What is a good diameter tolerance and how important is it? - General discussion, announcements and releases

RE: What is a good diameter tolerance and how important is it?

Neophyl — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:51:57 +0000

You can print with any of them. Just measure the actual real world average of the roll you are using with some calipers and enter that value in the filaments diameter to accurise it. Doing that one simple step reduces/eliminates most of the issues with under/over extrusion.

The problem comes when the diameter varies a lot over the same spool. As well as the tolerance what you want is consistency and that is what the 'better' brands will tend to do.

RE: What is a good diameter tolerance and how important is it?

EastMemphis — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 13:38:33 +0000

I've used mostly quality filaments with tolerance of +/- .002 but I've also used filaments with much higher tolerances and haven't noticed any difference. I'm sure there is a difference as the machine extrudes filament based on running length, not volume. So if the filament is out of tolerance, either too much or too little filament is delivered to the model and that can cause obvious problems.

But.... I've never seen any indications that point to a problem regardless of the tolerance.

What is a good diameter tolerance and how important is it?

UjinDesign — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 12:16:28 +0000

Hi!

In some filament-selling websites (including Prusa's own) the manufacturer states the diameter tolerance (or variation) of the filament sold. For example, Prusament boasts a tolerance of ∅1.75 mm ±0.02 . Some other manufacturers have a tolerance of ±0.025. Other have a tolerance of ±0.05.

My question: What is considered a good diameter tolerance? Is striving to only stock ±0.025 instead of ±0.05 actually worth it? Will I even notice a difference between ±0.02 and ±0.05?