Layered Learning

Since I started 3D printing, reducing waste has been a key focus for me. It's beneficial for the environment and cost-effective, making it a win-win situation. In this post, I'll share some practical tips that I've gathered for reducing filament usage in both the printing and design processes. Additionally, I'll highlight areas where I'm seeking further advice and invite the community to share their insights. Printing Tips  As much as I want 3D printing to be the sustainable solution to reducing waste in manufacturing, the reality is 3D printing can be very wasteful. There are a number of necessary evils. Skirts, supports, purge lines, wipe towers. Not to mention failed prints, poorly designed prints, or unnecessary prints.  Here are a few strategies I've been using for reducing the waste during the printing process and a few areas that I'd love some feedback on. Skirts and Purge Lines:   While skirts and purge lines can seem wasteful, they often prevent fai