having trouble printing thin objects
I have had this problem before, but usually just resort to increasing the overall size/thickness and moving on. But this time I'm determined to figure out how to print thin, small objects. The .stl files always look great, but once I slice I lose much of the print, especially the thinner walls. I've attached pictures of my most recent failure (a piece of jewelry that will have attached necklace threading). There's a screenshot of the file in Slic3r's 3D editor view looking great and then a screenshot of the preview after being sliced (a disaster). If anyone can give me advice as to what slic3r settings to use, I would be so appreciative!
I have a Prusa i3 MK2S and I use the most recent version of Slic3r Prusa Edition.
Thanks!
Jeannette
Re: having trouble printing thin objects
In the slicer, you can control your Trace Width. By default, it's about 12% larger than the diameter of your nozzle, but you can decrease it to about 5% larger (or maybe even a little less). For example, the default trace width for a 0.4mm nozzle is 0.45mm, but you can go into the settings and decrease that to 0.42 or maybe even a tiny bit smaller.
However, you can't make a trace width smaller than your nozzle opening. This is a fundamental limit of FDM printing. If your print has walls that are less than 0.4mm wide, then you will need to install a nozzle with a smaller opening. You can get nozzles with openings as small as 0.1mm if you really search; 0.25 is more common. There are many things to be aware of when swapping out nozzles, so search for guidance.
Re: having trouble printing thin objects
For information 5he prusa printers have a minimum layet height of 0.15mm
Programmed in the firmware. You should never exceed 80% nozzle diameter for your layer height.
Also. There are ready made slic3r profiles for 0.25mm nozzles, which will probably make life easier for you
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
Re: having trouble printing thin objects
detect thin walls work?
I have a Prusa,therefore I research.
Re: having trouble printing thin objects
As RetireeJay notes, it's all about your nozzle size. Think of your nozzle as a paintbrush. You're not going to be able to paint fine detail with a large brush. The same basic thing does for nozzles. You can print down to a certain size, but for fine detail, you want a fine nozzle. I'd suggest a 0.25mm nozzle as profiles are readily available and it's still relatively easy to work with. I've tried nozzles down to 0.15mm, but printing is much trickier at that size and prints tend to be quite fragile. Print times will also increase dramatically as you decrease nozzle sizes.
If you care to provide a link to a sample STL, I'd be happy to show you the effects on slicer output. Good job using preview mode rather than just blindly trying to print!
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Re: having trouble printing thin objects
Thanks for the responses!
So, detect thin walls did seem to help a little, but not much. Definitely not enough to make the model printable.
See if this works. Should give you access to the .stl: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13c5d2eu6zzZuuRCQs_karoTPVy5mv5nq/view?usp=sharing .
I have a .4mm nozzle and I didn't see specifically "Trace Width", but I did get some success with changing the extrusion width settings (see attached screenshots). However, when I went to print, I had a lot of trouble with the print starting to curl up on me. It seemed like the thinner extrusion was making the print less sturdy. I added raft layers and that still didn't help.
I feel like the smaller nozzle size might be the solution. I work at a Library and this is a frequent problem when trying to print patrons' jewelry prints and other small or thin objects.
I'd love to hear more if anyone has more suggestions. Thanks so much!
-Jeannette
Re: having trouble printing thin objects
Oh, and I should mention I added supports even though I didn't think the model needed them. I noticed some gaps in the model (perhaps due to the thinness of the pieces) so I hoped supports would fill those gaps (probably not the smartest solution). And of course I haven't been able to get far enough in the print to see if it worked.
Re: having trouble printing thin objects
With parts that thin and delicate, supports are unlikely to be helpful. Supports have to be broken away from the print when you're done, and the supports themselves are going to be just as strong as the part - so which will break away from which? Or will both break at the same time.
You're right; slicers call it "Extrusion Width" not "Trace Width".
Re: having trouble printing thin objects
did you try thin walls and goin .15 .1 or even .05? it might help even more. might....
you can also try telling slicer you have a .25 nozzle. see if it helps at least just to see.
I have a Prusa,therefore I research.
Re: having trouble printing thin objects
Thanks to everyone for your replies! I ended up giving up on this model. Detect thin walls did help a little, but after many attempts, I think I need to try again with a smaller nozzle (which will have to wait for a bit). One thing I really love about 3D printing is how much you learn from your failures. Thanks again for the help!
-Jeannette
Re: having trouble printing thin objects
you should notice the difference, just by changing the nozzle size in slicer. just to look at it. i have a few that want smaller nozzles.
I have a Prusa,therefore I research.