How Good Are 3D Printers?

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

<p style=”text-align: left;”>I recently found myself needing some 1:35 scale horse figures for a model.</p>
I scanned a roughly 7″ tall china ornament with my Creality scanner, and printed it on my K1 max. I made a miscalculation and scaled it to be far too small.

I was astounded by the print quality. I used adaptive layer heights and smoothing (not even at the highest settings) and I was using a near new nozzle (my first in over 2½ years -a steel one lasts much, much longer than brass). This was an economy brand of PLA+, about £11 a kg.

I put down nearly all of the recent improvements in quality to three things:

1. Continual improvements in slicing software, such as arachne walls and better support.
2. Better filament including knowing which budget brands work reliably.
3. Good filament care, including drying.

Even five years ago, I would not have thought this quality was possible.

What are your views / experiences?

Neil

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