Missing chunks when slicing model

[saltydreadbeard]

Hello, I am going to assume this is me not setting something correctly. But for some reason, I noticed that simplify3d somehow omits outer walls. I am not sure why, but I have noticed this in a few different files.

I am trying to move away from Cura and use this software which I feel has a lot of features that are improved. But I cannot get certain things to print correctly.

So If you notice the letter B in these screen shots, I have loaded the same file and printed from Cura, and this issue does not happen. There are just random chunks missing from the lower left half of the B. This has been the case in other prints, such as omitting eyelids, and other seemingly random pieces.

For clarity, I removed the supports in one of the screenshots. And this prints exactly this way.
Thank you for your help.
- John

[brian442]

99% of the time when I see people having problems like this, it's because there's problems with the STL file they imported. You can use the S3D repair tools to check it for errors, or try fixing it with one of the free repair services (netfabb, makeprintable, etc)

[saltydreadbeard]

99% of the time when I see people having problems like this, it's because there's problems with the STL file they imported. You can use the S3D repair tools to check it for errors, or try fixing it with one of the free repair services (netfabb, makeprintable, etc)

Thank you for this. I am very new to all of this. I will try your suggestions.

[dkightley]

There are several threads on the forum also discussing missing things like missing slices and filled in holes, etc. Varying suggestions are made to get a solution. Do a search and you'll find some more very useful solutions and workarounds.

Basically, what I am saying is that its better to have a look round the forum to see if the issue you have has been already discussed rather than simply (and in my opinion, lazily) expecting someone to hand you the answer on a plate. I've learned a hell of a lot by simply reading threads on the forum....and only ask for help if I'm really stuck.

[saltydreadbeard]

There are several threads on the forum also discussing missing things like missing slices and filled in holes, etc. Varying suggestions are made to get a solution. Do a search and you'll find some more very useful solutions and workarounds.

Basically, what I am saying is that its better to have a look round the forum to see if the issue you have has been already discussed rather than simply (and in my opinion, lazily) expecting someone to hand you the answer on a plate. I've learned a hell of a lot by simply reading threads on the forum....and only ask for help if I'm really stuck.

The issue is I am very new to this, and sometimes the terminology used doesn't make sense to me yet. I did look through many forum posts, and none have an answer to my particular problem.

So, thanks for your opinion and for taking the time to call me lazy, without providing links to threads you believe would apply to my situation. I also enjoy the fact that you feel the need to state basically "search what you're looking for." I guess you assume people have never used the internet or a forum before, but at least it helps with your post count (as I can tell looking at your posts).

Tip for you: Maybe next time you could give someone a hint on what they should be searching for instead of just telling them to search.

[dkightley]

I certainly intended no offence...and if I have caused some, please accept my apologies. My intention was to point out that sometimes its better to try and find things out rather than simply ask. You mention that you'd already tried a search with no success....dare I comment that it may have been very helpful if you had mentioned the fact.

Regarding your issue, using the search term "missing layer" gives a list of threads, one at least being exactly what you are looking for: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=4792&hilit=missing+layer

As an alternative to running the model through a repair service, adjusting the layer thickness by a small amount (say 0.0001 to 0.0005mm) or rotating the model a few degrees has been known to result in a good slice.

[brian442]

As an alternative to running the model through a repair service, adjusting the layer thickness by a small amount (say 0.0001 to 0.0005mm) or rotating the model a few degrees has been known to result in a good slice.

I have yet to find any situations where this actually helps in the latest 3.1.1. I know there were old versions where sometimes this would help, but I think they've probably improved things now. If I open an old file where the 0.0001 trick worked, and then to slice it in 3.1.1 without using that trick, it already slices correctly. So my guess is that this suggestion is no longer needed if they are using the latest version.

Update: looks like 3.1.0 had a change described as "Continued improvements to the slicing engine for automatically handling models with slight defects or mesh errors", so I'm guessing they are automatically fixing some of these minor errors now so that this trick is no longer needed.
https://www.simplify3d.com/software/release-notes/