Finish and Check the Print
This page explains how to remove, clean up, and review a finished print before testing or use. The resources below cover part removal, support removal, post-processing, print quality concerns, and when a print may need to be modified or reprinted.
3D Print Removal Guide: The Right Way to Use a Scraper on Flexible Build Plates
This video explains how to remove a finished 3D print from a flexible build plate using a scraper. It covers safe scraper angle, gentle part removal, removing prints with brims or supports, and avoiding damage to the textured build plate.
Why this is useful: Removing a print too aggressively can damage the build plate, break the print, or create sharp edges. This video helps users remove the print carefully before cleaning it up and checking whether it is ready for testing or use.
How to Remove 3D Prints Easily
This video shows a simple method for removing a finished print from the build plate using a scraper and a second rigid tool. It explains why waiting for the bed to cool can help, how to loosen the print with controlled pressure, and how to work around the edges instead of forcing the part off all at once.
Why this is useful: Prints can break or come loose suddenly if they are pried off too aggressively. This video gives users a controlled way to remove a stuck print before cleaning it up and checking the final result.
Easily Remove 3D Printed Supports | 5 Methods for Clean Results
This video shows several ways to remove supports from a finished 3D print, including using pliers, snips, a screwdriver, a deburring tool, heat, and hot water. It also explains that support removal can vary depending on the print, the support type, and how delicate the model is.
Why this is useful: Some prints may need extra cleanup after they come off the build plate. This video gives users different support-removal options so they can choose the method that fits the print without damaging the final object.
Basics: How to Post-Process Your 3D Prints!
This video explains several ways to clean up and finish a 3D print after it comes off the printer. It covers removing small lips or burrs from the bottom edge, filing rough areas, sanding, drilling, tapping threads, adding heat-set inserts, joining printed parts, and later gets into preparing prints for painting, which can be relevant if a client would like to customize their device.
Why this is useful: A print may need cleanup before it is ready to test or use. This video helps users check the finished print for rough edges, fit problems, weak connection points, or areas that may need additional finishing.
3D Printing Basics: When Things Go Wrong!
This video explains common 3D printing problems and how to start identifying what may have caused them. It covers under-extrusion, over-extrusion, clogs, blobs, stringing, bed adhesion, warping, temperature problems, layer shifts, ringing, backlash, and other mechanical issues.
Why this is useful: After a print is finished, users should check for visible problems before testing or using the object. This video helps users understand whether a print issue may be acceptable, needs cleanup, or means the print should be modified and reprinted.
Simplify3D Print Quality Troubleshooting Guide
This resource provides a visual guide to common 3D print quality problems. It includes example images and explanations for issues such as prints not sticking to the bed, under-extrusion, over-extrusion, gaps in top layers, stringing, layer shifting, warping, poor support surfaces, dimensional accuracy problems, and poor bridging.
Why this is useful: After a print is finished, users can compare the object to the examples in this guide. This can help them decide whether the print only needs cleanup, needs setting changes, or should be reprinted before testing or use.
