Features that help large hallow prints. Random infill.

[dodgersfan24]

Usually I find myself printing large models with 0% infill, with 7-10 top layers on my prints. Works well for me. Occasionally, a model requires something to hold the beginning of a top layer. Such as a large cube, or something with a cone shaped dip in the middle.

For this I have always restored to 3-7% rectangular infill, randomly placed per layer. This creates enough support inside the hollow model, to start putting down plastic to make the top layers. I resort to this rather then flipping the model in another angle, as finishing printing on the top surface can leave a nice finish. Works great for me. Saves lots of time and plastic.

The option to use random placement of infill per layer is gone in 3.0

One thing I have imagined, is the ability to create internal support for hallow prints. Settings that can be adjusted just as regular support with angles and such. Also to be able to manually added.

Another is to be able to adjust the angle, at which the slicer identifies the angles of a mesh that would determine it to be top layers. So maybe you can crank it up to crazy 45 degrees. With this, you could adjust this setting in different processes of a print. Such a setting might be needed in the middle or top of a print, and not the other.

[jimc]

haha i think you must be the only person to ever want and request random infill placement. random is gone because there was really no reason for it. infill layers that are lined up are superior in every way. i dont think you will have any better quality with random layers than you will with lined up layers. cant you just use rectilinear infill? if your really stuck on the random thing then you can also add some infill angles. toss 4 or 5 of them in the list. as long as the print on every layer option is off this will act similar to random placement. just an idea

[dodgersfan24]

Well ok, changing the angles is almost the same. But I do think my other ideas would be very useful.

[bot]

Random helps because you can lower the density. It's useful when the only reason you need infill is to support a flat roof. The random lines give the roof more places to fall, so it takes less top layers to build a nice surface.

[bot]

Not only was random infill taken away, but the ability to adjust the angle of the top rectilinear infill is now gone, too. Isn't it lovely when a software developer removes useful features from their software?

[slipshine]

haha i think you must be the only person to ever want and request random infill placement. random is gone because there was really no reason for it.

Actually I miss it a lot. It allowed me to use abs material and print some impressively detailed prints without them splitting.

It seemed to create less stress on the interior and reduced warping when using ABS. I haven't been able to get the changing angles to work quite as well.

[inhouse]

I agree!
I am printing airfoil sections with a single perimeter, and 2% random infill, to keep the weight down
Because the airfoils have curved surfaces they tend to be pulled inward because of the shrinking material, so they deform.
Having standard infill that forms a "rib" seems the buckle the single perimeter due to shrinkage stress, so that you can see a pattern on the outside of the airfoil caused by the infill on the inside.

I did not have that problem with random placed infill, so please put it back...!