Warping, which causes the corners of large 3D prints to lift off the build plate, can result from plastic shrinking as it cools. Large, flat surfaces with sharp corners are particularly at risk.
Brims that increase the contact area with the build plate can be used to prevent warping; wall thickness and infill pattern can also be changed. One of the most effective methods is to distribute stress by dividing the model’s broad base into smaller sections with a shallow grid. Designing models according to the strengths and weaknesses of the 3D printer can reduce printing errors while also improving the durability of the parts.
Why it matters
This issue shows that large parts are affected not only by printer settings but also by the model’s geometry and whether its design is suited to the manufacturing process. For those designing parts with sharp corners and large, flat surfaces, decisions made before printing can therefore be as important as subsequent adjustments. How stress is distributed across the base should be considered together with the part’s ability to retain its shape during printing and provide sufficient durability in use. However, the guide does not provide specific criteria for which materials, temperatures or settings should be used under which conditions, leaving open the question of how the recommendations should be applied to different types of printers and plastics.