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description: A Practical Guide to FDM 3D Printing with Prusa Printers at KADK
---

# FDM Printing (Most common)

At KADK, we use Prusa MK3 and MK4 FDM printers, which are well-regarded for their reliability and ease of use, making them suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to professionals.&#x20;

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#### Filament and Pricing

We provide PLA filament in both white and black, which are versatile choices for a variety of projects. PLA, or Polylactic Acid, is a popular filament because made from renewable resources like cornstarch, making it an environmentally friendly option for 3D printing. The cost is 0.3 kr per gram, allowing for cost-effective experimentation and creativity.

#### Preparing Your Files with PrusaSlicer

To prepare your files for printing, we use PrusaSlicer, available in the 3D printer room. This software is specifically for our Prusa printers and helps simplify the process of setting up your prints. You can adjust various settings, such as layer height, infill density, and support structures, to customize your prints according to your needs. If you want to install PrusaSlicer on your own computer, you need to install the MK3 or MK4 printers with 0.4 mm nozzles, that we use at KADK.

<figure><img src="https://2672570991-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1eJjdzhp2Cs7gB9IeGjr%2Fuploads%2FFVopSQNBf5TXzpkKKO1B%2FMK4.PNG?alt=media&#x26;token=08810f79-cf4d-4313-b961-db180ef6245f" alt="" width="254"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://2672570991-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1eJjdzhp2Cs7gB9IeGjr%2Fuploads%2F5fDn7bRm0XuRt7HnEKK4%2FMK3_2.PNG?alt=media&#x26;token=9666b53b-d795-4feb-b359-c135567ba71a" alt="" width="256"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://2672570991-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1eJjdzhp2Cs7gB9IeGjr%2Fuploads%2FBCzafZZ6UxaW6KwEOqzR%2FPrusaslicer_Window_TinyPNG.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a26904e2-b522-4f55-895b-3c066a4f9ffb" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Screenshot of PrusaSlicer</p></figcaption></figure>

#### Recommended Settings

We recommend using the default settings in PrusaSlicer, as they are optimized for our printers and the materials we provide. One important setting to enable is the "brim," which creates a thin layer around the base of your print. This helps improve adhesion to the build plate and prevents the print from warping or coming loose during the printing process.

Layer height settings:&#x20;

* For quick results without need for a lot of fine details, we recommend the 0.2 SPEED setting.&#x20;
* For detailed work, use the 0.1 QUALITY setting (note: it takes more than twice as long as 0.2 SPEED).

#### Support structure for complex shapes

If your design includes complex angles or overhangs, enabling supports in PrusaSlicer is advisable. Supports provide a temporary structure that helps ensure accurate printing of challenging geometries.



<figure><img src="https://2672570991-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1eJjdzhp2Cs7gB9IeGjr%2Fuploads%2Fd48AGY50YQKaIHUs9Civ%2Feverywhere_build_plate_only-800x457.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=c73f7ea3-97f7-4483-81d4-60b53c10e622" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Recommended Size

We recommend a maximal build area of 230×190×190 mm (w×d×h) the practical maximum build area 250×210×220 mm, but prints tend to warp, when they get too large.&#x20;

#### Infill Density

For infill, we generally suggest keeping it at 20% or lower. Infill refers to the internal structure of your print, which contributes to its strength without using excessive material. A 20% infill strikes a good balance between durability and material efficiency.

<figure><img src="https://2672570991-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1eJjdzhp2Cs7gB9IeGjr%2Fuploads%2FzuT0SGyyLf6MkxmaPJ6U%2Fmaxresdefault.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=635e0d71-fbfa-4c79-8b37-215a86403fd8" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Monitoring Your Print

It's important to monitor your print during the initial stages. We recommend staying with the printer for the first 10 minutes to ensure that the print adheres properly to the build plate. After that, checking in periodically during the first few hours will help you catch any potential issues early, saving time and material.

By following these guidelines and making use of our Prusa printers and PrusaSlicer software, you can achieve high-quality 3D prints effectively and efficiently.
