I'll start by saying I first jumped into 3D printing using Cura. And while it worked, it didn't work well. Simplify3D has blown me away with all the features readily available.
That said, and I don't think I'm the only one based on the search results, I would love to be able to print only the base raft layers. I have many applications that the initial raft layers are preferred over having to lay down multiple top layers to get a smooth print space. I've read through many tricks and tips on how to hopefully make raft removal easier, but I'd still love the option.
From what I've read and tested, it doesn't seem like this is a current option - at least through conventional measures. If I'm missing something simple, wonderful! If not, does anyone have any ideas on how I can achieve this?
I've considered lowering the separation distance on the raft and removing the top layer's print data from the gcode. I've not tested this, though, because I'm sure this isn't the best method. Needless to say, I'm open to any and all input, except maybe tips and tricks on using the current rendition of rafts, as there are countless threads about this already available.
Thanks!
Re: Raft Base Layers Only
I'd say you have a few different options.
If you want to keep the thick initial layers that are printed by the raft, you can still print those thick layers as the very first layer of your part. That means you get the same great adhesion to the bed, but you don't have to print all the other remaining upper layers of the raft. To do this, you actually disable the raft completely, and then change the first layer settings. I've used a first layer height of 200% and a first layer width 200%, and that gets me pretty close to the exact same extrusion properties that my raft used to have. I would also reduce the first layer speed to 20-30% to make sure it sticks really well. I've used this option a lot, and it sticks just as well as the raft but prints much quicker and uses less plastic.
If you really want to keep the raft, you could also try disabling the raft base layers in your process settings, and possibly increasing the separation distance like you mentioned, but I personally think the option above works much better.
Finally, I'm sure a lot of other users would suggest this too, but you could get rid of the raft entirely and try a brim instead. In a lot of cases, that holds down the part just as well, but it also prints much much quicker.
So hopefully that gives you a few ideas you can try!
If you want to keep the thick initial layers that are printed by the raft, you can still print those thick layers as the very first layer of your part. That means you get the same great adhesion to the bed, but you don't have to print all the other remaining upper layers of the raft. To do this, you actually disable the raft completely, and then change the first layer settings. I've used a first layer height of 200% and a first layer width 200%, and that gets me pretty close to the exact same extrusion properties that my raft used to have. I would also reduce the first layer speed to 20-30% to make sure it sticks really well. I've used this option a lot, and it sticks just as well as the raft but prints much quicker and uses less plastic.
If you really want to keep the raft, you could also try disabling the raft base layers in your process settings, and possibly increasing the separation distance like you mentioned, but I personally think the option above works much better.
Finally, I'm sure a lot of other users would suggest this too, but you could get rid of the raft entirely and try a brim instead. In a lot of cases, that holds down the part just as well, but it also prints much much quicker.
So hopefully that gives you a few ideas you can try!
Re: Raft Base Layers Only
Wonderful!
Thank you so much for this. I actually tried using a brim instead on some prints today, and had some warping/lifting in the corners. May have just been that specific print, but my luck with brims are about 60% success. I'll have to give the initial layer option a go. It sounds pretty close to what I'm wanting. My only concern is detachment. I actually love the separation distance feature, as it's like night and day when compared to my old Cura days.
Unfortunately, work trips are going to delay all of this testing, but I'll be sure to let you know how it goes. Again, I appreciate the assistance. I felt a little iffy about my comment on tips and tricks, and how it may come across chilly, but you delivered beautifully.
Cheers!
Thank you so much for this. I actually tried using a brim instead on some prints today, and had some warping/lifting in the corners. May have just been that specific print, but my luck with brims are about 60% success. I'll have to give the initial layer option a go. It sounds pretty close to what I'm wanting. My only concern is detachment. I actually love the separation distance feature, as it's like night and day when compared to my old Cura days.
Unfortunately, work trips are going to delay all of this testing, but I'll be sure to let you know how it goes. Again, I appreciate the assistance. I felt a little iffy about my comment on tips and tricks, and how it may come across chilly, but you delivered beautifully.
Cheers!
