emmanuelkatto
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Jul 31, 2024 1:44 am

Optimizing Slicing Settings for Different Filaments

Hello everyone, I am Emmanuel Katto. I’ve been experimenting with different filaments for my 3D printing projects, and I’m curious about optimizing my slicing settings in Simplify3D to achieve the best results for each material. I wanted to know:

What slicing settings (layer height, print speed, temperature, etc.) do you adjust when switching between PLA, ABS, and PETG? Are there any default profiles you recommend starting with?

When using a filament that tends to sag or warp (like ABS), how do you configure your support settings? Any tips on generating effective supports that are easy to remove afterward?

Lastly, do you have a specific test print or calibration model that you recommend for evaluating new settings or filaments?

I appreciate any insights you can share to help me refine my slicing settings for different materials.

Thank you in advance for your assistance!

Regards,
Emmanuel Katto
S3D-Jason
Posts: 1498
Joined: Sun May 31, 2015 6:01 am

Re: Optimizing Slicing Settings for Different Filaments

Most of the profiles built into Simplify3D already have settings for common materials like PLA, ABS, etc. You just click Edit Process Settings, select the profile, and then pick the material you are using from the "Auto-Configure for Material" list.

If you want to see what settings S3D changes under the hood for each material, you can click the "..." button to the right of Save As New and choose "Assign settings to categories". Anything in that list that says "Material" on the right side is a setting that gets changed for each new material. This is also the place where you can add additional settings that you want to change with the material based on your preferences.
jacktar
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Jul 29, 2020 11:53 am

Re: Optimizing Slicing Settings for Different Filaments

Iif you already have a extensive materials guide, why don't you build in the materials and associated settings into your updates so 1000's of users aren't trying to figure out how to set up new materials.... because having users go figure it out is not "simplified" I seriously can't believe that PETG is not an option for my printer.... only ABS, PLA, PVA
TheBum
Posts: 202
Joined: Fri May 18, 2018 11:13 pm

Re: Optimizing Slicing Settings for Different Filaments

If you have PLA and PETG and a dual-extruder printer, each can be used as the support material for the other and they'll bond weakly, making the supports easy to remove.
langosha
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Aug 16, 2024 12:44 am

Re: Optimizing Slicing Settings for Different Filaments

Are there any plans to expand the default materials library in Simplify3D to include more popular materials like PETG, or to improve the "Assign settings to categories" feature to make it easier for users to add new materials?
S3D-Jason
Posts: 1498
Joined: Sun May 31, 2015 6:01 am

Re: Optimizing Slicing Settings for Different Filaments

You don't typically need to use the "assign settings to categories" option to add new materials. You only need to use that if you decide to change your mind on what settings should actually be modified when you switch between materials. For example, some customers might prefer to have the print speed controlled based on the quality level, but others might prefer to change that based on the material. You use "assign settings to categories" to change which option controls that setting.

If you want to add a new material, you just click the "..." button beside the material choices and choose "Add new Material option". You enter a name for the material and then change whatever settings you need for that material.

Return to “General Discussion and Tips”