Dual extrusion and precise scaling & first layer issue

[Idefix]

Hi,

Scaling
I'm unable to find a way to scale 2 objects by % for dual extrusion.
While I can import the 2 stl files, merge them with SHIFT+Center and Arrange and scale them with the mouse by SHIFT+CTRL+Right Mouse button, I'm unable to scale them to a precise % like I could by right clicking the object individually and adjusting the scale to e.g. 1.2.

If the objects are scaled individually by right click, they will not line up later for dual extrusion and I have to fall back to Makerware for all my non default size dual extrusion prints.

Any ideas? Or is this feature missing in S3D?

First Layer
Another issue I have is that S3D apparently prints, independent of the model used, a full layer for both models, with the 2nd extruder as soon as it reaches the level in question. Take the thingiverse traffic cone for example (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:21773). The ring version (_RINGS) has a small inner ring starting from layer 1 or 2. S3D will print the inner ring as well as the full layer, including the square base with the second extruder. Does this have something to do with the first layer height setting maybe? Does S3D add this first later for the 2nd extruder in-between layers if this is left enabled?


Thanks !

[Idefix]

anyone?

[lkeppner]

Last question first... I have seen the same behavior of a layer printing for both models but it turned out to be MY error. Go into your process for each part (you should have at least two processes - one for each body) and check on selected models. You should only have ONE model selected for each process... otherwise each extruder will try to print the part and you get what looks like double printing. I hope I am understanding your problem. If not, please include either a picture or screen capture of the print preview showing the problem on a layer.

The first issue, scale and alignment. This might be a feature request to scale all selected objects with a common input box. Sounds like a great request to me.

[Idefix]

Thanks for the reply.
I just completed a quick print (please ignore the issues in the red layers towards the top, extruder was skipping).

This is the model printed with Makerbot Desktop


This is the same model printed with S3D.


You can see that the first layer of the red print is printed for the complete model. The remaining ones are properly coordinated.
I'm printing another one now with the first layer height set to 100% instead of 90% but I feel that it will show a similar issue as the gCode is showing T1 being used (red color) for 3 complete layers from the first red layer onward (3 layers probably because it was scaled up by 170% vs the one you can see on the picture).

The model is also clearly separated. These is no fragment which could cause this.

Thanks !

[lkeppner]

This looks similar to the GE engine fan I've printed... although I've only printed it in a single color!

Anyway, it is interesting but I can't tell that it is doing from the picture. Would you be willing to save and share your factory file? This should include your settings AND the stl's so I can try it as well. I would be willing to take a look at the settings and see if anything pops out to me. If the preview/settings look correct, I could try it on my printer (Airwolf HD2x) to see if I get the same results.

Lou

[Idefix]

Thanks for the reply.
Yes, this is the GE Engine fan.

I have uploaded the dual extrusion model to Thingiverse: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:487805
The factory file (170% version) is attached.