| 1. |
Part design having thin-features less than .030” for Std. SLA and .015”-.020” for High-
Res SLA. |
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| Solution: |
Make sure that there are features no less than .030” for Standard SLA and .015”-.020” for
High-Res SLA to ensure features build correctly. |
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| 2. |
Saving the CAD model to STL file in low-resolution setting, resulting in too much faceting
in the model. |
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| Solution: |
Typically, there should be an Edge-to-Edge distance between faces less than .020” for a
smoother finish. For more information on STL and how to save to a higher resolution file
in the most commonly used CAD packages, please visit this link. |
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| 3. |
STL file conversion error resulting from the CAD data having numerous unstitched
surfaces rather than solids. |
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| Solution: |
Make sure that the surfaces in the original CAD model are “water-tight” in that only solids
are modeled. |
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| 4. |
Part design having knife edge design where the edge thins down to zero thickness. |
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| Solution: |
Thicken any thinning/ knife edge features - which often times are found in thread designs
- in the model that are less than .030” in thickness for Std. SLA and .015”-.020” for High-
Res SLA. |
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| 5. |
Part design with enclosed hollow space, where support materials can’t be removed. |
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| Solution: |
Add a hole for the internal voids in the model to allow the removal of the support
materials. |
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| 6. |
Curvier sections of the part, such as in bottles or lids, with thickness less than the
minimal feature size. |
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| Solution: |
Thicken any features in the model with curvy sections that are less than .035” in
thickness for Std. SLA and .025” for High-Res SLA. For curvier sections that are at or near
the minimum, even thicker dimensions from the standard tolerance will increase the
probability of the part building properly. |
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| 7. |
Parts, assemblies, and threads with improper clearances and mating features. |
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| Solution: |
Typically, there should be a .015”-.020” clearance between prototype parts, which will
differ when it comes to the full production stage. |
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| 8. |
Having small text and logos features in the part model. |
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| Solution: |
Make sure that the logo and text features are no less than .030” for Standard SLA and
.015”-.020” for High-Res SLA in length, width, or thickness. |
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| 9. |
Designing living hinges to function for Rapid Prototypes. |
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| Solution: |
Living hinge design doesn’t typically function as intended in the rapid prototyping process
(with an exception of the NEW SLS Duraform EX). A simple fix would be using a normal
piece of Scotch tape to act as the hinge. |
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| 10. |
Saving in the wrong units for the STL file. |
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| Solution: |
Double check the STL file properties so that the correct unit is selected. The default units
for the Quickparts machines are in inches. |
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