Glass Effect? Tips for 3D Printing with Transparent Filaments

With its balanced mechanical properties, print compatibility, and transparency, transparent PETG has become the top choice for FDM 3D printing of transparent models. Due to the "layer-by-layer stacking" forming principle of FDM, issues like inter-layer gaps and path clearances that affect light transmittance are inevitable. However, with careful adjustments, it is still possible to create transparent models with stunning results.

This tutorial mainly summarizes the relevant techniques for printing high-transparency PETG models from the perspective of slicing parameter settings.

Schematic Diagrams

- Transparent Cube:

- Transparent Lampshade:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Pre-Printing Preparation

Filament Drying

When printing with damp filament, the interior or surface of the model is prone to bubbles or severe stringing. To improve the transparency of the model, you can dry the filament in a drying box in advance or enable the drying function of the QIDI BOX during printing.

Build Plate Selection

If you need to print a light-transmitting model, it is recommended to use a smooth build plate to ensure the bottom surface of the model is also smoother.

Nozzle Selection

A larger nozzle means wider lines and fewer printing paths, thereby reducing the gaps between paths. This tutorial uses a 0.4mm nozzle as an example to demonstrate the relevant parameter settings.

2. Filament Settings

Increase Flow Ratio

Moderately increasing the flow ratio can reduce flow fluctuations during printing, lower the risk of clogging, and minimize gaps between lines.

Raise Nozzle Temperature

A higher nozzle temperature allows PETG to melt more fully, resulting in better adhesion. The recommended nozzle temperature for QIDI PETG TRANSLUCENT series filaments is 240-280°C. To enhance the transparency of the model, the nozzle temperature can be increased appropriately.

Turn Off Cooling Fan

Set the fan speed to 0 to allow the filament to cool naturally, preventing uneven shrinkage of the filament caused by rapid cooling. Correspondingly, the printing speed should be reduced in the process settings.

3. Process Settings

Layer Height and Line Width

Adjust the layer height according to the characteristics of the model:

- A smaller layer height is beneficial for optimizing the surface smoothness of the model and reducing light scattering when light enters and exits. It is suitable for models that require post-processing such as sanding and polishing or some thin-walled models.

- A larger layer height can reduce internal gaps of the model, improving basic light transmittance and printing efficiency.

Uniformly adjust the line width to 0.5mm, which helps reduce printing paths and unnecessary gaps.

Walls and Infill

- Set the number of wall loops to 1.

- Set the number of top shell layers and bottom shell layers to 0.

- Use 100% density aligned rectilinear infill, and the direction can be set to 0° or 90°.

Speed

It is recommended to use a slow printing speed (20-40mm/s) to give each layer of filament sufficient time to adhere.

After printing is completed, you can wait for the build plate to cool down before removing the model, which helps maintain the smoothness of the model's bottom surface.

Conclusion

3D printing transparent models using FDM technology is an interesting attempt that requires patience to adjust various parameters. If you want to obtain more perfect printed parts, you can further improve the transparency through post-processing methods such as sanding, polishing, and coating!