Use adjustable layer height to match original object's height
Using PrusaSlicer 2.4.1 and earlier, I noticed that the sliced height of the model was not the same as the height of the model. After doing some research, I found that it was due to the height of the model not being a multiple of the layer height.
Since PrusaSlicer supports variable layer height, I wondered if it was maybe an idea to use that feature to make the sliced height equal to the model's height automatically? (Or add a pop up when this is not the case with the question whether or not it is okay to do that?)
What do you guys think?
If the height is critical print oversize and machine to fit. FDM printing accuracy is limited to around half the nozzle diameter unless you are willing to go to extremes of calibration.
Cheerio,
RE: Use adjustable layer height to match original object's height
It's not that difficult, you also have to account for shrinkage of the material your using. More expensive printing ecosystems account for this almost automatically but that comes at a premium price $$$$$. There are many tutorials on the web for this already, they discuss methods of compensation on several levels. There are also several threads here on these forums and others, discussing these topics, Google is the best search engine to use to try and find them, the search features of this forum are very poor, it would be best to use google to search the Prusa forums as well.
What do you guys think?
I think you were headed in the right direction, "doing some research" I think you should do more, and experiment, see if what your wondering is the answer to your problem, spend hours testing, and through trial and error you will learn much more then just the thing that you set out to find the answer for in the beginning.
*Please*! no more popups, there are already far to many, with no way to turn them off 😢.
(This statement is not aimed at anyone specifically) Any new comer to 3D Printing must realize that there is a burden of education that goes along with your new hobby or the adoption of a technology your new to. This is not a push button get perfect part technology. These forums are a good place to start, however you still need to put in the time and search for information to solve your issues, in this case (Shrinking and size compensation) whatever they may be next.
Educate yourselves.
Regards
Swiss_Cheese
The Filament Whisperer
RE: Use adjustable layer height to match original object's height
[...] Since PrusaSlicer supports variable layer height, I wondered if it was maybe an idea to use that feature to make the sliced height equal to the model's height automatically? (Or add a pop up when this is not the case with the question whether or not it is okay to do that?)
I do that often for this exact reason. It's not super-precise, but it is very useful if you want to print the bulk of the print with higher layer heights for speed, but want some closer tolerances for snap fit and openings. The only downside is that it can slow the print down. You can also apply adjustments manually if you only need it in specific areas.
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He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
RE: Use adjustable layer height to match original object's height
Thank you for all your responses.
I agree that material shrinking is out of reach for prusa slicer for the foreseeable future. However, I would expect that if you give a slicer a block that is 15mm tall with a 0.4 layer height, it would slice the block to be 15mm tall in the slicer as well if you give it the option to change the layer height. This doesn't only hold for the entire height of the model. For example, if you have a hole in the side of your model that should snap fit something. If the dimensions of that hole are off due to the layers interfering while the slicer is given the option to adjust the layer height, I personally think that is not right. You can adjust the layer height manually to try to compensate for this, but if all that is possible, could it not also be done automatically?
I've had parts that were designed to be friction fit to fit perfectly on one part of the model and be very loose on another. Took me ages to find out that it was a slicer problem and not a printer problem (moving the hole slightly up or down fixed the fit, only then the part that had to be friction fit didn't fit anymore without putting a lot of stress on it trying to get it into both holes).
And I think most importantly: If the slicer slices the model to be an exact representation of the model, you can design your models to accommodate for shrink and production tolerances. If the slicer adds an additional layer of error... It just does not make sense to me.
I completely agree with the pop ups by the way 😛
I've been 3d printing for 4 years now, most parts turn out to be perfect. Only this causes some annoyances sometimes and I was wondering if there was anything that should/could be done about that that is not: increase the print time by lowering the layer height of the entire model or very inaccurately try to change the layer height manually.