| Use Case | Layer Height | Infill | Supports | Notes |
|---|
| Quick test / prototype | 0.30 mm | 10% | As needed | “Draft” - fastest, roughest |
| Standard project | 0.20 mm | 15-20% | As needed | Best all-around starting point |
| Functional part | 0.20 mm | 30-40% | As needed | Use for parts under stress |
| Fine detail / display | 0.15 mm | 15% | As needed | Smoother surface; slower |
| Solid reference part | 0.20 mm | 40-50% | Rarely | Rarely needed; long print |
| Filament | Nozzle Temp | Bed Temp | Notes |
|---|
| PLA | 200-210C | 50-60C | Easiest to print; Anycubic default |
| PETG | 230-240C | 70-80C | Use painter’s tape on steel bed |
| TPU | 220-235C | 30-50C | Reduced speed recommended (25-30 mm/s) |
| ABS | 240-250C | 100-110C | Requires ventilation; enclosed chamber recommended |
Always check the temperature range on your filament spool - it may vary by brand.
| Overhang Angle | Supports Needed? | Recommended Setting |
|---|
| < 45 | No | None |
| 45-60 | Maybe | Preview first; add if sagging |
| > 60 | Yes | Tree supports (Cura) recommended for easier removal |
| Bridge < 20 mm | No | Bridges usually fine |
| Bridge > 20 mm | Maybe | Preview; consider reorienting |
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|
| Print not adhering to steel bed | Poor bed leveling / tape worn | Re-level nozzle; refresh painter’s tape |
| Filament oozing on travel | Temperature too high | Lower temp 5C; check Z-hop setting |
| Rough bottom layer | Bed too close | Use leveling knob to adjust distance |
| Print takes too long | Layer height too thin / infill too high | Use 0.30mm draft; reduce infill to 10% |
| Holes too small | FDM tolerance - always undersized | Add 0.2-0.3mm to hole diameter |
| Part broke at layer boundary | Weak axis perpendicular to layers | Reorient so load is parallel to layers |
| Clogs at nozzle | Moisture in filament / debris | Dry filament; clean nozzle with needle |
| Spaghetti / complete failure | Bed not leveled or supports missed | Run leveling; add supports or reorient |
Before exporting, confirm:
Anycubic. (2024). Anycubic i3 Mega official documentation. https://www.anycubic.com/
Ultimaker. (2024). Cura slicing software guide. https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura
Teaching Tech. (2024). 3D printer calibration guide. https://www.youtube.com/@TeachingTech