how to change print speed on ender 3 pro

Daniel Parker

3 min read

·

16-01-2025

1

0

Share

The Creality Ender 3 Pro is a popular 3D printer known for its affordability and ease of use. However, sometimes you need to adjust your print speed to optimize your prints for quality or speed. This guide will show you how to change the print speed on your Ender 3 Pro using both the printer's control panel and popular slicer software.

Understanding Print Speed Settings

Before diving into the how-to, let's quickly understand what affects print speed. There are multiple speed settings within your slicer and on your printer's control panel. These settings control different aspects of the print:

Key Speed Parameters:

• Print Speed: This is the overall speed at which the nozzle moves while extruding filament. A faster print speed means a quicker print time, but might sacrifice detail and layer adhesion. This is usually the speed you'll adjust the most.
• Travel Speed: This is the speed at which the nozzle moves without extruding, such as when it's moving between different parts of the print. Increasing travel speed can significantly reduce print times without affecting print quality.
• Retraction Speed: This is how quickly the filament is retracted during travel moves. Too fast and you risk stringing; too slow and it will increase print time.
• First Layer Speed: This is the speed at which the first layer is printed. A slower first layer speed ensures better adhesion to the print bed.

Changing Print Speed via the Printer's Control Panel

The Ender 3 Pro's control panel offers basic print speed adjustments, primarily useful for on-the-fly modifications during a print. However, this isn't ideal for setting precise speeds for the entire print.

Steps:

1. Start a Print: Begin your print job as usual.
2. Pause the Print: Once the print starts, press the pause button.
3. Adjust Speed: Use the control panel's arrow keys to navigate to the speed setting. The exact menu location may vary slightly depending on your firmware version. You should see a percentage value (e.g., 100%). Adjust this percentage up or down. Higher percentages mean faster speeds and lower percentages mean slower speeds.
4. Resume Printing: Once you've set your desired speed, resume the print. The new speed will take effect immediately.

Important Note: Altering the speed mid-print can sometimes lead to layer inconsistencies. It is best to set speeds within the slicer beforehand.

Modifying Print Speed Using Slicer Software (Recommended)

Slicer software like Cura, PrusaSlicer, and Simplify3D provide much more precise control over print speed parameters. This is the best method for consistent and optimized print speeds. Here are general instructions; the exact steps may vary depending on your chosen slicer.

Steps:

1. Import your STL: Load your 3D model into your slicer.
2. Navigate to Print Settings: Find the "Print Settings" or similar section. The exact name varies depending on the slicer software.
3. Locate Speed Settings: Look for options such as "Print Speed," "Travel Speed," "First Layer Speed," and "Retraction Speed." These will typically be expressed in mm/s (millimeters per second) or % of the default speed.
4. Adjust the Speeds: Change the values to your desired speeds. Start with small adjustments and test to find the optimal balance between print speed and quality. You may need to experiment.
5. Preview and Slice: Click "Preview" to see the estimated print time. Then click “Slice” to generate the G-code.
6. Save and Print: Save the G-code file and send it to your Ender 3 Pro for printing.

Experimenting with Speeds:

• Start Conservatively: Don't drastically change your speeds initially. Begin by making small adjustments (10-20%) and observe the results.
• Observe Layer Adhesion: If layers start delaminating, slow down your print speed.
• Watch for Stringing: If there are excessive strings of filament between parts, try adjusting your retraction settings.

Conclusion

Modifying your Ender 3 Pro's print speed is crucial for optimizing your 3D printing workflow. While the control panel provides basic adjustments, using slicer software is recommended for precision and consistency. Remember to experiment and find the best speed settings for your specific materials and print projects. Happy printing!