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How Long Does 3D Printing Take?

Updated: Mar 15, 2022

The answer to the question "How long does 3D printing take?" depends on the object being printed and the type of printer used. A simple hollow cube can take only five minutes to print, while a large, complex object may take hundreds of hours to complete. The time it takes to process a print depends on the size and type of material used by the 3D printer, as well as the slicer settings.



Factors Affecting 3D Printing Speed


Depending on the complexity of the model, the 3D printing speed may take minutes or even days to complete. In addition, there are different types of 3D printers and different materials that can affect the length of the print speed process and also the cost. Please read our article, how much does 3d printing cost? For more information on 3d printing and 3d scanning and pricing visit our site now.



Layer Thickness


Shorter objects take less time to create than taller ones. This is because they require fewer vertical layers. In addition, a larger object will take more printing time because of the material used. As a general rule, the more complicated the object, the longer it will take. But there are some exceptions to this rule.


When it comes to the layer thickness, the taller the part is, the longer it will take. For example, a 4x4x8 part will have longer print time than a 5x5x5 part. Because the parts are taller, they’ll require more passes and layers. The building height is the most important factor for the printing time. Depending on the complexity of the 3D model, it may take several hours to complete.



Slicing Software Used


This is one of the most important aspects of the process. After you upload your design to a 3D printing site, it will calculate the time needed to print your object. The duration of the print may range anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, but it’s best to consult a professional for the most accurate estimate. If you have a lot of parts to print, the setup time of the printer will be much lower.


Using a variety of techniques, you can save on the amount of filament and time needed to print a specific object. For example, by utilizing adaptive layer settings, you can save time and money on 3D printing.


Simply, the print time will depend on the size and complexity of the object. Typically, the higher the layer height, the larger the part will be. The process will also take longer to print large objects, but it’ll be worth it in the end.


Size of the Object


The dimensions of an object are the most important factor when determining the time needed to print something. A large part may take 200 to 300 hours while smaller parts might only take five to ten minutes. If your part is complex or tall, you’ll need to add more to the printing time. Generally, the process of 3D printing can take anywhere from two to seven days with most common-sized objects.



Speed of the Printer


The printing speed of a 3D printer can range from 30mm/s to as high as 150mm/s. However, the speed of a 3D printer will also depend on the material used to create the object. In addition, the quality of the object will determine how long the process takes. Then, you should take note of the speed of your chosen model.




Print Head


When it comes to the time it takes to finish a 3D print, the configuration of the print head and printing material is an important factor. An FDM printer, for example, melts plastic like a hot glue gun, whereas SLS, SLA Printers, and PolyJet use lasers to solidify liquid photopolymers. Since there are more variables involved in a 3D print, the process of creating a model will take longer. It’s essential to use the proper tools to make sure you get the most out of your 3D printing.



To learn more about 3D printing or to get started with your project, contact us.

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