Topography top layer
Hi guys,
I’ve printed some topography which I am generally happy with apart from the top layer.
It looks like because the side walls are ‘free’ to move as it bridges across I get an overlap and therefore I have an edge and the flat face is either bulging inwards or outwards.
Is there a better way to finish the top layer? I’m printing PLA, 0% infill, 0.15mm layer height.
Cheers
Simon
Re: Topography top layer
Top Layer is confusing in this context. Are you asking about the actual TOP of the print? Or the front/side layer representing the topology?
In vase mode (and multi-perimeter no infill) - top layers require planning to ensure bridging is possible by limiting slope angles, layer overlap, etc. But I'll assume you are worried about the topo side.
Variations in surfaces like you are seeing are pretty normal. Sometimes substantially slowing the perimeter print speeds down can help quite a lot. You might try printing externals at 15 mm/s, internals at 25 mm/s.
Another cause is simple part flex; adding a brim can help, as can using at least 10% infill to strengthen the part.
It can also be traced back to belt tension ... even a loose gear.
Re: Topography top layer
Also, orient the part so the long side is parallel to Y. As it has the most mass and is the direction the bed moves in, this will help ensure it does not wobble, since you are now also giving it the support of the entire length of the part to counteract the inertia, rather than the shorter dimension.
In addition, the rapid and frequent direction changes for the surface will then all happen in X, and that is one of the primary things that will make the part wobble.
RE: Topography top layer
Also, orient the part so the long side is parallel to Y. As it has the most mass and is the direction the bed moves in, this will help ensure it does not wobble, since you are now also giving it the support of the entire length of the part to counteract the inertia, rather than the shorter dimension.
In addition, the rapid and frequent direction changes for the surface will then all happen in X, and that is one of the primary things that will make the part wobble.
Clever idea! I tried this but still same problem.
Overall im pretty happy for my first go at topology printing, next time might use infill 🙂
RE: Topography top layer
Ah, yes, closing the top surface of a vase mode or hollow print requires some planning.