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Aug 2016
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Aug 2016
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jimdigs
Aug '16

What settings would I need to adjust to get a better finish on the underside of overhang spots in a print?

  • created

    Aug '16

  • last reply

    Aug '16
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BennyHeretoHelp
Aug '16

Hi James,

In order to make sure your post is seen by the right people, with the know how of how to help you with your issue, we would need to know what printer you are running, and as much detail about the issues that you are encountering. If you let me know what printer you have, I will make sure to publish your post to all the people on our talk forums that have the same printer, and they will be able to assist you better!

Best,

Benny - 3D Hubs Customer Support Agent

jimdigs
Aug '16

I am using a flashforge creator pro. Undersides of my prints that have overhangs have a bad finish. I am just trying to find a way to make the finish better at this part of the print.

Peter_Gusa
Aug '16

There are a few ways you could improve overhangs, first would be install a cooling fan for your prints, print slower to give time for layers to cool, reduce temperature, or use supports. Or all of the above, your milage may vary :slight_smile:

npagazani
Aug '16

Supports will help if you’re not already using them. Depending on your slicer, you can change the density of the final support layer to give a better finish. The trade-off of course is more difficult to remove supports. In any case you will almost never get the same quality finish as the first layer.

CarvedPrints
Aug '16

I agree with the advice of the others. A good slicer will help, but you can also adjust the overhang angle, or support density, in the slicers to get better results. Adding support under certain parts helps as well. Meshmixer is very good at this, but better when you take a course to find out all the little details.

There is a big difference between slicers, which does change over time. My current favorite is Simplify3D which has easy to remove support material.

Basically (,as in not always), unless the bottom is flat, look at it as the ugly side. One thing I do for items that need all sides to be good, is to print at an angle to reduce the bottom side. Another way is to split the model in half and print with both good sides up, and then glue the half’s together which works well with an ABS finished model, as they can be easier to finish.

A cooling fan with a shroud is important as well.