Printing more or less tight fitting parts.

[djprinter]

There are so many variables... frankly, outside of plain luck, I don't see how it's possible to print the same STL file on two different printers/filaments and end up with two working "tight fitting" mechanisms.

When I print parts with tight tolerances I always print a bunch of small tests to get the fit just right--making slight adjustments in 3d software based on the results.

[Ama-fessional Molder]

There are so many variables... frankly, outside of plain luck, I don't see how it's possible to print the same STL file on two different printers/filaments and end up with two working "tight fitting" mechanisms.

In theory, perfect control of your environment, extrusion speeds, melt temperature (distinct from hot end settings and as best I can tell you guys don't measure this), nozzle size, print speeds, and everything else should give you the exact same result on two different machines with the same filament...

But that's the theory in molding too. We know it all goes out the window in reality.

Getting the same result from different machines is a combination of process control, trial and error, and adjusting the machine while measuring the output.

I find it fascinating to see the same things at play between the two opposing ends of the plastics spectrum.

[djprinter]

In theory, perfect control of your environment, extrusion speeds, melt temperature (distinct from hot end settings and as best I can tell you guys don't measure this), nozzle size, print speeds, and everything else should give you the exact same result on two different machines with the same filament...

But that's the theory in molding too. We know it all goes out the window in reality.

Getting the same result from different machines is a combination of process control, trial and error, and adjusting the machine while measuring the output.

I find it fascinating to see the same things at play between the two opposing ends of the plastics spectrum.

Leave the theory's to the professors and scientists. Makers will stick with practice over theory.

[Ama-fessional Molder]

Leave the theory's to the professors and scientists. Makers will stick with practice over theory.

Professionals stick to practice too usually, but...

Theory can help you even as a maker (or professional), if you know what should be done you can take steps to get closer to it. But we all know full well that theory doesn't translate into real world results a large percentage of the time lol

If you know what the perfect result should be, and know what your actual result is, you ought to be able to find the source of the problem.