TAXONOMY CLASSIFICATION

Visual Evidence & Defect Diagnostic Atlas

Identify physical failure symptoms across surface finish, geometric distortion, assembly tolerances, and mechanical weakness before tweaking your slicer profiles.

TAXONOMY: CORE FDM REPOSITORY

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PROTOCOL: VISUAL-FIRST DIAGNOSIS

Category Overview Diagnostic Visual

Reference Sample

Catalog Domain Verified Standard

[ Diagnostic Taxonomy Directory ]

Defect Classification & Evidence Atlas

Systematic visual identification matrix. Isolate physical failure markers on test prints before adjusting extrusion multipliers, retraction distances, or chamber kinematics.

6 Diagnostic Modules

Microscopic analysis of surface layer lines and artifacts

EVID-01

Extrusion & Skin

Surface Evidence

Analysis of visible lines, texture changes, scars, and irregular surfaces on 3D printed parts.

Primary IndexExamine Record

Diagnostic review of print warping and dimensional deviation

EVID-02

Thermal & Axis

Geometry Evidence

Diagnostic guide for warping, distortion, and unexpected dimensions in prints.

Thermal ProfileExamine Record

Evaluating joint fit and assembly clearance on 3D printed models

EVID-03

Tolerance & Mating

Fit Evidence

Evaluating parts that printed successfully but fail to assemble as expected.

Interlock SpecExamine Record

Bridge and overhang defect analysis on small intricate features

EVID-04

Local Geometry

Feature Evidence

Examining failures in thin walls, holes, bridges, and small details.

Resolution LimitsExamine Record

Testing repeatability and recurring layer shift artifacts across print runs

EVID-05

Kinematics & Drift

Repeatability

Distinguishing between an isolated defect and a repeating pattern.

Variance AnalysisExamine Record

Testing mechanical integrity and structural failure caused by internal defects

EVID-06

Structural Integrity

Functional Consequences

Determining when a cosmetic issue begins to impact the mechanical function of the part.

Load ToleranceExamine Record

Rule 01: Isolate Evidence

Visual Precedes Parameters

Never alter extrusion rate, temperature, or jerk in the slicer until you have cross-referenced surface artifacts against dimensional accuracy.

Rule 02: Kinematic Verification

Differentiate Mechanical Flaws

Repeating artifacts at fixed Z-heights or periodic axis oscillations are hardware issues that cannot be permanently corrected in software.

Rule 03: Fit & Function

Distinguish Cosmetic from Failure

Surface sheen anomalies or minor seam scuffs may not weaken the structural modulus. Evaluate load constraints prior to rebuilding print profiles.