Exploring print setting tradeoffs to improve part quality using a visual thermal process simulation

•An easy-to-understand visual representation of 3D printed road temperatures using color helps users identify areas on the part that are above or below the glass transition temperature.•Exploring print setting tradeoffs in real-time, allows users to find a combination of print settings that can reduce or eliminate defects.•Print setting values from a thermal process simulation transferred to print preparation software, establishes a feedback loop that helps users reduce or eliminate print failures.