1. What is Volumetric Speed in 3D Printing?

Definition: Volumetric speed measures how much filament (by volume) your 3D printer can extrude per second.

Purpose: It helps optimize print settings and ensures your extruder can keep up with the demanded flow rate.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Volumetric speed (mm³/s)
• \( V_e \) — Extrusion speed (mm/s)
• \( A_n \) — Nozzle cross-sectional area (mm²)

Explanation: The formula calculates the volume of filament extruded per second by combining linear speed with nozzle area.

3. Importance of Volumetric Speed

Details: Proper volumetric speed calculation prevents under-extrusion, improves print quality, and helps determine maximum print speeds.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your printer's extrusion speed and nozzle cross-sectional area (π × (nozzle diameter/2)²). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical volumetric speed for common materials?
A: PLA: 10-15 mm³/s, ABS: 8-12 mm³/s, PETG: 6-10 mm³/s. High-flow hotends can reach 20+ mm³/s.

Q2: How do I find my nozzle area?
A: Calculate using π × (nozzle radius)². For a 0.4mm nozzle: π × (0.2)² ≈ 0.126 mm².

Q3: What happens if I exceed my printer's volumetric speed?
A: You'll get under-extrusion as the hotend can't melt filament fast enough, leading to weak prints.

Q4: Can I increase my volumetric speed?
A: Yes, by increasing hotend temperature, using a larger nozzle, or upgrading to a high-flow hotend.

Q5: Does layer height affect volumetric speed?
A: Indirectly - higher layers mean wider extrusions (larger Aₙ), increasing Q for the same Vₑ.