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7.6 Working with .factory Files
.factory files are another great innovation Simplify has developed. A .factory file combines your model(s), any
custom support structure, and your processes into a single file. This allows you to easily save past print jobs and
reopen them to make changes to settings, or just use it as a reference for other prints. If you’re having trouble
with printing a part and contact Support, we may ask you to send over a .factory file so we can see exactly what
your setup looks like.
7.6.1 Creating a .factory File
Make sure you have your model AND process set up. (You can save a .factory file without a process in it, but that’s
less useful)
Go to File > Save Factory File As and save it like a normal file (word document etc).
You can verify that is saved properly by resetting Simplify (ctrl+N) and opening the file you just made.
7.6.2 Opening a .factory File
Go to File > Open Factory File. Note that this will clear any current work (models or processes) you have open.
7.6.3 Additional Resources:
https://www.simplify3d.com/support/tutorials/working-with-file-types/
7.7 Common Questions, Tips, & Tricks
This section will introduce common issues and questions related to Simplify. Please consider this merely a starting
point to your experimentation; this is by no means comprehensive.
7.7.1 Printing Small Parts
Small parts present some unique challenges because the plastic does not have time to cool sufficiently before the
next layer is deposited. When this happens, feature definition and resolution can be lost.
A part that is less than 1 square inch in horizontal cross-section should be considered a small part.
The simplest fix is to run 2 of them at the same time. This gives each layer time to cool while the print head is
printing the other part.
Lower temperature materials such as PLA will be more prone to issues with small parts.
7.7.2 Printing Large Parts
Large parts have their own set of challenges. All thermoplastics contract as they cool down and solidify. Larger
parts have more plastic, and therefore more contraction forces. This can cause the bottom of the part to lift off
the print bed (sometimes called “curling”) and loss of dimensional accuracy. You may also see horizontal cracks in
the part caused by thermal stress.
Thanks to its enclosure and high temperature heated bed, the F400 is relatively immune from this problem.
However it can still occur with large parts out of high temperature materials such as ABS, Acrylic, PC, etc.
If you see curling, ensure your first layer height is correct (see section 12.1) and you are using the recommended
bed coating for that material.
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