Cura sliced layers not filling model

[damccull]

I’m brand new to 3D printing and still waiting on my printer. I figured I’d start getting familiar with Cura so I’ll be ready to print when it arrives. I have run across an issue with a 3d model I built myself in Blender 3d where the slices don’t fill the entire model shadow. What causes this and how would I fix it? See the attached image.

[Magesh]

I don’t know if this will help. Try to import the 3D model into Microsoft 3D builder. Then if it suggests to repair the model, please do that. Then save and exit. Now import the new model into cura. This might solve your problem. Thos usually did the magic when I design something in blender.

[wirlybird]

Those tail areas may be to thin to print. Try reducing the extrusion width or the nozzle diameter like .4 to .39, .38 etc. and see if it makes a difference.

[damccull]

Isn’t the nozzle a fixed diameter though? Changing it seems like I’d have to change a nozzle. I’m not opposed to that, just need to know if that’s something I can and should do.

[wirlybird]

Yes the nozzle is fixed such as 0.4. The idea is to make the change in the slicer to the nozzle size or the extrusion width to see if it makes a difference. If it does then you know that the area is to thin for the actual setup of the printer.

It is just a test to see if it is just to thin or if there is something else going on.

However, if you change the extrusion width to .39 or .38 for instance and it then shows that area of the part you can try to print like that. You can go a little lower than the nozzle size on extrusion width but not much.

[Stephen_Jones]

i think both replies are correct. the tail fins are probably too thin for cura to print. even if you have not set up a printer in cura it will use default values. there are other slicers around, particulally the std 3d hubs slicer that will also tell you if your walls are to thin and will topple. StevetheBuddistXXX

[gikam]

I work in Blender, too.

u can send me the .blend file.

I think your wings are too thin to be printed.

Make them at least 0.6 mm for a 0.4 mm nozzle.

[Magesh]

3D builder is a good fix, it takes just a few seconds to get it to work … Please try it before fixing the file manually through blender …

[damccull]

Alright everyone, thanks a bunch for the advice and tips. I tried to import the model into MS 3d Builder, but it thought the thing was fine, so I gave up on that route. I also tried it in CraftWorks, and finally Slic3r, which is how I figured out that, yes, the vertical fins are too thin at the rear. I forgot when I modeled it that I tapered those to almost zero in the back. I’ll have to increase the rear width.

Thanks for the solution!