Accuracy Test Matrix

cults3d

As a seasoned engineer, I've always relied on prototyping to validate design concepts, ensure workability, detect potential interference, and verify clearances. While 3D printed parts often appear precise, I've learned the hard way that they can harbor intolerances that wreak havoc with subsequent manufacturing processes. This epiphany struck me when, after making adjustments to my CAD files based on prototype testing, the actual CNC machined parts arrived woefully wrong. The culprit behind this fiasco was the presence of tolerances in the 3D printed parts, which, ironically, made the adjustments I'd made obsolete. To rectify this situation, I developed a clearance test setup that can be employed to pinpoint where and how your printer tends to print with errors. This valuable tool allows you to determine the precise shapes and locations where your printer's inaccuracies lie, enabling you to make informed decisions about your design and manufacturing processes.