Step in the Printing Process
FAQ

Conclusion
Recommended Links
Reference Links

Quick Answer

The time it takes to 3D print an object can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the size, complexity, and printing technology used. In general, smaller and simpler objects can be printed in as little as 30 minutes, while larger and more complex parts may take several days to complete. It’s important to note that these are just rough estimates, and the actual printing time can vary based on various factors. To get a more accurate estimate for your specific project, it’s best to consult the documentation provided by your 3D printer manufacturer or software.

Quick Tips and Facts

The size and complexity of the object are the primary factors that determine printing time.

Different printing technologies have varying speeds, with some being faster than others.
Choosing the right materials and settings can help optimize printing time.
Post-processing steps, such as removing support structures, can add additional time to the overall process.

Now that we’ve covered the quick answer, let’s delve deeper into the factors that influence the speed of 3D printing.

Background: The Evolution of 3D Printing

a pile of red plastic balls with holes on them

Before we explore the factors that affect 3D printing time, let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible journey of 3D printing technology. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has come a long way since its inception in the 1980s. What started as a niche technology primarily used for prototyping has now evolved into a versatile tool used in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods.

The early days of 3D printing were characterized by slow and expensive machines that were limited in terms of materials and capabilities. However, advancements in technology and the availability of more affordable printers have revolutionized the industry. Today, 3D printers come in a wide range of sizes, prices, and capabilities, making them accessible to hobbyists, professionals, and businesses alike.

Factors That Determine the Speed of 3D Printing

Video: 5 things to check & tune to 3D print faster.

Now, let’s explore the key factors that influence the speed of 3D printing. Understanding these factors will help you optimize your printing time and achieve faster results.

1. Choosing the Right 3D Printer for Faster Prints

The type of 3D printer you use plays a significant role in determining the speed of your prints. Different printers employ various technologies, each with its own advantages and limitations. Here are some common types of 3D printers and their printing speeds:

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM): FDM printers, also known as filament printers, are widely used and known for their affordability. They work by extruding melted filament layer by layer to create the final object. FDM printers can vary in speed, with some models capable of printing at speeds of up to 150 mm/s. However, faster speeds can sometimes compromise print quality, so finding the right balance is essential.
Stereolithography (SLA): SLA printers use a liquid resin that is cured layer by layer using a UV light source. SLA printers are known for their high level of detail and smooth surface finish. However, they tend to be slower compared to FDM printers, with typical print speeds ranging from 20-100 mm/hour.
Digital Light Processing (DLP): DLP printers are similar to SLA printers but use a digital light projector to cure the resin. DLP printers can achieve faster print speeds compared to SLA printers, with some models capable of printing at speeds of up to 200 mm/hour.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): SLS printers use a laser to selectively fuse powdered materials, such as nylon or metal, to create the final object. SLS printers are known for their ability to produce complex and functional parts. However, they tend to be slower compared to FDM printers, with print speeds ranging from 10-100 mm/hour.

When choosing a 3D printer, consider the speed requirements of your projects and select a printer that aligns with your needs. It’s also worth noting that advancements in technology are constantly improving print speeds, so newer models may offer faster printing capabilities.

2. The Impact of Material Choice on Printing Time

The type of material you use for your 3D prints can also affect the printing time. Different materials have different properties and behaviors during the printing process, which can impact the overall speed. Here are a few factors to consider:

Viscosity: Materials with higher viscosity, such as certain resins, may require slower print speeds to ensure proper flow and adhesion. On the other hand, materials with lower viscosity, such as certain filaments, may allow for faster print speeds.

Melting Point: Materials with higher melting points, such as certain metals, may require higher temperatures and longer print times to achieve proper melting and bonding. Materials with lower melting points, such as certain thermoplastics, may allow for faster print speeds.
Layer Adhesion: Some materials require additional cooling or curing time between layers to ensure proper adhesion and structural integrity. This can add extra time to the overall printing process.

When selecting materials for your prints, consider the specific requirements of your project and choose materials that offer the right balance of properties and printing speed.

3. Understanding the Role of Part Size and Complexity

The size and complexity of the object you’re printing are significant factors that impact printing time. Generally, larger and more complex parts take longer to print compared to smaller and simpler objects. Here’s why:

Printing Time: Larger objects require more layers to complete, which naturally increases the printing time. Additionally, the time it takes to print each layer can also be influenced by the size of the print bed and the printer’s capabilities.
Support Structures: Complex designs often require support structures to ensure proper printing and prevent sagging or collapsing during the process. These support structures add extra time to the printing process, as they need to be printed and removed or dissolved afterward.

When designing your 3D models, consider the size and complexity of the object and how it will impact the overall printing time. Simplifying designs and minimizing the need for support structures can help reduce printing time.

4. Exploring Different Printing Methods and Their Speeds

Different printing methods have varying speeds, and understanding these methods can help you choose the right approach for your projects. Here are a few common printing methods and their typical speeds:

Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP): CLIP is a revolutionary 3D printing technology that uses a combination of light and oxygen to cure liquid resin into solid objects. CLIP is known for its incredible speed, with some printers capable of producing parts at speeds of up to 100 times faster than traditional SLA printers.
Binder Jetting: Binder jetting is a powder-based 3D printing method that uses a liquid binder to selectively bond layers of powder together. Binder jetting is known for its speed, with some printers capable of producing parts at speeds of up to 1000 cm³/hour.
Material Jetting: Material jetting is a 3D printing method that uses multiple print heads to deposit droplets of liquid photopolymer onto a build platform. Material jetting can achieve high speeds, with some printers capable of producing parts at speeds of up to 600 cm³/hour.

Powder Bed Fusion: Powder bed fusion is a group of 3D printing methods that use a laser or electron beam to selectively fuse powdered materials together. The speed of powder bed fusion printers can vary depending on the specific method and materials used, with typical speeds ranging from 10-100 cm³/hour.

When considering different printing methods, take into account the speed requirements of your projects and choose a method that aligns with your needs.

5. The Influence of Infill Pattern and Density

The infill pattern and density of your prints can also impact the overall printing time. Infill refers to the internal structure of a 3D printed object, which is typically filled with a pattern to provide support and strength. Here’s how infill can affect printing time:

Pattern Complexity: More complex infill patterns, such as honeycomb or gyroid, can take longer to print compared to simpler patterns like rectilinear or grid. The complexity of the pattern affects the number of movements and the time it takes to fill the internal structure.

Infill Density: Higher infill densities require more material and time to print compared to lower densities. Increasing the infill density can improve the strength and durability of the print but may also increase the overall printing time.

When choosing the infill pattern and density for your prints, consider the balance between strength, print time, and material usage. Experimenting with different settings can help you find the optimal combination for your specific needs.

6. Quality and Layer Height: Balancing Speed and Detail

The quality and layer height settings of your prints can have a significant impact on printing time. Layer height refers to the thickness of each layer that is printed, and it affects both the print quality and the overall printing time. Here’s how these settings can influence the speed of your prints:

Layer Height: Smaller layer heights result in finer details and smoother surfaces but also increase the number of layers and the overall printing time. Larger layer heights can speed up the printing process but may sacrifice some level of detail and surface quality.

Print Quality Settings: Some 3D printers offer different print quality settings, such as low, medium, and high. Higher quality settings generally result in better print quality but can significantly increase the printing time.

When choosing the quality and layer height settings for your prints, consider the desired level of detail and the time constraints of your project. Finding the right balance between speed and quality is essential for efficient printing.

7. Post-Processing: The Final Step in the Printing Process

After the printing process is complete, there are often additional post-processing steps required to prepare the printed object for its intended use. These post-processing steps can add extra time to the overall process. Here are a few common post-processing steps and their potential impact on printing time:

Support Removal: If your print required support structures, you’ll need to spend additional time removing or dissolving these supports. The time required for support removal can vary depending on the complexity of the design and the materials used.

Surface Finishing: Depending on the desired finish of your print, you may need to spend time sanding, polishing, or applying coatings to achieve the desired result. Surface finishing can add extra time to the overall process, especially for prints that require a high level of detail or a smooth surface finish.
Curing or Drying: Some materials, such as certain resins, may require additional curing or drying time after the printing process to achieve their final properties. This additional time should be taken into account when planning your projects.

When considering the total printing time, it’s important to factor in the post-processing steps to ensure accurate project planning and delivery.

FAQ

a black and white photo of a curved object

How long does 3D printing usually take?

The time it takes to 3D print an object can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the size, complexity, and printing technology used. Smaller and simpler objects can be printed in as little as 30 minutes, while larger and more complex parts may take several days to complete.

How fast can you 3D print?

The speed of 3D printing can vary depending on the specific printer and printing technology used. Some printers can achieve speeds of up to 150 mm/s for filament-based printers or 200 mm/hour for resin-based printers. However, it’s important to note that faster speeds can sometimes compromise print quality, so finding the right balance is crucial.

How long does it take to 3D print a cubic inch?

The time it takes to 3D print a cubic inch can vary depending on the specific printer and printing settings. On average, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours to print a cubic inch, depending on the size, complexity, and desired level of detail.

Is 3D printing a fast process?

Compared to traditional manufacturing methods, such as injection molding or CNC machining, 3D printing can be a relatively slow process. However, 3D printing offers unique advantages, such as the ability to create complex geometries and produce customized parts on-demand. The speed of 3D printing has improved significantly over the years, and advancements in technology continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.

Conclusion

round Timex analog clock at 2:33

In conclusion, the time it takes to 3D print an object can vary depending on several factors, including the size, complexity, printing technology, materials used, and post-processing requirements. Smaller and simpler objects can be printed in as little as 30 minutes, while larger and more complex parts may take several days to complete. It’s important to consider these factors when planning your 3D printing projects and to find the right balance between speed, quality, and functionality.

To optimize your printing time, consider choosing a 3D printer that aligns with your speed requirements, selecting materials that offer the right balance of properties and printing speed, simplifying designs to minimize print time, and experimenting with different settings to find the optimal combination of speed and quality. Additionally, planning for post-processing steps and factoring in the time required for support removal, surface finishing, and curing or drying will help ensure accurate project planning and delivery.

Remember, 3D printing is a versatile and exciting technology that continues to evolve. By understanding the factors that influence printing time and implementing best practices, you can make the most of this incredible tool and bring your ideas to life in a timely and efficient manner.

Reference Links

How Long Does 3D Printing Take? – TWI Global
Thingiverse