Layer start-points again: User-created layer start-points

[cairn]

I know there are already several requests for smarter layer start-points, but how about a geometry-based approach?
I have been printing a lot of parts lately with multiple islands, and often get zits exactly where I want them least:


So, it would be great if you could add some geometry to your model which sets the point where new laters start, and/or tells the nozzle where to cross the island boundary during travel moves. What I have in mind is a geometry type which S3D recognises as an island-boundary crossing point. You would probably have to import it in a separate operation so that you could then tell S3D what it is. S3D would have a button like 'select layer-start geometry' and 'select boundary crossing geometry'.
Could be surfaces which intersect your model geometry:

Or could be curves on the surface of your model:

Or you could tell S3D to try to avoid selected areas. Perhaps you could paint your model within S3D to tell it what to avoid:

[S3D-Jake]

Great idea! I'll continue monitoring this thread to see if more users are interested.

[jaspernp]

I believe layer start points is currently one of the biggest barriers for production quality FDM printing so any feature implemented allowing more control over this problem is absolutely welcome. I would love to know if Simplfy3D has any further comments in relation to this. If some kind of "smooth layer translation procedure" could be implemented this would be game changing. I know a few ideas have been thrown out by the community over the years which (unfortunately) have patented .

This article goes into detail about the problem and some of the proposed solutions through clever tool paths.

https://mattshub.com/2017/07/19/layer-seams/

[S3D-Jake]

I believe layer start points is currently one of the biggest barriers for production quality FDM printing so any feature implemented allowing more control over this problem is absolutely welcome. I would love to know if Simplfy3D has any further comments in relation to this. If some kind of "smooth layer translation procedure" could be implemented this would be game changing. I know a few ideas have been thrown out by the community over the years which (unfortunately) have patented .

This article goes into detail about the problem and some of the proposed solutions through clever tool paths.

https://mattshub.com/2017/07/19/layer-seams/

Model permitting, smooth layer transitions are currently managed using single outline corkscrew printing mode very well. As the blog post you linked mentions, retraction, coasting, wiping, and extra restart distance are all ways to calibrate your extruder to best manage these seams if linear advance is not an option in your printers firmware. I'll continue to monitor the discussion here, as Simplify3D is certainly interested in your software improvement requests.