Better Cooling

Guide

Proper cooling is essential for high-quality prints. Here are some tips for better cooling:

1. Use a Cooling Fan: Ensure your printer has a cooling fan directed at the print. This helps solidify the filament quickly and improve print quality.
2. Adjust Fan Speed: Set the fan speed according to the filament type. PLA typically requires higher fan speeds, while ABS and PETG may require lower speeds or no cooling.
3. Use Layer Cooling: Enable layer cooling for better layer adhesion. This can be done in your slicing software.
4. Print Multiple Objects: Printing multiple objects can give layers more time to cool. This is especially useful for small prints.
5. Optimize Print Speed: Slower print speeds can improve cooling. This gives the filament more time to solidify before the next layer is applied.

Additional Tips

• Use a Ducted Fan: A ducted fan can direct airflow more precisely to the print area. This can improve cooling efficiency.
• Monitor Cooling: Watch the print to ensure the cooling fan is working properly. Adjust the fan speed or position as needed.
• Use a Cooling Tower: Print a cooling tower to test different fan speeds and find the optimal setting for your filament.

Example Procedure

1. Install a Cooling Fan: Ensure your printer has a cooling fan installed and directed at the print area.
2. Adjust Fan Speed: Set the fan speed according to the filament type. For example, 100% for PLA, 50% for ABS.
3. Enable Layer Cooling: Enable layer cooling in your slicing software.
4. Print Multiple Objects: Print multiple small objects to give layers more time to cool.
5. Optimize Print Speed: Reduce print speed to improve cooling. Start with a speed of 40-60mm/s and adjust as needed.

By following these steps, you can achieve better cooling and improve the overall quality of your prints.