3D-Print a 200 mm Record: Generic FDM and Prusa Settings

By the Make a Record project · Software reference v0.1.0

The fdm200 preset creates a 200 mm STL disc at 45 RPM for a 0.4 mm FDM nozzle. It provides a smaller alternative to the 250 mm profiles while keeping their lateral groove geometry. The preset is experimental and has not been physically validated.

Check the usable bed, not just the printer name

A flat circular disc needs enough space in both horizontal directions. For example, the Prusa MK4S specifies a 250 × 210 × 220 mm build volume. A centered 200 mm disc leaves 5 mm per side along the shorter horizontal dimension, before any brim or excluded areas. Confirm the complete toolpath fits the selected printer profile.

The preset can also be a starting point for other FDM printers with sufficient usable space and a 0.4 mm nozzle. It is a geometry preset, not a bundled PrusaSlicer, Cura, or OrcaSlicer machine configuration. For a 180 mm bed, use the 170 mm presets instead.

What geometry does it use?

The groove moves sideways with the audio. It has a 1.2 mm pitch, 0.08 mm lateral amplitude, 0.30 mm depth, and a calculated 0.60 mm width. At maximum modulation, 0.44 mm of land remains between neighboring turns. These model dimensions are inherited from the existing 0.4 mm FDM preset; the 200 mm disc ends its program area at a 45 mm inner radius.

Prepare the first print

1. Upload a WAV or MP3 with the fdm200 preset selected. Begin with 5–10 seconds and leave format on STL.
2. Download the ZIP and import the STL at 100% scale. Verify its 200 mm diameter.
3. Select your actual printer, 0.4 mm nozzle, and material in the slicer. Place the flat back down and grooves up.
4. Evaluate the FDM slicer starting points using equivalent settings in your slicer. Inspect the channel and separating walls in the toolpath preview before printing.
5. Play the finished test at 45 RPM and preserve the settings and a playback recording with your report.

Can I reduce the diameter further?

Use the converter's diameter and inner-radius controls to regenerate the geometry. Keep enough radial space for the signal and run-out, and read the resulting capacity report. Scaling a finished STL would also shrink its hole and groove dimensions. For initial material and toolpath checks, the 120 mm quick-test preset uses less disc area.

What limits the sound?

Extrusion, layer steps, warping, and stylus tracking can all affect the physical result. Smaller discs also have lower linear speed at the same RPM. The generated audio preview checks the conditioned signal; it does not predict the noise or detail of a printed record. Confirm tonearm reach before attempting the inner grooves.

Current preset geometry

Values below come from the converter's presets. Capacity is a geometric maximum, before the web app's point limit or a shorter uploaded clip is applied.

Method and further reading

This guide describes Make a Record's source code and presets. The broader technique follows earlier digital fabrication experiments, including Amanda Ghassaei's laser-cut records. Suggested fabrication settings need validation on your machine; they are not manufacturer-certified profiles.