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Printed Holes Too Small: Check Fit Before Scaling Everything

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Printed Holes Too Small: Check Fit Before Scaling Everything — conceptual illustration

Table of Contents

Measure the hole at more than one depth. If only its entrance at the build plate is tight, the problem is different from a bore that is undersized all the way through.

Where does the fit fail?

Only near the bottom

Inspect the first-layer edge and compare it with the upper opening. Use the elephant-foot guide if the base is expanded. Global scaling changes the rest of a hole that may already fit.

Along the whole vertical bore

Check the model dimension, export quality, actual mating component and slicer preview. Try a small hole coupon with several deliberately labeled clearances before editing the full part.

A horizontal hole is irregular

Inspect its unsupported upper section and any support contact. An uneven opening needs geometry or orientation work, not simply a bigger nominal diameter.

Prusa’s modeling guide explains that fit depends on geometry, orientation, calibration, settings and material. There is no universal clearance value that fits every assembly.

A useful hole coupon

  • Keep the same orientation and nearby wall thickness as the real part.
  • Label each modeled size so the successful result is traceable.
  • Use the actual pin, screw or shaft for the functional check.
  • Preserve the printer, material and profile used for the trial.

When a local correction works, apply it locally and check other mating dimensions. Scaling an entire enclosure to fix one hole also moves its clips, outer walls and screw spacing.

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