Problem with vase model model looking "wispy"

[tri-lite]

I'm trying to print something using Simplify3D Vase Mode (found in the Layer tab), but I have a problem. In Preview Mode, I can see that the top of my model isn't going to print correctly. The walls at the top look "wispy" (image attached), whereas the wall should be continuous all the way to the very top opening of this little LED light topper.

This model is from Thingiverse: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:596602/#files. The image shows the wispy top section in Preview Mode.

Advice anyone?

[DarthRevan]

I'm trying to print something using Simplify3D Vase Mode (found in the Layer tab), but I have a problem. In Preview Mode, I can see that the top of my model isn't going to print correctly. The walls at the top look "wispy" (image attached), whereas the wall should be continuous all the way to the very top opening of this little LED light topper.

This model is from Thingiverse: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:596602/#files. The image shows the wispy top section in Preview Mode.

Advice anyone?

Upon first glance, It seemed that the top walls of the model weren't designed to be as thick as the bottom walls. Thin walls can pose problems when printing, especially if the wall in the model is thinner than a single perimeter that your extruder will print. Think of it this way….your single perimeter will be largely determined by the size of your extruder opening. In other words, your .4mm diameter extruder opening cannot print a wall that was designed to be .2mm thick.

The model doesn't need to be redesigned. This small hiccup can be resolved in Simplify3D by "merging all of your outlines into a single solid model". There is a checkbox for this option located in the "Other" tab of FFF Settings. You'll find it highlighted in the picture below.

Merge All Outlines

This works because the Single Outline Corkscrew Printing mode no longer will be seeing the model with the thin walls. It will see a solid with the same external shape as the original model, which it can then interpret correctly. (as seen below)

Problem Solved

[tri-lite]

Great advice - I didn't know about the "merge all outlines" option which appears in the Other tab, but it did the trick. I'm very happy with the finished product. The glow of the IKEA LED candle flickers through the transparent filament nicely, so I'm printing 6 of them to go on the dinner table. Thanks!

[jimc]

funny, i made a couple versions of something very similar a while back.

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:606141