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Designing for Precision: CAD Tips for Micro-Scale 3D Printing
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Micro-scale 3D printing demands a fundamentally different approach to CAD design compared to traditional macro-scale work. With feature sizes smaller than a strand of hair and tolerances measured in single-digit microns, the margin for error is virtually zero. Engineers working in medical devices, electronics, photonics, and microfluidics need to rethink how they handle tolerances, geometry, wall thickness, and support structures when designing at this scale. This whitepaper walks through practical, field-tested tips — from setting appropriate tolerances and reinforcing thin walls to designing functional microfluidic channels and choosing the right materials — so you can reduce failed prints, shorten iteration cycles, and move from concept to validated prototype with confidence.