3D printing is changing the way businesses work. It makes it easier to create new products and even start new companies. But to get the best results from 3D printing, you need to understand some key details. One of the most important is orientation, the direction your part is placed while it’s being printed.

The way your part is oriented can affect how strong it is, how long it takes to print, how it looks, and how many parts you can print at once. Different 3D printing processes, like SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) and MJF (Multi Jet Fusion), handle orientation in slightly different ways, but all benefit from good setup choices. Let’s take a closer look.

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How Orientation Affects Your 3D Print

1. Strength

How strong your part depends on the direction the layers are printed.

• Layers are strongest when they are printed side by side (horizontally), not stacked up vertically.

• In SLS and MJF, parts are made from powdered nylon. These methods offer strong bonding between layers, but strength is still better when the part is placed in a way that aligns with how it will be used.

• If your part will experience stress or load, it’s best to orient it so that force is applied along the layer lines, not across them.

2. Print Time

The way a part is placed in the build chamber affects how long it takes to print.

• Parts printed flat or low to the build surface usually take less time, since fewer layers are needed to build them.

• Taller parts require more layers, which increases print time.

• This is especially important with SLS and MJF, where each new layer involves spreading a fresh layer of powder. Reducing the number of layers helps speed up the entire build.

3. Appearance

Orientation also changes how the surface of your part looks.

• With SLS and MJF, the part surfaces often have a slightly textured, matte finish.

• However, parts printed at certain angles can show more visible layer lines or stepping, especially on curves or sloped surfaces.

• If your part needs to look smooth or professional, think about which side will be visible and how the layers will appear.

4. Number of Parts per Print

If you’re printing multiple parts, smart orientation helps fit more into the build space.

• MJF and SLS printers are great at printing many parts at once, especially when parts are laid flat or nested efficiently.

• Flat orientations help you fit more parts in a single job, making the process faster and more cost-effective.

• Poor orientation can waste space, reduce part count per run, and increase your cost per unit.

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Final Thoughts

Orientation is a key part of 3D printing success. It affects:

• How strong your part is

• How fast it prints

• How it looks

• How many parts fit in one build

Whether you’re using SLS for strong, functional parts or MJF for high-quality, production-grade parts, good orientation decisions make a big difference.

At JawsTec, we help you choose the best orientation for your project. Need help with a design or print setup? We’re ready when you are.