Keeping Records of Your Prints

[old man emu]

Getting the hang of making good 3D prints is a Trial and Error process, learning from our mistakes and successes. However, we often will need to review how we set up a particular print, so we need a way to record the print variables. I have made up a simple spread sheet into which I can enter all the variables used in a print, comments on how the print turned out, and information such as the time to print and quantity of filament used.

Here is a pdf which can be used to create your spreadsheet. 3D Printing Records.pdf

Old Man Emu

[Davo]

Thanks, OME. Many new users don't realize that good record keeping is critical to zeroing in on the perfect recipe for a particular material and gcode combination.

[CaptainObvious]

Getting the hang of making good 3D prints is a Trial and Error process, learning from our mistakes and successes. However, we often will need to review how we set up a particular print, so we need a way to record the print variables. I have made up a simple spread sheet into which I can enter all the variables used in a print, comments on how the print turned out, and information such as the time to print and quantity of filament used.

Here is a pdf which can be used to create your spreadsheet. 3D Printing Records.pdf

Old Man Emu

You can also check the G-Code to see the parameters of the print... well, at least with Slic3r, it appends all the parameters to the G-Code, I've found that very useful.
I just checked and Cura appends only the layer height, extrusion width and fill density to the G-Code.

[Roxy]

Thanks, OME. Many new users don't realize that good record keeping is critical to zeroing in on the perfect recipe for a particular material and gcode combination.

When I have a bad print... I just want to forget it and have it go away.

[CaptainObvious]

Here's an example of what Slic3r adds to the G-Code

; generated by Slic3r 1.1.1 on 2014-05-13 at 23:39:17

; perimeters extrusion width = 0.30mm
; infill extrusion width = 0.40mm
; solid infill extrusion width = 0.40mm
; top infill extrusion width = 0.40mm

***G-Code goes here***

; filament used = 2254.9mm (5.7cm3)

; avoid_crossing_perimeters = 0
; bed_size = 230,250
; bed_temperature = 0
; bridge_acceleration = 0
; bridge_fan_speed = 100
; bridge_flow_ratio = 1
; bridge_speed = 60
; brim_width = 5
; complete_objects = 0
; cooling = 1
; default_acceleration = 0
; disable_fan_first_layers = 1
; duplicate_distance = 6
; end_gcode = M104 S0 ; turn off temperature\nG1 Y230 ; move bed out\nM84 ; disable motors
; external_perimeter_speed = 70%
; external_perimeters_first = 0
; extruder_clearance_height = 20
; extruder_clearance_radius = 20
; extruder_offset = 0x0
; extrusion_axis = E
; extrusion_multiplier = 1
; fan_always_on = 0
; fan_below_layer_time = 60
; filament_diameter = 1.8
; first_layer_acceleration = 0
; first_layer_bed_temperature = 0
; first_layer_extrusion_width = 0.4
; first_layer_speed = 100%
; first_layer_temperature = 210
; g0 = 0
; gap_fill_speed = 10
; gcode_arcs = 0
; gcode_comments = 0
; gcode_flavor = reprap
; infill_acceleration = 0
; infill_first = 0
; infill_speed = 50
; layer_gcode =
; max_fan_speed = 100
; min_fan_speed = 35
; min_print_speed = 10
; min_skirt_length = 0
; notes =
; nozzle_diameter = 0.4
; only_retract_when_crossing_perimeters = 1
; ooze_prevention = 0
; output_filename_format = [input_filename_base].gcode
; overhangs = 1
; perimeter_acceleration = 0
; perimeter_speed = 40
; post_process =
; print_center = 115,125
; randomize_start = 0
; resolution = 0
; retract_before_travel = 2
; retract_layer_change = 1
; retract_length = 1
; retract_length_toolchange = 10
; retract_lift = 0
; retract_restart_extra = 0.05
; retract_restart_extra_toolchange = 0
; retract_speed = 20
; skirt_distance = 6
; skirt_height = 1
; skirts = 2
; slowdown_below_layer_time = 4
; small_perimeter_speed = 60%
; solid_infill_speed = 40
; spiral_vase = 0
; standby_temperature_delta = -5
; start_gcode = G28 ; home all axes\nG1 Z5 F5000 ; lift nozzle
; start_perimeters_at_concave_points = 0
; start_perimeters_at_non_overhang = 1
; temperature = 195
; threads = 2
; toolchange_gcode =
; top_solid_infill_speed = 40
; travel_speed = 130
; use_firmware_retraction = 0
; use_relative_e_distances = 0
; vibration_limit = 0
; wipe = 0
; z_offset = 0

[RobH2]

I built an Excel file and for each print I save the GCode in a folder and list the file name in my Excel file. I then take macro photos of the part and put them in the file too. That way if there were issues, I can reference the data and make better decisions.

You can't see it too well here but here's an example. I've found it critical to getting good prints. You just can't remember it all, all of the time.

log.jpg