Getting a smoother top layer?
On some models I print the top surface layer sometimes gets a line or three that pull up and create a gouge in the finished top layer. I'm not sure what has changed as this never used to happen.
So, what are some strategies to eliminate this? The next thing I plan to try is slowing down the top layer a little.
Also, I'd like to get a smoother top finish if possible. I briefly tried the new ironing option but things came out worse LOL. Any advice?
RE: Getting a smoother top layer?
it might be helpful to mention what type of filament and what layer height you're trying to print with.
This only happens on some models?
RE: Getting a smoother top layer?
it might be helpful to mention what type of filament and what layer height you're trying to print with.
This only happens on some models?
Ah sorry forgot to mention that. PETG, 0.15mm QUALITY preset, 7 top layers, minimum shell thickness 0.6mm.
I actually think the issue has less to do with different models and more to do with different colors of filament. I use the same brand (Paramount), black comes out nice for the most part but the silver I print with exhibits this more often. Attached is a similar black model.
RE: Getting a smoother top layer?
@buckeyestargazer
Interesting. I've been pretty happy with the paramount3d petg. I've printed in at least 6 different colors in that stuff. I'm a big fan of their iron red, decepticon purple and autobot blue. I only just started trying to print at less that .20 with it and I started encountering the extruder clicking problem. I intend to try to figure that out after my current prints are done. I have two MK3S+ printers, with one upgrade to the MMU2S.
What temps are you printing with? I've been printing up until now with the Generic PETG profile and that's worked fine at 0.2. But at .1 on about layer 2-3, the extruder starts clicking and it's extremely under extruded. I'm curious if you're seeing a similar problem at .15mm.
RE: Getting a smoother top layer?
Paramount PETG is great, it's all I print with. I print first layer 240C, other layers 230C for most things.
I don't experience any of the other things you mentioned. For the extruder clicking, I'd try to back off the tension screw just a half turn. If I'm not mistaken the clicking is because the motor is having to work too hard and isn't able to push enough filament out(?).
RE: Getting a smoother top layer?
@buckeyestargazer
That's interesting, the generic PETG profile prints at 230/85 for first layer and 240/90 for the rest. I'll mess around with the idler screw and see. That was going to be on my list of things to try today.
I've tried to narrow down my vendors of filament to Prusa, Paramount, Ninjatek(for their ninjaflex) and Sainsmart for their tpus color options and for their transparent petg options.
Just keeps things more consistent and I'm not always having to mess with fine tuning a particular vendor/type combination of filament.
Let me know how you get on. I should have some results later today on the issue I am seeing. it could be the idler screw since the mmu enabled printer doesn't seem to exhibit the issue with the same .gcode file.
RE: Getting a smoother top layer?
@buckeyestargazer
That's interesting, the generic PETG profile prints at 230/85 for first layer and 240/90 for the rest. I'll mess around with the idler screw and see. That was going to be on my list of things to try today.
I've tried to narrow down my vendors of filament to Prusa, Paramount, Ninjatek(for their ninjaflex) and Sainsmart for their tpus color options and for their transparent petg options.
Just keeps things more consistent and I'm not always having to mess with fine tuning a particular vendor/type combination of filament.
Let me know how you get on. I should have some results later today on the issue I am seeing. it could be the idler screw since the mmu enabled printer doesn't seem to exhibit the issue with the same .gcode file.
If slowing down the top layer doesn't help with the pillowing, I will try to increase the temp by 5C for upper layers. I try to keep my temps as low as possible but still get good prints. If I go above 245C with the Paramount PETG I get a lot flowing out of the nozzle before the print starts and more stringiness also.
RE: Getting a smoother top layer?
@buckeyestargazer
245 seems like the sweetspot.
I'm printing something in the the autobot blue right now.
This is .2mm layer height.
RE: Getting a smoother top layer?
Temp tower for each color/brand filament change if you've not printed it well before. I write the per-color settings on the boxes so I don't forget. Can't easily mix, for instance, models that print well for Prusament, won't print well for most other things - not because prusament is better, but because when you slice for the filament settings in a profile, it results in a gcode that is optimized for that temp range.
From your pictures, I think what I am seeing is grid infill at high fill % bleeding through your very thin 1.5mm layer. You seem to be printing flat blocks - so why not go for .3MM draft? Not seeing anything in these shapes that need such a fine layer thickness.
Also, play with top infill pattern. You can get all kinds of nice effects by moving away from grid or rectilinear or that new one.