Typical design guidelines
| Feature | Filament (FDM) typical | Resin typical |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wall | 1.2 mm (2 mm+ for sturdy parts) | 0.8–1 mm |
| Clearance between mating parts | 0.2–0.5 mm | 0.1–0.2 mm |
| Dimensional accuracy | About ±0.2–0.5 mm | About ±0.1–0.2 mm |
| Unsupported overhang | Up to ~45° | Supports planned by orientation |
| Small holes | Print slightly undersized; ream or drill if critical | Good accuracy |
| Embossed / engraved text | ≥ 0.6 mm deep, bold fonts | Finer text possible |
Values are common industry starting points, not guarantees. Achievable accuracy depends on size, geometry, material, and process; it is confirmed in your quote.
Orientation and strength
Filament-printed parts are built in layers, and they are usually weakest between layers. A bracket loaded so the force tries to peel layers apart may fail where the same bracket rotated 90° would hold. Tell us the load direction in your request and we’ll orient the part accordingly.
Holes, threads, and hardware
- Small holes tend to print undersized. If a hole must fit a pin or shaft, note it so we can plan for it.
- Printed threads work for large, coarse threads. For small screws (roughly M5 and below), design for heat-set threaded inserts or self-tapping screws.
- Use counterbores and nut traps for bolts and nuts.
Reduce supports, reduce cost
- Give parts a flat base to sit on.
- Replace steep overhangs with 45° chamfers.
- Use teardrop or diamond-shaped horizontal holes to avoid support inside them.
Strength tips
- Add fillets to inside corners to spread stress.
- Keep wall thickness consistent to reduce warping.
- Use ribs instead of thick solid sections.
Resin-specific
- Hollow resin parts need drain holes (a few millimetres across) so uncured resin can escape.
- Avoid long, very thin unsupported features; they can bend during cleaning and curing.
Questions
What is the minimum wall thickness for 3D printing?+
A common starting point is about 1.2 mm for filament printing and 0.8–1 mm for resin. Functional filament parts are often designed at 2 mm or more.
What tolerance should I use for parts that fit together?+
A clearance of about 0.2–0.5 mm between mating filament-printed parts is a common starting point; resin can use about 0.1–0.2 mm. Mark critical fits in your request.
How accurate is 3D printing?+
Typical filament printing is accurate to roughly ±0.2–0.5 mm and resin to roughly ±0.1–0.2 mm, depending on size and geometry. Your quote confirms what is achievable for your part.
Last updated October 27, 2026 · NanoArc3D