How to get textured from powder-coated sheet into my print
 
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JV Lobo
(@jv-lobo)
Eminent Member
How to get textured from powder-coated sheet into my print

Hello!!

I got the Mini + recently with both the smooth and textured sheets. I can print in both with no issues.
When printing with the textured one, I get a bit of the textured transferred to my piece, but I can still clearly see the lines on the bottom layer. If I compared it with the printed parts on my Mini, like for example the display cover, there you can barely see the lines. It has a very nice texture.

Is there a way I can get this on my prints? As far as I know, the parts on the printer are printed with PETG, right? would I need PETG to get the texture transferred better?

Thank you!

Best Answer by JoanTabb:

I would say that your Live Z value is not a large enough negative number, your nozzle is too high and not pushing the filament into the texture of the surface... 
When your Live V is just right, it looks too thin, on the textured build plate.

I use the 'Life Adjust 'Z' My Way' process, but that was designed for the Mk3 printer,  the files below are similar, but set up for a mini! 

Prusa Mini files 

https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/original-prusa-i3-mk3s-mk3-assembly-and-first-prints-troubleshooting/life-adjust-z-my-way/

regards Joan

Opublikowany : 13/05/2022 12:02 pm
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
RE: How to get textured from powder-coated sheet into my print

I would say that your Live Z value is not a large enough negative number, your nozzle is too high and not pushing the filament into the texture of the surface... 
When your Live V is just right, it looks too thin, on the textured build plate.

I use the 'Life Adjust 'Z' My Way' process, but that was designed for the Mk3 printer,  the files below are similar, but set up for a mini! 

Prusa Mini files 

https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/original-prusa-i3-mk3s-mk3-assembly-and-first-prints-troubleshooting/life-adjust-z-my-way/

regards Joan

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK

Opublikowany : 13/05/2022 12:33 pm
JV Lobo polubić
JV Lobo
(@jv-lobo)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: How to get textured from powder-coated sheet into my print

Thanks for the quick reply Joan.

I'll try lowering the Z even more and see what results I get. I didn't put it lower because I was getting very nice prints. I'll try and let you know how it looks.

Opublikowany : 13/05/2022 1:19 pm
Chris Laudermilk
(@chris-laudermilk)
Estimable Member
RE: How to get textured from powder-coated sheet into my print

For textured you want to drop your live Z a little bit to squish the plastic more into the texture voids.

One nice thing Prusa added to the Mini firmware recently is the ability to save different flexplates with different offsets so you don't have to keep making the adjustments, just save for each sheet and tell the printer which is on the bed.

Mini+ (kit) - Revo Micro | Antler Cooling | WiFi (4.4.0RC1)

Opublikowany : 13/05/2022 1:36 pm
JV Lobo polubić
JV Lobo
(@jv-lobo)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: How to get textured from powder-coated sheet into my print

Wow, got very nice results now 😀
I was using -1.650 and went down to -1.700 and it seems to be the sweet point. I'm getting a very defined texture on my piece now. Thanks a lot!

Chris, I didn't know you could save different offsets for different sheets, I was just writing it down for my different sheets/nozzles. Where is that option exactly?

Opublikowany : 13/05/2022 2:19 pm
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
RE: How to get textured from powder-coated sheet into my print

Surprising how much difference 50 thousandths of a millimetre can make
regards Joan

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK

Opublikowany : 13/05/2022 4:16 pm
jsw
 jsw
(@jsw)
Famed Member
RE: How to get textured from powder-coated sheet into my print

I don't use the Mini, but I do use the textured plate on the I3 regularly.

I've found that the 'sweet spot', in terms of reliable bed adhesion and cosmetic result, is to tune the Z calibration just to the point that the 'brush strokes' of the extruded filament disappear into the texture.

I've also found that the 'fuzzy skin' function in Cura will give a texture to the other sides of the print that, while it does not duplicate, will go well, visually, with the textured surface made with the Prusa textured plate.

I am still looking for an equivalent textured plate for my 'other' printer, the Ultimaker S5.  I've found solutions that will almost work, and those which will work if you have access to a professional quality sheet metal shear, like you would find in a machine shop, and those you can stick on but only cover so much of the build plate, but no true drop-in solution.

Opublikowany : 13/05/2022 8:34 pm
JV Lobo polubić
JV Lobo
(@jv-lobo)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
RE:

Thanks a lot for the tips jsw. I'll definitely try 🙂

Opublikowany : 13/05/2022 8:42 pm
Crab
 Crab
(@crab)
Reputable Member
RE: How to get textured from powder-coated sheet into my print

Yes.. I'm sure you can.. I have the MK3S+ so the interface is different.. just search on the Prusa knowledge base. Or play around with the front menu options on your LCD screen. Each sheet is different thickness.. I use a rough for PETG and smooth for PLA, so need to make sure I select the right sheet from my LCD menu on front of printer. 

Opublikowany : 14/05/2022 3:46 am
JV Lobo
(@jv-lobo)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: How to get textured from powder-coated sheet into my print

Found it! It is under settings -> hardware
Thanks!

Opublikowany : 14/05/2022 12:08 pm
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