High Volume 3D Printing: The Revolution of Large Scale Production

Index

1. Introduction to Large-Format 3D Printing
2. Large-Scale 3D Printing with TRIDEO
3. Layer Heights: Defining the Finish and Print Time
4. Print Times for Large-Volume Parts
5. Finishing and Post-Processing of Large-Volume Parts
6. Materials Used in Large-Volume 3D Printing
7. Applications of Large-Volume 3D Printing
8. Conclusion

‍

‍

1. Introduction

3D printing has evolved tremendously in recent years, enabling the production of parts that are increasingly larger, faster to produce, and with better finishes. At Trideo, we’ve been taking 3D printing to the next level for several years now with our Big T printer , a machine with a 1 m³ print volume that allows us to produce large objects with precision and efficiency.

If you're looking to print large-volume parts, it's essential to understand key factors such as layer height, print times, finishes, and the materials used. In this article, we'll explain how we optimize our large-scale prints for their various industrial applications.

‍

2. Large-Scale 3D Printing with Trideo

Our Big T 3D Printer allows us to produce parts up to 1 cubic meter (1000x1000x1000 mm) in size—a capability that few companies in the 3D printing industry offer. Thanks to this technology and the capabilities of this 3D printer model, we can print everything from industrial prototypes to furniture and decorative pieces.

‍

Benefits of high-volume printing with the BigT:

• Fewer assemblies: Complete parts can be printed without the need to join smaller pieces, ensuring greater strength and a better aesthetic finish without visible seams.
• Optimization of production time: Instead of performing multiple prints with small-volume 3D printers, which require assembly time, we manufacture a single, large-scale part. Thanks to our high-flow extrusion system, we guarantee fast, high-quality printing.
• Greater versatility in applications: From works of art to mechanical prototypes, a larger print volume opens up a world of new applications.

‍

‍

3. Layer Heights: Defining the Finish and Print Time

Layer height is one of the key factors in 3D printing. It refers to the thickness of each layer deposited during the manufacturing process and affects both visual quality and print time.

Our 3D printers are equipped with high-flow extruders and nozzles of various sizes, allowing us to print with a wide range of layer heights. We offer nozzles ranging from 0.6 mm for finer details to 2.5 mm for thicker layers, each optimized for different height ranges, providing flexibility to meet the needs of each project.

The Most Common Layer Heights in High-Volume 3D Printing and Their Impact:

• 0.3 mm – 0.5 mm: High resolution, detailed finish, but long print times.
• 0.6 mm – 0.9 mm: A balance between print quality and print speed.
• 0.9 mm – 1.5 mm or more: Fast printing , ideal for prototypes and large parts where fine detail is not crucial.

On our Big T printer, we adjust the layer height based on the part’s intended use. For sculptures or decorative elements, we use thinner layers to achieve a detailed finish, while for functional structures, we use thicker layers to optimize print times without compromising strength.

‍

4. Print Times for Large-Volume Parts

Printing time depends on several factors, such as the size of the piece, the layer height, and the infill material used. For large-scale prints, the time can range from a few hours to several days.

Factors that affect print time:

• Layer height: The greater the layer height, the shorter the print time.
• Internal fill: A higher fill percentage increases strength, but also increases print time.
• Print speed: We adjust the speed based on the material and the part's geometry.

3D printing parameters are defined in collaboration with the client to find the ideal balance between resolution, strength, and the cost of the final project. The price of a 3D print depends primarily on the material used and the production time, which are key factors in optimizing the process.

‍

5. Finishing and Post-Processing of Large-Volume Parts

The surface finish of a 3D-printed part depends on both the layer height and the print settings. However, for large parts, it is common to perform post-processing steps to improve their appearance and strength.

Compared to parts printed on smaller 3D printers, large-format prints are more likely to have a more pronounced texture and greater relief due to the use of thicker layers. While smaller printers generally use layer heights between 0.15 mm and 0.3 mm, we use layer heights of 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm for large-format prints.

As a result, the finish is different: the layers of plastic are much more visible, which in many cases requires a post-processing step, especially for aesthetic pieces such as sculptures.

‍

‍

Some finishing techniques include:

• Sanding and polishing: To smooth out visible lines between layers.
• Coatings and Paints: We apply primers and paints to enhance the visual appearance.

Through these processes, we produce finished pieces with a professional finish, ready for use in industrial, artistic, or commercial projects.

‍

6. Materials Used in Large-Volume 3D Printing

For our large-scale prints, we primarily use PLA (polylactic acid), a biodegradable material that is easy to print with.

Advantages of PLA in high-volume 3D printing:

• Good surface quality without the need for complex adjustments.
• Less warping compared to other materials.
• A variety of colors and finishes are available.

For specific applications, we also work with other materials such as PETG or ABS, depending on the requirements and the size of the project.

7. Applications of Large-Volume 3D Printing

Thanks to its ability to print large objects, the Big T allows us to work in a variety of industries, such as:

• Architecture and Construction: Architectural models , decorative elements, concrete molds.
• Set Design and Art: Sets , sculptures, structures for events.
• Industrial prototyping: Creation of large-format functional parts.
• Furniture and Design: Custom tables, chairs, lamps, and decorative items.

These applications open up a world of possibilities for companies and designers seeking innovative and customized solutions.

8. Conclusion

Large-volume 3D printing has revolutionized the manufacturing of large, custom parts, making it possible to reduce costs, optimize production times, and expand the range of applications across various industries.

At Trideo, with our Big T printers, we offer prints with a volume of up to 1 m³, guaranteeing quality, precision, and a wide range of customization options. If you're looking to manufacture large parts using the best 3D printing technology,contact us and find out what we can do for you!

‍

‍

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How large can the parts you 3D print be?

Thanks to our Big T printer, we can print single pieces with a volume of up to 1 m³ without the need for additional assembly. For larger projects, we can assemble multiple pieces to achieve even larger volumes.

2. How long does a large-volume 3D print take?

It depends on the layer height, the infill, and the part's geometry. Some prints can take hours, while others may take days.

3. What materials do you use for large-scale 3D printing?

We mainly use PLA, but we also work with PETG and ABS for specific applications.

4. Is it possible to paint or modify the parts after printing them?

Yes, we perform post-processing steps such as sanding, painting, and applying coatings to improve the final finish.

5. What types of projects can benefit from large-volume 3D printing?

From architecture and construction to art, set design, industrial prototyping, and interior design, large-format 3D printing has a wide range of applications.

6. Is it possible to print large objects with thin layer heights, as with conventional 3D printers?

Technically, yes! However, the print times would be excessively long, making the process impractical and inefficient for most projects.