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How to check if printing is possible  

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stephane.t
(@stephane-t)
Eminent Member
How to check if printing is possible

Hello,

I'm newbee. I realised that some objects are not printable because some parts of the object are not directly connected to the ground (for example see picture below). For some complex objects is there any software that can be able to check if all parts are ok and printing is possible?
Thanks

Posted : 10/08/2017 11:59 am
Hobby Hoarder
(@hobby-hoarder-2)
Trusted Member
Re: How to check if printing is possible

I'm afraid not. The only thing that most software can check is if the model is good in terms of being watertight, no intersecting geometry etc. No software can tell you if the print will be successful, because there are millions of variables involved. You can have the same printer and the same model that will print great or fail spectacularly depending on the settings that you've used.

The best thing you can do is to enable supports for complex objects and then go over the print preview slowly. You should be able to see if new layers are being built on top of previous ones or if it's just extruding in thin air, which will of course fail if you try to print it. This typically happens if your infill structure is not dense enough to support the higher shapes.

Posted : 10/08/2017 2:30 pm
stephane.t
(@stephane-t)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: How to check if printing is possible

Ok, I've found the "Support" option! Thanks!

Posted : 10/08/2017 2:39 pm
AJS
 AJS
(@ajs)
Noble Member
Re: How to check if printing is possible

Supports are an option for objects like this, but don't overlook the possibility of rotating the object to print from a different angle to reduce the amount of supports needed.

For some very complex objects I use the CUT function to split the model into two pieces, and then glue them together after the print. For example, as sphere could require supports from any angle printed, but cut in half it requires no support, and provides a nice large surface to adhere to the bed.

Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage or loss. If you solve your problem, please post the solution…

Posted : 10/08/2017 3:17 pm
stephane.t
(@stephane-t)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: How to check if printing is possible

Yes, I thought about a possibility like this, but this object must remain very strong for its usage and glue it will fragalise it...

Posted : 10/08/2017 3:29 pm
AJS
 AJS
(@ajs)
Noble Member
Re: How to check if printing is possible


Yes, I thought about a possibility like this, but this object must remain very strong for its usage and glue it will fragalise it...

Using the appropriate glue for the filament will be stronger than the layer adhesion of the printer. Counter intuitive, but true.

The rings on your model will not be very strong, depending on the filament type used. After the print consider covering with an epoxy like XTC-3D ( https://www.smooth-on.com/product-line/xtc-3d/ ) or a thin layer of superglue (cyanoacrylate ) to increase strength. I use superglue to strengthen my parts.

Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage or loss. If you solve your problem, please post the solution…

Posted : 10/08/2017 3:38 pm
stephane.t
(@stephane-t)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: How to check if printing is possible

Ok, thanks for the tip!

Posted : 10/08/2017 3:55 pm
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