How to Make the Perfect 3D Printed Part: An Engineer’s Practical Guide

When it comes to 3D printing, hitting “print” is only the last step of the process. If you want a part that’s strong, accurate, and actually looks great, you need to think about the entire journey—from design to finishing. Over the years, I’ve learned that a little extra attention to detail at each stage pays off big in the final result.

Here’s a practical, engineer-friendly guide to help you create your best 3D printed parts yet.

1: Start with a Thoughtful Design

A great print starts long before the printer warms up.

• Design for 3D printing, not just CAD. Use features like fillets, ribs, and gussets to add strength without adding bulk.
• Think about layer direction. Parts are strongest along the layer lines—so orient your model so the stress runs the right way.
• Plan for assembly. If your design has mating parts, leave small clearances (0.15–0.3 mm) to avoid that “too tight” fit.

2: Calibrate Your Printer (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)

Even the best design will fail if your printer isn’t dialed in.

• Make sure your bed is level and the nozzle height is set just right—your first layer will thank you.
• Double-check your extrusion settings and run a quick temperature tower test to see where your material performs best.
• Keep your machine clean: tighten belts, oil moving parts, and clear any dust from the rails.

3: Pick Quality Materials and Store Them Right

Good prints start with good filament. Moisture is a silent killer—it causes stringing, poor layer bonding, and weak parts. Store your spools in airtight containers with desiccant, or use a filament dryer.

If you need strength, look into carbon-fiber-reinforced or glass-filled filaments.

4: Fine-Tune Your Print Settings

• Layer height: Go smaller (around 0.12 mm) for fine detail, bigger (0.2 mm+) for speed.
• Infill: Use more for strength (50%+), less for lightness (15–25%).
• Speed: Slowing down to 40–50 mm/s can make a big difference in quality.
• Supports: Use only where necessary—removing them can damage the part’s surface if you’re not careful.

5: Keep an Eye on the Print

It’s tempting to hit print and walk away, but even a quick mid-print check can save you hours. Warping, spaghetti failures, or clogged nozzles are much easier to fix early.

6: Post-Process Like a Pro

Your part may be functional out of the printer, but finishing steps can take it to the next level.

• Sanding removes layer lines for a smoother surface.
• Vapor smoothing (for certain materials) can give a polished, injection-molded look.
• Heat-treating can even make some prints stronger.

Perfect 3D printed parts aren’t about luck—they’re the result of good design, a well-tuned printer, quality materials, and some patience. Take the time to tweak, test, and improve with each project, and you’ll notice your parts getting better and better.

If you have 3D printing requirements, please contact us or view our 3D printing services. We have the easiest way to source high-quality 3D printed prototypes and production parts. ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and AS9100 certified.