Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted · Why is my print not as detailed and sunken in on the bottom few layers?

On the first few layers of my prints above the raft, the print is always less detailed and smaller than the rest of the print. Why would this be? This is extrememly frustrating when I am trying to make a part that needs to fit into something perfectly. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Why is my print not as detailed and sunken in on the bottom few layers?

    Photos please.

    Raft isn't needed on modern printers. What kind of printer is it?

    I assume you are using PLA as it's the best for most uses. I assume you mean the outer corners are "inward" from where they should be? PLA acts like a liquid rubber band before it hardens and it's under tension because it cools in milliseconds and so shrinks while still molten. It's kind of like snot or other mucus.

    So as it wraps around the edge it pulls inward.

    This effect is worse just above a heated bed. You can lower the temp of the bed to 60C and the part will still stick like hell. But even at room temp you will have some issues.

    Vertical holes in a part will also have this problem for the same reason - too small. Can you supply more details? Basically the fix is usually to just adjust the CAD model once you have very consistent printing results. It sounds crazy but it works very well - measure the error and adjust the size by that amount in cad and you end up with a perfect printed model.

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Why is my print not as detailed and sunken in on the bottom few layers?

    About raft: it was used before PLA was popular on printers that tried to print ABS on a cold heated bed - on blue painters tape. The warping forces of ABS are tremendous and would pull the part up or rip up the tape. The fix was to use a raft which was flexible and could bend a bit - just enough to relieve the tension and keep the part down and not "warp" off the print bed.

    Now we have many newer technologies and no one needs raft anymore. These technologies include PVA glues, heated beds, PLA (half the warp), brim and other surfaces like build tak.

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Create an account or sign in to comment

    You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

    Create an account

    Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

    Register a new account

    Sign in

    Already have an account? Sign in here.

    Sign In Now
    • Our picks

      • Help Us Improve Cura – Join the Ultimaker Research Program
        🚀 Help Shape the Future of Cura and Digital Factory – Join Our Power User Research Program!
        We’re looking for active users of Cura and Digital Factory — across professional and educational use cases — to help us improve the next generation of our tools.
        Our Power User Research Program kicks off with a quick 15-minute interview to learn about your setup and workflows. If selected, you’ll be invited into a small group of users who get early access to features and help us shape the future of 3D printing software.

        🧪 What to Expect:
        A short 15-minute kickoff interview to help us get to know you If selected, bi-monthly research sessions (15–30 minutes) where we’ll test features, review workflows, or gather feedback Occasional invites to try out early prototypes or vote on upcoming improvements
        🎁 What You’ll Get:
         
        Selected participants receive a free 1-year Studio or Classroom license Early access to new features and tools A direct voice in what we build next
        👉 Interested? Please fill out this quick form
        Your feedback helps us make Cura Cloud more powerful, more intuitive, and more aligned with how you actually print and manage your workflow.
        Thanks for being part of the community,

        — The Ultimaker Software Team
        • 0 replies
      • Cura 5.10 stable released!
        The full stable release of Cura 5.10 has arrived, and it brings support for the new Ultimaker S8, as well as new materials and profiles for previously supported UltiMaker printers. Additionally, you can now control your models in Cura using a 3D SpaceMouse and more!
          • Like
        • 18 replies
    ×
    ×
    • Create New...