​In some 3d slicing software there is a function for cutting the 3d model. Today we are going to talk about what is the advantage of using this “Cut” ​ function. 

​For those who are using 3D printer may have a situation that sometimes the 3D model could be printed for more 10 hours. If there are printing failure occurred for those 3D models, it will be a waste of time and materials. For example, after 12 hours of printing, you just find that the printing fails due to the lack of the top solid layers and the failed printout cannot be used because of lacking top solid layers.

Therefore, the advantage of the “Cut” function is that if you are not sure if you can print particular part of the 3D model well, you can use the cutting function to cut that particular part and just test print that part to see the result, which can help you to save a lot of time by quickly diagnosing if your printing settings is suitable to print that particular part.  

​There is a “Cut” function in the Flashforge’s 3D slicing software Flashprint. The using method is as follow:

Last time we talked about what is the Layer Height, today we are going to talk about another important setting in the 3d slicing software - First Layer Height.

First Layer Height refers to the first layer of the 3d model that is printed on the heated bed. In general, the value of the first Layer Height is bigger than that of the Layer Height. When printing starts, 3d printer will use the first layer height value to print the first layer of a model and then use the Layer Height value to print the remaining layers.

The reason why the value of first layer height is bigger than that of Layer Height is because we want the first layer to attach on the build plate more firmly. For example, if the Layer height is set to be 0.2mm, then the first layer height should be 0.25mm or even a little bit bigger. If the first layer height is too small, the first layer may not be able to attach on the print bed firmly and slip away.

You can follow the below screen shot to set the first layer height in the Flashforge's 3d slicing software Flashprint:

​Previously we introduced what is print speed and it's function. Today we are going to talk about another speed called travel speed.

​Travel speed is  a moving speed of the print head during non-printing status, which means the print head moves without squeezing the printing  material out from the nozzle.

If travel speed is too slow, it may lead to stringing issue found on the printout. In general, we can set the travel speed at 80mm/s, and if stringing problem is found, we can set the travel speed higher.

​If you want to set the travel speed in the Flashforge's 3d printing software Flashprint, you can follow the below screenshots:

To activate the Support function in the Flashforge's Flashprint, you first need to click the "support" button and then choose the type of support. There are 2 types of supports, one is called Tree Support and another one is called Linear Support. After choosing one of them, click "Auto Supports", then the 3D slicing software Flashprint will automatically generate support under the overahang of the 3D model. ​

Raft actually is the horizontal grid of filament that is located under the bottom of the 3D models as shown in the above pictures. The purpose of adding a raft is to ensure that the printed model can attach to the print bed more firmly to prevent the warping issues. Also, raft is useful if the bottom part of the 3D model is small because raft can increase the contact surface between the model and the print bed, which means can let the model stick on the print bed better.  ​