When you make something that’s too big for your printer, how do you hide the seams from bonding when aesthetics are a priority?

  • 👍Maximum Derek👍@social.fossware.space
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    1 year ago

    Assuming you’re talking about FDM/FFF printing and not SLA or sintering:

    There’s a bit of a catch-22 when it comes to mating flat 3d printed surfaces: The face that’s on the build plate will be the flattest and result in the smallest seam. It’s also the face most likely to be dimensionally inaccurate because of elephant footing, which can result in a ridge at the seam. And the easy fix for having an elephant foot it adding a chamfer, which results in a big visible seam. So my actual advice is:

    1. get your first layer super-duper dialed in
    2. then make sure “elephant foot correction” (or whatever your slicer may call it) is turned off in your slicer (or it’ll add a 0.4mm chamfer for you)
    3. make sure your mating faces are face down on the bed
    4. avoid textured build plates if you can

    And if aesthetics are a high priority consider using an automotive filler primer (I buy it in spray cans) and then painting the piece after it’s glued. Filler primer will help hide the seam and layer lines.