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Top layer issues

Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 10:35 am
by jdelise89
So I know there have been numerous threads on this and there is also a print quality guide, but neither have given me any answers/results.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HvzSN2 ... sp=sharing

How do I get these details smoother? OR at least as smooth as you can get with an FDM..

Settings:
-Tried cranking my top layer all the way up to 7
-Infill have tried between 20-100%
- Temperature between 215 and 195
-Extrusion Multiplier .95-1.20

Not sure what else to do?

Re: Top layer issues

Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 3:15 pm
by gearsawe
so the top is not flat?
you don't want to see the layers? or the straight line on the the surface?
3 things you can try
you will never rid of those lines straight from the printer.
To minimize the look set the External Fill Pattern to Concentric.
you can make layer height thinner .2mm?
also if you have a .4 nozzle try printing printing with a extruder width to manual and set it to 0.4
set the extruder width to the same as your nozzle.

Re: Top layer issues

Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 5:43 pm
by zemlin
What kind of printer?
Have you tried thinner layers? Not sure what you mean by "smoother".
You will have steps - but you can control that somewhat with layer thickness.

If it's the extra build up at the end of the solid infill runs, if your printer supports pressure advance or linear advances, that can help.

Re: Top layer issues

Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 7:24 pm
by dkightley
I'm guessing that you are asking if S3D prints non-planar layers....see viewtopic.php?f=23&t=5814&hilit=non+planar+layers

Unfortunately, I don't think any printers do this as standard at present. Something for the future, I'm afraid.

The only compromise is have layers that print as part of the top surface as thin as you can get them to print....which can be achieved by using multiple processes, where from the bottom to the layer before the first top layer is at your current layer thickness....and every layer above is thin! And you can get the thinner layers by using a second process.

Re: Top layer issues

Posted: Sun Jun 21, 2020 5:49 pm
by jdelise89
Thank you everyone for the advice!

I'm definitely aware of the limitations of FDM, however I guess I'm always trying to make sure I'm doing my part in the slicer to make the print as successful as possible.

And to clarify, by smoother I guess I meant...more natural? It's supposed to be stone, so seeing the lines is kind of a bummer, but I also know to be expected with FDMs.

So far the concentric infill made a HUGE difference as well the other pieces of advice. Between all of this, I feel good enough to say "Good enough"

Re: Top layer issues

Posted: Sun Jun 21, 2020 5:54 pm
by zemlin
Sandpaper.

Re: Top layer issues

Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2020 1:28 am
by gearsawe
ha sand paper!
yes sometime a little elbow grease is the best way.
if it is ABS I would go as far as acetone dip.