Final answer:
We slow down print and travel speeds to a maximum of 40 mm/s in 3D printing to improve print quality, including better precision, smoother surfaces, finer details, and fewer errors such as stringing or blobbing.
Step-by-step explanation:
When it comes to 3D printing, the reason we slow down print and travel speeds to a maximum of 40 mm/s is because it generally improves the print quality. Slower speeds allow for better precision because the printer head moves in a more controlled manner, laying down the filament with greater accuracy. This leads to smoother surfaces, finer details, and a lower likelihood of printing errors such as stringing or blobbing. Additionally, slower speeds can help with adhesion to the print bed, reducing the chances of warping or shifting that can occur with faster movements.
Certain materials and intricate designs might require even slower speeds to ensure that the print maintains its structural integrity and clarity of detail. It's also important to remember that every 3D printer has its own optimal speed settings, which can be determined through experimentation and adjustment based on the printer's capabilities and the specifics of the print job.