Multiple objects and processes

[Rolf]

Hello,

I'm using Simplify3D and I'm using several objects (from STLs) and två different processes (one with 20% infill for the larger parts and one process with 100% on some smaller parts).

I have them interconnecting to form one item.

Is this wrong? Sometimes (not always, maybe once in four) I get a XZ-dispacement (approx 5mm) after 3-5mm high, wich messes the print of course.

A collegue of mine says that you must have one STL when you print (not several that I have) and if you have several objects they must not interconnect, especially if you have several processes.

Is this the reason for for the error or is that something you are able to do in Simplify3D?

Slicing seems to work fine without error and most print work fine.

Am I doing it wrong? Must be only one STL or can I build my print on several objects together?
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I'm making my STLs in Blender using PLA on a CraftBot2.
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[brian442]

I'm guessing you mean to say that the XY axis shifts in the middle of the print? If that's the case, you might want to look here for tips:
https://www.simplify3d.com/support/prin ... salignment

[dkightley]

I'm using Simplify3D and I'm using several objects (from STLs) and två different processes (one with 20% infill for the larger parts and one process with 100% on some smaller parts).

I have them interconnecting to form one item.

Is this wrong?

Its certainly not a good idea. With two parts interleaving (or overlapping) and being printed as separate parts then you will end up with the extruder trying to extrude plastic twice in the same location. This will certainly result in the print head hitting the previously extruded plastic and it being out of register with where the software thinks it should be.......exactly the result you are describing.

A collegue of mine says that you must have one STL when you print (not several that I have) and if you have several objects they must not interconnect, especially if you have several processes.

Two points here...

Firstly you can have two or more stl file used in the printer at one time, either using the same process, or using two or more processes.....that is when none of the stl's interleave (overlap).

Secondly, where a single stl file contains two or more separate meshes that do overlap, S3D does not handle them in the same way as other slicer software. In stead of combining the meshes together and slicing the result, there is a strange gap created where the two meshes interfere with each other. This can, however, be easily resolved by using the Separate Connected Surfaces option on the Mesh dropdown....this option splits the meshes into separate stl's. Once split, if they are printed by the same process, they will be merged back together...as if they were one part.... for the purposes of slicing.

Where you do have two or more stls that form one solid part and you want to use two processes, you will need to ensure the separate parts of the finished model do not overlap...but just butt up to each other. Then, when printed together, they will stick together to form one part. Note, however, that I'm not sure how strong the "stick" will be compared to having the two stl's overlapping and printed using one process.

Am I doing it wrong? Must be only one STL or can I build my print on several objects together?

Yes...and No. Follow the notes above and you can build designs in CAD using two or more solids.....but either use your CAD package to merge them into a single mesh before exporting to stl.....or use the Separate Connected Surfaces option to split them into two stl's within S3D and slice them using the same process.

[Rolf]

Thanks,

I'll 3D-model a larger full scene in Blender then instead of individual parts and skip different infills I guess. I thought the S3D slicer made the gcode layer by layer not caring of the individual objects.

(I meant XY displacement of course sorry for the misspell)

Thank you

[pgoth]

I was just to post the same question... what I have not found a way to solve though is that even if you have multiple parts, aligned properly, with one or more processes Simplify3d does not recognize it as one part and the parts are not sliced as one object but as many parts.

I've sliced my original object into multiple using Meshmixer, imported into Simplify3d, performed "align selected model origins" and sliced it. The output will be as in the second attachment where the items are perfectly aligned but borders are printed between the parts. I.e. it is not slicing as one object - which is perhaps obvious. It would be a great feature though as I can define different processes in X/Y in addition to Z-axis.
With the current result it will not be that strong where the parts are joined..

I want to have a higher infill in the highlighted area

Sliced

[horst.w]

Is that only a theoretical question (other user want to have it separatly!) or pointed to your hook?

When only the hook is concerned than print it as one object in the strongest way as possible. The segmentation makes sense for nothing.

Besides that I don't believe this: " With the current result it will not be that strong where the parts are joined.." On this point the jointed parts will be strong enough. And that will be forced, when you have a overlap of the two parts.
The weak point of this hook is not the joining of the separated parts above, but the small curve in the peak downside, the point of the greatest mechanical stress. Printed in this position the perimeters are running horizontal and only the layers bonding put them together. A predetermined breaking point.

Otherwise there are existing constructive variations with a tongue like a puzzle i.e.


Regards
horst.w , GER