Acceleration Tuning on a 3D printer is crucial for achieving the best balance between print speed, quality, and mechanical strain on the printer. Here’s a guide to help you through the process.
Table of Contents
Understanding Acceleration
Acceleration in 3D printing refers to how quickly the printer’s motors ramp up to the desired speed. High acceleration settings can reduce print times but may introduce issues like ghosting (echoing of features), ringing, or mechanical wear. Conversely, low acceleration settings produce smoother prints but increase print times.
Steps for Tuning Acceleration
- Prepare the Printer:
- Ensure your printer’s firmware supports changing acceleration settings.
- Level the bed and ensure the printer is properly calibrated.
- Determine Baseline Settings:
- Start with the manufacturer-recommended settings for your printer.
- These settings are typically conservative and aimed at ensuring reliable prints.
- Print a Calibration Test:
- Print a standard calibration object, such as a cube with detailed features (e.g., a Benchy or a calibration cube).
- Observe the print for any signs of ghosting, ringing, or other quality issues.
- Modify Acceleration Settings:
- Use G-code commands to adjust acceleration settings. The key commands are:
M204to set the default acceleration.M201to set maximum acceleration.
- Example:
M204 P1500sets the printing acceleration to 1500 mm/s².
- Use G-code commands to adjust acceleration settings. The key commands are:
- Test and Observe:
- Gradually increase or decrease the acceleration settings.
- Reprint the calibration object with each change.
- Note the effects on print quality and mechanical stability.
- Fine-Tuning:
- Once you find an acceleration range that works well, fine-tune the settings by making smaller adjustments.
- Test with different types of objects to ensure the settings work across various geometries and sizes.
- Save Settings:
- Once satisfied, save the settings to your printer’s firmware (if supported) or include the acceleration settings in your start G-code scripts in your slicing software.
- Use
M500to save settings to EEPROM if your firmware supports it.
Example G-code Commands
- Set printing acceleration to 1200 mm/s²:
gcode: M204 P1200
Set travel acceleration to 1500 mm/s²:
gcode: M204 T1500
Set maximum X, Y, Z, and E acceleration:
gcode:M201 X1000 Y1000 Z100 E5000
Save settings:
gcode: M500
Practical Tips
- Start Slow: Begin with low acceleration values and gradually increase them.
- Document Changes: Keep track of the changes you make and their effects.
- Holistic Approach: Combine acceleration tuning with other settings like jerk, speed, and layer height for the best results.
- Use Calibration Tools: Many slicing software and online tools can generate test patterns specifically for tuning acceleration.
By systematically tuning the acceleration settings, you can optimize your 3D printer for faster print times while maintaining or even improving print quality.
FAQs
What is 3D printer acceleration tuning?
Acceleration tuning in 3D printing refers to adjusting the speed at which the printhead (or extruder) changes velocity. Fine-tuning acceleration settings can help minimise print artefacts like ringing or ghosting while optimising print speed and quality.
Why is acceleration tuning important?
Acceleration tuning ensures that the printer doesn’t move too fast or slow when changing directions. Proper tuning reduces vibrations and ringing effects on prints, improving overall print quality, especially for sharp corners or detailed features.
What are the signs that my acceleration settings need tuning?
If you notice issues like:
Ringing or ghosting around sharp edges or corners
Blurry details on prints
Layer misalignments or small shifts in print quality …these could be indicators that your acceleration settings are too high or too low.
What happens if acceleration is set too high?
If acceleration is too high, the printer may move too abruptly, causing mechanical stress, and leading to print artefacts like ringing or ghosting. Additionally, the machine could lose accuracy, affecting the print’s dimensional integrity.
What happens if acceleration is set too low?
Setting acceleration too low will result in longer print times. The printhead will slow down excessively during direction changes, reducing overall speed. However, this may lead to smoother prints, though at the cost of efficiency.
What are typical values for acceleration settings?
Common values range between 500 mm/s² and 3000 mm/s², depending on the printer and the desired balance between speed and quality. Some high-performance printers might use even higher values, while slower machines may need lower settings.
What is the difference between acceleration and jerk in 3D printing?
Acceleration refers to how quickly the printhead can speed up or slow down when changing directions.
Jerk is the instantaneous speed change allowed without any ramp-up or ramp-down in velocity. Jerk settings influence how “suddenly” the printer can shift directions without affecting acceleration.
How do I know when I’ve tuned acceleration correctly?
You’ll know your acceleration settings are properly tuned when:
Print artefacts are minimized (no ringing, ghosting, etc.)
Print quality is consistent
Print times are efficient
The printer runs smoothly without excessive noise or vibrations.