QA

Question: How To Trim 3D Prints

How do you shave down a 3D printer?

Sanding the ABS print is simple and straightforward. First start with 100 – 200 grit sandpaper to remove stepping lines and then gradually increase up to 600 grit to achieve a smooth finish without sanding lines. Pro Tip: Sand in small circular movements evenly across the surface of the part.

How do you cut a 3D model?

Step by Step Open 3D Builder and choose Open to select your model. Select the Edit tab on the top menu. Select the split action from the edit menu. Select the Keep Both option from the split menu. Position the cutting plane using the rotation gyroscope. Select Cut to select your choice.

How do you get rid of stringy 3D prints?

To reduce the amount of stringing temperature is key. A high temperature means that the material will be more liquid, through which it can easily drip from the nozzle (even though retracted). By using a lower temperature the material is less liquid and thus less likely to string.

How do you cut a STL?

Windows 3D Builder: Open the STL in Windows 3D Builder. Under “Edit”, select the split function to show the cutting plane in the model. You can rotate the cutting plane at any angle along the three axes and move it to cut at the desired position.

What is better than Meshmixer?

Top 10 Alternatives to Meshmixer Blender. Ultimaker Cura. MeshLab. Onshape. Simplify3D. SOLIDWORKS. Solid Edge. Slic3r.

Can PLA be sanded?

Poorer quality PLA isn’t as easy to sand as higher quality. So if you are going to sand PLA, you’ll save yourself hassle printing with high quality filament. Now to the sanding. To start, you’re going to need a selection of fine grit sandpapers.

How do you smooth PLA without sanding?

The way I now smooth my PLA prints without sanding or major filler-work is to use low-viscosity epoxy resin. The way some 3D printing enthusiasts try and smooth their prints with epoxy is to mix-up their own “cocktail”.

Can PETG be sanded?

PETG can be smoothed with fine sandpaper, epoxy resin and paint. Similar to ABS with acetone, PETG can also be smoothed with dichloromethane.

Why STL is used for 3D printing?

This format uses a series of linked triangles to recreate or reproduce surface geometry of the 3D model. The more triangles used, the higher resolution the 3D model will have. STL file is widely used because it is simple, light and easy to be handled by 3D machines and software.

How do I cut with a photon workshop?

Click on the “Slice” button (bottom icon on the left). A dialog box should pop up where you can save your sliced model file. Select a location on your computer (or USB) and click the “Save” button. Another dialog box called “Slicing to Photon…” should appear, displaying the progress of the slicing.

What can cause stringing?

What causes Stringing or Oozing? Stringing is usually caused by the print nozzle oozing print material as it moves from one place to another. The oozed material cools and hardens into thin “strings” – hence the name.

Can Z hop cause stringing?

Both of these adjustments happened gradually, making sure there was no change in stringing between adjustments. I do have rafts and Z hops enabled in Cura, as previous prints of this model were knocked off the base even after leveling the bed properly, and almost every time a “hop” is performed, some stringing occurs.

What is slicing in 3D printing?

In a nutshell, “slicing” your 3D model means taking your design (usually in . stl format) and slicing it into individual layers. The software then generates the tool path (. gcode) the printer will use for printing. Most slicing software will have a print preview function to help you prevent print failures.

Is Meshmixer discontinued?

Today Meshmixer remains supported by Autodesk and in fact continues to gain new versions, including one from just last month.

Is Meshmixer open source?

Autodesk MESHMIXER: is state-of-the-art software for working with triangle meshes. MESHLAB: the open source system for processing and editing 3D triangular meshes. It provides a set of tools for editing, cleaning, healing, inspecting, rendering, texturing and converting meshes.

Does alcohol dissolve PLA?

In general, isopropyl alcohol can’t dissolve PLA.

Does PLA react with rubbing alcohol?

Although many people make use of Acetone, bleach or even isopropyl alcohol when trying to dissolve PLA, these chemicals are not 100% effective. Acetone for one makes PLA softer but also stickier leading to a residue buildup when the dissolving is done.

What grit sandpaper should I use for PLA?

Depending on the result you’re looking for, you could start as low as 400 grit sandpaper, and work your way up to 4,000 grit.

Can you drink out of PLA plastic?

Technically yes, PLA is (mostly) food safe. However, there are other aspects of 3D printing in PLA that can cause problems. Firstly, a 3D printed cup is not likely to be watertight. Secondly, the layered effect leaves areas that bacteria can flourish in, so your PLA cup is only usable for 1 or 2 drinks.

Can you smooth PLA with acetone?

Acetone is used by some to finish ABS prints into a smooth, glossy surface. It’s a semi-dangerous activity, as Acetone is flammable and toxic, but many take the right precautions and get the job done. But it doesn’t work with PLA.

What’s better PLA or ABS?

PLA is stronger and stiffer than ABS, but poor heat-resistance properties means PLA is mostly a hobbyist material. ABS is weaker and less rigid, but also tougher and lighter, making it a better plastic for prototyping applications.

Does PLA dissolve in acetone?

Yes, acetone can dissolve PLA but only under certain conditions. You might get better results with other solvents, but there isn’t one that reliably works for all types of PLA filament. PLA is an excellent 3D printing material, but it does not offer a lot of post-processing options.

Does PETG melt in acetone?

Side notes: Acetone is wellknown for being absolutely useless for dissolving PETG and I can confirm this from my own experience. All you can expect is to roughen the surface a little bit. You can read several reports that say dichloromethane is not working as a solvent for PETG.

Does acetone affect PETG?

Although traditional acetone smoothing doesn’t work well with PETG, there are a number of other chemicals that are capable of dissolving and smoothing the filament.