Frequently Asked Questions

3D printing is a method of creating 3 dimensional objects from computer model file. Many different forms of 3D printing exist today, but Dremel's 3D Printers utilize Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) to extrude layers of molten plastic on top of one another until an object is realized.

Your Dremel 3D Printer can build more things than can be listed here.

Build quality depends on a number of factors such as layer thickness and slicer settings. Dremel 3D printers 3D40 and 3D45 extrude filament into layers thinner than a sheet of paper, 50 to 340 microns (.05 -.34mm). The thinner the layers, the more detail can be printed. Also, many slicer settings

can influence the build quality, the DigiLab Slicer has settings that are optimized for Dremel's 3D Printers.

Click here to see product comparison between Dremel 3D Printers.

Click here to find out what it's included in each Dremel 3D Printer model.

For the Dremel 3D40 printer you should only use Dremel PLA filament.

The Dremel 3D45 printer supports Dremel PLA, Eco-ABS and Nylon. Other filament types may cause damage to the printers and will void the warranty.   

For more information click here

Dremel filament is manufactured to provide the highest quality during operation and will help your Dremel 3D printer run smoothly. Also the Dremel DigiLab 3D45 utilizes specific RFID information stored on each spool to ensure the correct temperature, speed, and other parameters are used for each different filament type.

All Dremel PLA is compatible with all the Dremel 3D printers.

The advanced filament types (PETG) are only compatible with Dremel 3D45 printer.

For more information click here

How long your filament lasts will depend on several factors including the print quality used, infill density and the number of supports required. For an example, each Dremel PLA spool contains at least 175 meters of filament and the standard Dremel Frog print requires approximately 5 meters of filament, so each spool should be able to print approximately 35 frogs.   

Click here for material specs for all of Dremel's filaments

You can get a quote for Dremel 3D printers and Dremel filaments here or purchase in our authorized resellers available in you country. 

For USA - Click here / Canada - Click here / Europe - Click here

Your new Dremel 3D printer will come with slicer software package pre-loaded on the USB drive for Dremel 3D40 and 3D45 models.

We have upgraded our slicer offerings with each printer release. You can find the latest version of DigiLab 3D Slicer here.

There is also a cloud based remote printing service that can be used with 3D40 and 3D45 printers. This allows remote slicing, starting, and monitoring prints. Remote monitoring includes status of printers including video monitoring for the Dremel 3D45 printer .

You can log into the Dremel Print Cloud here

Dremel Digilab 3D45 printer has a built I camera. It can only be viewed on the print cloud, but you can monitor locally started prints as well as print cloud initiated prints. When a print cloud started print completes the print cloud will create a time lapse animated .gif of your print.  

We do not recommend you to print any object that will come in either direct or indirect contact with food.

Dremel 3D40 and 3D45 printers: Maximum build volume is 10” x 6” x 6.7” (255mm x 155mm x 170mm).

The thickness of your object layers is something you can choose. Dremel 3D40 and 3D45 printers have a maximum resolution of 50 microns (0.05mm). All Dremel's printers have a minimum resolution of 340 microns (0.34mm). The higher the resolution, the smaller each layer and the better your object will look. The layer resolution depends on the setting: High Speed - 0.34mm, Low - 0.3mm, Medium - 0.2mm, High - 0.1mm and Ultra - 0.05mm

The time it takes to build a 3D object depends on the size and complexity of the model file and it is not an exact science. Dremel 3D model files have estimated build times for your reference.

Yes. You can pause a build, then change filament during the pause. The print can easily be resumed when you have completed the filament change process.

Yes, you can print such a model using supports generated by the slicing tool. In DigiLab Slicer, click the "Generate Support" button.

Dremel 3D40 and 3D45 printers come with "Quik Level", which is a feature that is capable of detecting the position of the build platform with the use of smart sensor technology. It creates a reference point in the back of the build platform, then transfers that level to the front two adjustable points. It then directs the adjustment until all points are at the same level.

The heated build platform helps prevent builds from warping. This is especially true with more technical materials like Nylon and ECO-ABS.

No, Dremel's 3D Printers 3D40 and 3D45 models are constructed as single extruder systems.

Yes, from the Dremel Print Cloud, open the "Printers" tab, click the "Share" button for the printer that you want to share. You can email the invitation to anyone you like.

You can register your Dremel 3D printer 3D40 or 3D45 on the Dremel Print Cloud service.

This allows you to upload models, manipulate, slice, start a print and monitor your print until completion. If you have a Dremel 3D45 printer, you will get a feed from the onboard camera to show its progress. 

The Dremel Print Cloud can be accessed here

There is no limit to the number of printers you can manage through your Print Cloud account.

Build tape is only required for Dremel 3D40 printer. The black build tape will last up to 50 prints; the blue build tape will last up to 10 prints. The black build tape can be cleaned with a mild spray cleaner, this should extend its life.

Both build tapes will provide the same quality of build, the main difference is that the black build tape is more durable, and will hold objects tighter.   

The supplied glue is the best, safest, material we could find that would work with all filaments supported by the Dremel 3D45 printer. It provides a strong adhesion that helps prevent builds from failing.

The camera can be accessed with the online Print Cloud service or using the Dremel Digilab 3D Slicer. Please log into Dremel Print Cloud to remotely monitor your printing. You can even monitor the status of locally started prints. You can find the print cloud here 

When connected to your printer with your IP address using the local slicer, click the “Build” button to view the camera stream

There is a particulate filter and an active carbon filter.  

Dremel provides the ability to connect the Dremel 3D40 and 3D45 printers to ventilation systems and to fume extraction systems.

Storing your Dremel filament correctly extends the usefulness of the filament. Filament should always be stored in a cool, dry environment unexposed to changes in temperature or humidity. Always keep your filament inside the shrink-wrap plastic until you are ready to use it. Filament that is exposed to humidity or temperature extremes can become brittle or difficult to melt.  

No, Dremel has developed a specially modified PLA blend that mimics the properties of ABS. We have avoided ABS filament due to health concerns.

Dremel 3D40 and 3D45 printer can build .g3drem, .gcode, and .g files. You can use Dremel Digilab 3D Slicer, Autodesk Print Studio, or Simplify3D to create these files. All of these programs can accept .3mf, .STL and .OBJ files.

We are always trying to provide the best tools and user experience. We have upgraded our slicer offerings with each printer release. You can find the latest version of DigiLab 3D Slicer here. It currently only supports Dremel 3D40, 3D45 and 3D20 printers

The new Dremel Digilab 3D Slicer is based on Cura, one of the industry's best slicing programs.   

Yes, in the Dremel Print Cloud it is under step 2 "Layout" function, select "Add File" You can then add and manipulate multiple files. In the DigiLab 3D Slicer go to “File” then “Open File(s)”

The RFID Tag allows the Dremel Digilab 3D45 printer to identify what type of filament is loaded into it. With this information, the Dremel 3D45 will set the correct temperatures and print speed to ensure your selected model prints optimally. It will even do this if the original print file was sliced for a different material. The RFID tag also allows the Dremel 3D45 printer to keep track of the amount of filament remaining on the spool so it can warn you if there is not enough to complete a print.

The Dremel 3D45 printer chooses settings that are optimized for each type of filament. However, we understand the need for adjustability. There are two levels of user control of the filament settings:

1. From the Main screenpress FILAMENT > VIEW/EDIT FILAMENT SETTINGS. 

This will allow you to specify temperatures and speeds. These settings will be remembered for as long as that spool is loaded unless you turn the printer off or restart it.

2. From the Main screenpress TOOLS > SETTINGS > ADV. MODE. 

Selecting "PRIORITIZE G-CODE SETTINGS" will set the printer to always use the print settings included in the print file. This allows you to change parameters in your slicer and have them faithfully used by the printer.

Dremel 3D40 and 3D45: Connect the printer to the internet using the ethernet plug or wifi. The printer will automaticall check every time you turn it on and periodically if left powered on. There is also a "Check for Updates" button in the tools menu. If your machine is not connected to the internet, you can check the firmware version in the "About" screen in the tools menu and compare it to the version that is available for download on the website.  

If your printer is not connected to the internet, you can download the latest version of firmware by going to the following pages: 3D40 & 3D40FLX and 3D45. 

Download the version of firmware for your printer. Copy the downloaded .zip file onto an empty USB stick (with at least 70MB of storage) and unzip the contents of the firmware .zip file onto a FAT32 formatted USB stick. Insert the USB stick into the printer and restart the printer. As the printer restarts, it will check if there is a new version of firmware on the USB stick and will give you an option to install it. If the printer reaches the home screen without giving you an update message, that means your firmware is already up to date.

Both printers, Dremel 3D40 (latest firmware) and 3D45 will accept the following common gcode formats: .g3drem,.gcode, and .g. 

The officially supported slicers are: Autodesk Print Studio, Digilab 3D Slicer, and Simplify3D. Although code from other slicers will run, you may need to optimize the settings yourself.  

The picture information is included in the print file header. Some slicer programs like Print Studio are unable to generate the picture information, others have no problems. The presence of a picture will not affect the print quality in any way. 

Yes, if that program creates a .g3drem, .gcode, or .g file. However, the profiles included in Print Studio,Digilab 3D Slicer, and Simplify 3D are optimized for the Dremel 3D Printers.  

3D models should be saved in 3MF, STL or OBJ format in the program used to create these files. You can then use any of the Dremel supported slicers to convert the files into buildable models. The supported slicers are: Autodesk Print Studio, Digilab 3D Slicer, and Simplify 3D.

Yes, you can, most modeling software can export files to 3MF, STL or OBJ which is the file type accepted by Print Studio, Digilab 3D Slicer, and Simplify 3D.

If your model is too big and resizing is not an option, you will need to break the model into smaller pieces before slicing. This can be accomplished in TinkerCad and most other 3D programs.  

If the Dremel 3D software is unable to connect to the printer, first make sure that you are connected via Ethernet or WiFi. Next you need to make sure that you are trying to connect using the correct IP address. Go to SETTINGS > PRINTERS > MANAGE PRINTERS and then click “Connect via network” using the IP address found in the TOOLS > ABOUT screen on the printer. For further troubleshooting, contact customer service by clicking here.

A model will be red if it is too big for the build area, floating above the build platform, or part of the model is positioned outside of the build area. Use the "Scale" and "Move" functions in the Dremel 3D software to adjust the model so that it is within the build area.  

This could be caused by a few different reasons. A common reason is that a model file was saved outside of the build area or was scaled too small for you to see. It is recommend that you use the "Move" function to center the model and the "Scale" function to increase the model size.

Unfortunately the Dremel Digilab 3D Slicer does not have the ability to repair models. Your best bet is to try Dremel Print Cloud as it can work with imperfect models.

Autodesk, the creator of Print Studio, has decided to focus on professional and industrial 3D printing. They no longer support Print Studio, therefore it was not updated to work with the most recent Windows 10 Creator update.

Both software programs have similar features, however Digilab 3D Slicer is based on open source Cura whereas Print Studio is owned by Autodesk, but will not work with Windows 10 Creator or newer Window's Updates.

Print Studio will automatically add supports to ensure good build quality, however if you would like to delete the supports before slicing, go a step back to the "supports" section and delete them, Print Studio will not add them again.

Supported operating systems: Apple® Mac® OS® X v10.10 (Yosemite) or later Microsoft® Windows® 7SP1, 64-bit only Microsoft Windows 8.1, 64-bit only Microsoft Windows 10, 64-bit only, up to Anniversary Update, Creators Update and are NOT supported Minimum system specifications CPU: 64-bit processor (32-bit not supported) Memory: 3 GB RAM (4 GB or more recommended)

The Dremel Digilab 3D Slicer is Dremel's own slicing software. It is based on the open source Cura software with several modifications that are specific to Dremel 3D printers. We will continue to develop 3D Slicer to improve its capabilities and ease of use.

Supported operating systems: Apple® Mac® OS® not supported at this time - Will be in first update.Microsoft® Windows® 7 SP1 or later, (32-bit not supported). Minimum Windows system specifications: CPU: 64-bit processor (32-bit not supported) Memory: 3 GB RAM (4 GB or more recommended) Storage: 300 MB free disk space for installation Graphics: OpenGL 2 compatible graphics chip, OpenGL 4.1 for 3D Layer view

Go to the Print Cloud here.

Once logged into the Print Cloud, go to the "Printers" tab, and then "Register Dremel Idea Builder 3D40/45 Printer" You will need the token/registration code from the printer. On the printer got to TOOLS > SETTINGS > CLOUD and click on “Dremel Print” to generate a new token. You can also scan the QR code using a smart phone to register the printer.   

Sometimes disruptions in the connection, like a wifi dropout, can cause the Print Cloud to disconnect from the printer. Try restarting the printer. Other issues could include someone requesting a new token on the printer, which will cancel the previous token. In this case you will need to re-register the printer with the new token.  

Double click on the name of the file, and it will begin to download that file for you.

It is possible that the model you are trying to build is corrupt, or of an unsupported type. Please turn the off then back on again and try to print one of the pre-loaded models. Also check to make sure that the firmware is up to date as there were issues with alternate file types in earlier versions.

Objects sticking to the build platform is a good thing as they require a firm adhesion to the build platform during the build process. This is to ensure that the object remains stable throughout building. If your prints are too difficult to remove, your nozzle may be too close to the build platform. You may need to adjust your first layer height which is available in the settings menu. 

Please contact customer service or click here if you have any questions, or this does not work. See instruction manual for object removal

Your may need to optimize the model design. Angles greater than 45 degrees from vertical will require external supports to prevent it from collapsing. Also, even with supports, some models may require a specific orientation to be stable while printing, or an extra layer to help the model stick. In the Digilab Slicer try clicking "Generate Support" and "Build Plate Adhesion". If you are still having issues, please contact customer service by clicking here 

There are many reasons why objects may not stick to the build platform. You should first ensure that you have clean, debris free build tape and that it is not torn or ripped. Next, check that the build platform is level. These are the two most common causes for builds not sticking. If your prints still do not stick, your nozzle may be too far from the build platform. You may need to adjust your first layer height which is available in the settings menu. Please contact customer service or click here if you have any questions, or this does not work.

This is called a skirt or brim and is used to prime the nozzle to ensure smooth filament flow before beginning to print the real model

The new hose adapter can be made to fit the older 3D40s with a minor modification. The hose adapter is 3D Printed.

You can rinse it in water or wipe it with a damp cloth.

Remove it from the printer and rinse it under warm water. The glue will dissolve. After the build platform is clean, allow it to dry completely before reinstalling it into the 3D45.

The glue on the build plate does not need to be cleaed every build. You can scrape rough edges off after a build, and applying more glue. This can work well once you build up a few layers. You would need to wash it if there are deep gouges in the glue layer, or it has built up unevenly and make the build platform unlevel.

If you observe glue residue on the level sensor, you can gently scrape it off with a side-to-side motion. Do not use tools that are sharp or may pinch the plunger. Be careful to not touch the nozzle behind the level sensor, it may be hot.

Dremel 3D40 and 3D45 : The doors are monitored, and both doors must be closed to initiate a local network or remote print from the Dremel Print Cloud. This ensures that there are no hands inside the printer when a print is started from a user who is not near it. During any other time, including building an object, opening a door will cause a warning notice to display on the screen.  

For times when the glue holds too well, we have found it best to use the provided removal tool(scraper). Work it under a corner or side and then continue to push it under the build until it releases.

The hose adapter is for use with a fume extraction system or for duct fan ventilation. First you will need to print the hose adapter file located on the printer. It can be printed out of any material (PLA, ECO-ABS or Nylon). If you are using a fume extraction system, please be sure to turn it on every time you use your printer.

Extruder misalignment is most often caused by a tangle in the filament spool. This prevents the extruder from moving to the right. Check to make sure the spool is freely feeding filament. Misalignment can also be caused when portions of a multiple part build become loose from the build platform, these loose pieces can become wedged between the extruder and other parts of the build. If this issue happens repeatedly, please contact customer service or click here

For Dremel 3D40 or 3D45 printer: First try releveling the build platform. If the problem persists, you may need to adjust your first layer height which is available in the settings menu. Please contact customer service or click here if you have any questions, or this does not work  

Most clogs are due to non-melting debris that gets into the extruder. That is why is it important to keep filament clean when it is open, but not being used. Clogs can also be caused by too much retraction in print files, using a high print temperature with a low melt-point filament, and jagged or bent ends during a filament change.  

You can unclog your extruder by using the unclog tool and following the steps in the instruction manual. If that does not work, please contact customer service or click here

Dremel 3D40 and 3D45 printer: Ensure that the filament is not tangled on the spool. Also check to see if the extruder is caught on the build platform or an object built on it.

This may be the result of a build failure due to poor model adhesion. If a build does not stick well to the build platform, it may be dragged around by the extruder. When this happens the filament that is extruded sticks and forms a large blob. To prevent this, keep your build surface level and tacky (good build tape, or glue). To remove the blob, fully preheat the extruder, then use a pair of needle nose pliers to pull it off (be careful not to damage the brass nozzle). If there is still an issue please contact customer service or click here.

Clean your Dremel 3D printer's exterior with a lint free cloth. Clear the interior of visible debris. To avoid damaging your Dremel 3D printer do not use water, chemicals or other cleaners on the printer. Always check to ensure the extruder nozzle is clear of debris using common needle nose pliers.  

Ensure you are using the latest Firmware as early versions homed with more force. A protracted noise when the extruder reaches the home position could indicate a loose and skipping belt. Please contact customer service if this occurs regularly. 

All of Dremel's 3D printers will turn back on to an unheated idle state after a power disruption. The previous print project will be cancelled automatically. If the print head is still hot, the fans will turn on to cool it down.

First turn the spool approximately 1/2 turn and try the loading filament operation again. The printer will search during the loading operation. Watch the top status bar, it will display "Reading" when it is looking for the Filament. You may exit the loading operation after this reading operation completes. If it still does not detect the filament, you can select the type from the selection screen. If this problem persists or occurs on multiple spools, please contact customer service or click here.

  Please contact Dremel customer service department for service information by clicking here  

All questions and support are provided by the Dremel service team in Racine Wisconsin  

Yes. Dremel has worked hard to design your packaging so that un-boxing and boxing your Dremel 3D printer is quick and easy. The packaging will come in handy for future transportation and storage.