Fusion3 F410 - Working with.Factory Files; Common Questions, Tips, & Tricks

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7.7 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.
7.7.1 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.
7.7.2 Opening a .factory File
Go to File > Open Factory File. Note that this will clear any current work (models or processes) you have
open.
7.7.3 Additional Resources:

https://www.simplify3d.com/support/tutorials/working-with-file-types/
7.8 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.
7.8.1 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.
7.8.2 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.