Build volume: how large a part can be printed

What build volume is

The build volume has three dimensions: the width and depth of the build plate and the height the head can rise to. The whole part has to fit inside this block, including any supports or a perimeter flange (brim).

The manufacturer's figure is usually a little larger than what is really usable. In multicolour printing the wipe tower takes up space on the plate as well. For our printers the limit is 246 × 246 × 256 mm for one part.

What to do with a larger model

A part exceeding these dimensions has to be split into pieces. The pieces are then glued together (gluing) or joined with pegs and holes. A good cut runs through a place where the part carries no load.

Note that if a model looks too big after uploading, it may be in a unit other than millimetres. In that case the scale in the calculator will help.

Size and price

• More parts on the plate. We calculate the price per part and the lead time from how many parts fit at once (full bed).
• A large part. It takes up the whole plate and takes a long time, so it costs more.
• Small parts. With a larger quantity they fit on one plate and the price per part falls.

What counts toward the space as well

Besides the model itself, space is also taken by a skirt, the outline line around the part, and with tall thin parts a raft. In multicolour printing the wipe tower is added too. If a part measures almost the full 246 mm, these elements may no longer fit, and the part has to be made slightly smaller or split.

Height is limited by the print head having to clear the top edge of the part. The taller the part, the greater the risk of vibration, so for very tall and thin parts it is worth considering a split into smaller pieces.