Volumetric Flow Rate defines the maximum volume of filament that can be reliably melted and extruded by the hotend per second. Understanding and configuring this setting is crucial for balancing print speed and quality, especially when working with high-performance materials on the 22IDEX.
This guide explains the concept of Volumetric Flow Rate (often called Max Volumetric Speed or MVS) in the context of FDM 3D printing with the Vision Miner 22IDEX. We will cover what it is, why it's important, the factors that influence it, and Vision Miner's recommended settings for different material types and printing goals. Properly utilizing this setting helps prevent under-extrusion at high speeds and ensures consistent material flow.
The primary purpose of setting a Volumetric Flow Rate limit in your slicer is to act as a governor on print speed. While you might set high speeds for certain features (like infill), the slicer will automatically throttle those speeds if they would require exceeding the specified filament melting capacity (the Volumetric Flow Rate).
Volumetric Flow Rate is the measure of the volume of plastic extruded through the nozzle per unit of time. It is typically measured in cubic millimeters per second (mm³/s).
Think of it like a pipe with water flowing through it: the Volumetric Flow Rate is analogous to the maximum liters per minute the pipe system can handle. In 3D printing, it represents the hotend's capacity to melt and push out filament.
This parameter is critical because it directly determines the upper limit of how fast you can actually print, regardless of the speeds set in the slicer profile. If a combination of layer height, extrusion width, and print speed demands a higher flow rate than the hotend and material can sustain, under-extrusion and poor print quality will result.
For a deeper understanding of how print speed settings interact with this limit, please refer to our guide on Print Speed Settings.
The maximum achievable Volumetric Flow Rate is not a single fixed value; it depends on several interconnected factors:
Material Properties:
Printing Temperature:
Nozzle Material & Diameter:
Important: When using the default Hardened Steel Nozzle, it is often necessary to increase the printing temperature by at least
20°Ccompared to printing the same material with a brass nozzle to achieve similar flow characteristics. This compensates for steel's lower thermal conductivity.
Hotend Capability: The heater cartridge power and the thermal design of the heat block influence how quickly heat can be transferred to the filament.
For detailed information on nozzle types, materials, diameters, and their implications, consult the Nozzles Guide.
Based on extensive testing with the 22IDEX, Vision Miner recommends the following starting points for Volumetric Flow Rate (mm³/s) in your slicer settings:
| Profile Type | Recommended MVS (mm³/s) | Typical Materials | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Temp / Filled | 5 mm³/s |
High Temp | Lower value due to higher viscosity and/or abrasive fillers. |
| Standard / General | 10 mm³/s |
Normal | Good balance of speed and quality for everyday materials. |
| Fast / Draft | 15 mm³/s |
Draft | For situations where speed is prioritized over fine detail/strength. |
Note: These are starting points. You may need to adjust these values based on the specific filament brand, nozzle size, and desired print quality. Performing a Volumetric Flow Rate calibration test is recommended for fine-tuning.
Ultra-high temperature materials like PEEK and ULTEM inherently have high melt viscosities, necessitating lower flow rates (~5 mm³/s) for reliable extrusion and optimal layer adhesion, even when unfilled. Filled variants often require similar or even slightly lower values.
Setting an appropriate Volumetric Flow Rate is essential for maximizing the performance and reliability of your 22IDEX. Use the recommended values as a starting point and adjust based on your specific material, nozzle, and print requirements. Remember that this setting acts as a crucial safeguard against out-running your hotend's melting capacity.