Bottom side detail
Hi all,
I'm new to 3d printing and have a question about a recent print. I printed a mini workshop table. I oriented the print so the back side of the table was down/facing the platter, that saved on some supports. I'm super impressed with the detail of the print on all sides except the one facing the platter. I think I've pulled away all of the supports (most of the side was not flush to the platter so much of it needed support), and I have what looks like a circuit board sort of pattern on that side. Its supposed to be a wood grain look like the rest of the model. Is this pretty typical of the side facing down, would you just sand this down a bit? If I pull away more material will I find a better detailed pattern? Perhaps I should have oriented feet down at the expense of more supports?
I'll attach a few pictures. Any insight would be wonderful.
Impressive!
Looks like a circuit board 🙁
Feet down
Feed down is the better way to print this.
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Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog
There are still some fragments of support that could be pared away but the surface will not be as crisp as the others.
The underlying issue is that 3D FDM printing can never be free of orientation biases.
The first layer will always conform to the print bed, supported surfaces and bridges will always be a little loose, vertical details will be better on the sides and shallow slopes on the top will show stepping.
The usual answer with models like this is to split the object in two or more parts, orient the parts to take advantage of the medium and join them together afterwards. Functional parts may need to be oriented so the lay of the filament can channel the forces expected in use. Some shapes will print more accurately in one plane than another.
No medium is perfect and a good designer will work to optimise results within the constraints.
Cheerio,
Some designs were not meant to be 3D printed
Just because you can scan a molded part doesn't mean it will be a nice print.
Did you get this to print with better results?
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Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog
Happy with the print
I don't think I'll re-print it. I wanted to have the top have the best detail and the back side is the least important (except for the bottom) because it will be up against a wall in a dollhouse. So I think this is probably the best orientation, given those preferences. I was just curious for future prints if the bottom side texture typically has the poorest detail. Thanks for the helpful responses!
-Kavan
Designed for 3D print or not.
The bottom side is best kept flat. We could redesign your dresser to print perfectly - my first thought is cut it where the feet join, and print in two parts and rejoin them later. That way, perfect flat bottoms, perfect details (even underneath) and Heck while you are at it, make it a print in place as well so the drawers actually work.