Guides
Practical DfAM guides, free to read.
The design rules we teach in courses and enforce in engagements — condensed into guides you can apply on today's part. No sign-up required.
FDM wall thickness
Minimum and recommended wall thickness for FDM 3D printing, by nozzle size and use case.
Read the guide 6 min readOverhang angles
Where the 45° overhang rule comes from, when it's wrong, and the chamfer, teardrop, and bridging techniques that let you design FDM parts with no supports at all..
Read the guide 8 min read3D printing tolerances
Realistic dimensional tolerances for FDM, SLA, SLS, MJF and metal AM.
Read the guide 8 min readChoosing the right 3D printing process, defensibly
A practical filter for choosing between FDM, SLA, SLS, MJF, metal PBF, binder jetting and DED.
Read the guide 5 min readThe DfAM checklist
A 30-point Design for Additive Manufacturing checklist covering process fit, geometry, orientation and strength, materials, and release.
Read the guide 9 min read3D printing materials compared
PLA vs PETG vs ABS vs ASA vs Nylon vs PC.
Read the guide 7 min readInfill density and patterns
How infill density and pattern affect 3D print strength, weight and print time.
Read the guide 8 min read3D printing supports
When 3D printing supports are required, support types (normal vs tree, soluble vs breakaway), interface settings for clean removal, and design techniques to eliminate supports..
Read the guide 7 min readPrint orientation and strength
Why FDM parts are weak across layers, how print orientation controls strength, surface finish and supports, and how to orient parts so loads run along layers, not across them..
Read the guide 7 min readSnap-fit and living hinge design for 3D printing
How to design cantilever snap-fits and living hinges for FDM: material choice, print orientation, deflection and strain limits, and the geometry that survives repeated flexing..
Read the guideBeyond the guides
Turn rules of thumb into a repeatable skill.
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