How to print thin objects accurately (ABS or PLA)

[TypeR]

I was asked to print a very thin and X-shaped smartphone cover.

Printing it in ABS in itself was not really a problem.

However, because the cover is not flat, the corners of the X-shape lifted off the bed during the print. The result was that every time the printhead moved across the object, the material flexes and this results in longitudinal stripes on the final results (see picture).

Of course, I could print the model with support, but then I would be left with the signs of the supports.

So, my question is, how to best print an object like this? The cover itself is little over 1mm thick so that does not leave. Should I print it on it edge? (vertically). Then again it would need lots of support which might leave lots of remaining spots.

Any advice would be welcome

[MB3D]

If possible print with a brim or large raft. You can also add a block to the bottom of the model. The block should be as high as one or two layers, that would give the same results as a brim.

[gabriela3d]

@Linda_Zouad @Daan_3D do you have any advice on this? Cheers

[TypeR]

I thought of that myself too, but wouldnt the raft leave those nice square raster marks on the final print?

I can give it a try, but I am afraid of damaging the object because in the end it is quite thin.

[James_2]

printing in abs is the problem as ABS warps and shrinks.

what are your settings, printer and heated bed?

James

[James_2]

plus have alook through this for guidance - in the message below

Stick with it... 3D Printing - Print Bed Coating Materials. Part 1

[TypeR]

Hi James,

For this part I went easy.

Speed 35 mm/s, Temp 250 and bed-Temp 75. I used no fan (I hardly use a fan when printing ABS).

[James_2]

on glass with hairspray/pva/kapton?

[TypeR]

Hi James,

I think you misunderstand the issue )

The problem is NOT that the ABS warps or looses contact with the bed.

The model ITSELF has only contact with the bed in the center, the corners are curled up By Design…

Therefore, the question is, how to print such a thin fashionable item cleanly, without any marks left from rafts, brims or support.

[James_2]

Sorry - you talked about them lifting up and hitting the nozzle which says warping to me.

Simplify 3d has some easy break off supports, a bit of light sanding and then a light acetone vapour treatment might do it, but otherwise is it one of those tricksy prints as the orientation you have it in is really good for strength and printing it in any other orientation would be weak.

Post processing seems to be the most obvious answer - but test on failed parts first and how you charge for hand finishing I am not sure!

[AvMDesign]

Isn’t it possible to just print it flat?

The part is thin enough to remain flexible and should just curve around the phone when you click it on. You can even bend it afterwards if needed when you use aceton to soften it and then bend it in shape. Use it on the inside if you don’t like the aceton finish.

You could also design support on the sides instead of the backside and have it connected to the 4 higher side flaps so the support doesn’t have any visible impact on the large backside.

[Arnoldas]

Hey @Silvester , you could upload the file to sketchfab and post it here so we can take a look. This would help us to recognize the issue with the model