For hard surface stuff that is very angular like the model you are building there is really no need to smooth especially if your goal is to use stereo lithography (3D print). You will produce a much lighter model and should you need to render and have edges that look more natural beveling will be enough.

I was just pointing out that for models you plan to smooth or texture that quads and topology become more important and how there are ways to improve topology even if it is quads.

Hopefully that helps.

Rick