Design Guides

All design guides are recommendations to ensure a successful outcome. dFab has the right to refuse print requests that do not follow the design guidelines set out below.

If you have a model that does not follow the design guides, we recommend submitting a consultation to discuss the project further

	FDM	MSLA	SLS
Supported Walls Minimum thickness for walls that are in contact with at least 2 other faces of the model.	0.8mm	0.5 mm	1.5mm
Unsupported Walls Minimum thickness for walls that are in contact with less than 2 other faces of the model.	1.2mm	0.8mm	1.5mm
Support Angle Maximum angle a wall can successfully be printed at without requiring support material (helpers)	45°	N/A	N/A
Unsupported Overhang Length		1.0mm
Engraved and Embossed Features Raised and Recessed surface details.	D: 0.8mm H: 1.0mm	W: 0.4mm D/H: 0.4mm	W: 4.5mm D/H: 0.3mm
Bridges The horizontal span that can successfully print without support structures.	10mm	21mm
Holes Minimum hole diameter.	min 2.0mm	min 0.5mm	min 2.0mm
Pins Minimum pin diameter	min 3.0mm	min 1.5mm	min 3.0mm
Assembly Tolerances Recommended distance between interlocking parts.			< 20 mm² : 0.2 mm < 20 mm² : 0.4 mm
Moving Parts Recommended distance between two moving or interlocking parts.	0.3mm	0.5mm	< 20 mm² : 0.3 mm > 20 mm² : 0.6 mm
Minimum Features The minimum model feature that can successfully print	2.0mm	0.2mm	0.8mm
Drainage Hole		⊘3.5mm	⊘ 5.0mm

When designing moving or interlocking parts, dFab recommends completing a range of test prints with different tolerances to ensure the desired fit.

Where possible all sharp edges should be converted to chamfers or fillets. This will alleviate stresses on the part and reduce the likelihood of cracking

Flat surfaces should feature ribbing/bracing to reduce the likelihood of warping.

Gussets can be used to increase the stiffness & strength of thin walls and extrusions

Draft angles and Gussets can be used to reduce a parts aspect ratio and reduce warping

dFab highly discourages printing large flat surfaces in MSLA or SLS

Seek alternative methods; laser cutting, hand building or FDM printing

Thin rods or columns should not be printed.

Seek alternative methods; plastic rods, trimmed filament, timber dowels etc