A tool designed for fused deposition modeling (FDM) determines the optimal extrusion volume of filament per unit of time. This optimization process considers factors such as nozzle diameter, printing speed, layer height, and filament type. For example, a calculation might determine that a 0.4mm nozzle printing at 50mm/s with a 0.2mm layer height requires an extrusion rate of 5.2 mm/s for a specific PLA filament.
Precise extrusion control is crucial for successful 3D printing. Insufficient extrusion leads to under-extrusion, characterized by gaps and weak prints. Excessive extrusion results in over-extrusion, causing blobs, stringing, and dimensional inaccuracies. Historically, achieving the correct extrusion rate relied heavily on trial and error. These tools provide a more scientific approach, saving time and material while improving print quality and consistency.