Pause - Exact Slice Location?
Assume you are printing a simple name plate with two (2) colors, the background is white and the raised letters are black. As you progress through the slice file, you see the exact slice where the base color ends (Slice A), and then as you progress to the next slice, you see the first slice where the letters start (Slice B). So far, so good.
Ok, now, do you add the pause, to change colors, at the last slice where you see the base color (Slice A); or the first slice where you see the letters (Slice B)?
Simply put, does the slice you see when you add a pause print first and then pause, or does it pause and then print?
Thanks in advance for your help.
RE: Pause - Exact Slice Location?
Complex answer...
If you put the colour change where the text starts, the printer will stop printing the background colour when it sees the M600 command, and it will move the extruder to the side, so that you can change the filament.
Once complete the printer will have printed a worm cast, of waste purge material... AND You will be tempted to remove it...
Resist the temptation, because, as the printer moves back to the print, it will extrude a small priming squirt of filament. IF you have already removed the wormcast, this extrusion will catch you unawares and smear itself on the model, after you have failed to catch it...
Ifyou simply hold on to the wormcast instead, and when you press the printer button to continue the print, it will move the extruder away from your fingers, extruding as it goes, then it will pull itself off the wormcast and extra extrusion, and go back to the print...
This leads to the second Gotcha...
when the extruder returns to the print it will return to the last point of the print, and dab a lovely beauty spot, right where you don't want it
Before it continues the print...
there is an option to counter this beauty spot, but Prusa have not configured it... the command M600 N, is supposed to cancel returning to the last print position. but I have never succeeded in getting it to work,,,
SO. to counter the beauty spot, I Start the new colour 1 layer higher than the beginning of the text. M600 still happens, however the last print position is now under where the new colour is going to print, you still need to hold the wormcast, but the beauty spot is invisible, beneath the new colour.
P.S.
when printing text, I choose single outline on top layer so that the text has more space for top infill
If the top of the text is not on the top layer of the print, try single outline on all top layers...
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: Pause - Exact Slice Location?
Helpful. I’m planning on a test print first, but a little extra knowledge beforehand will save me time. Thank you.
RE: Pause - Exact Slice Location?
Best of luck.
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