first layer extruder support

[carminati 0]

Hi everyone, 

 

i'm trying to use Ultrafuse 316L BASF filaments with Ultimaker support filament (i.e breakaway). Is there any chance i can print the entire first layer with breakaway filament?

Basically, i would that my component does not touch the built plate, but only the support material. 

 

I hope i explain my problem correctly.

 

Thank you, 

Mattia  

[geert_2 560]

I am not using the latest Cura-versions, so I don't know if this is possible in Cura. (We will leave that question for others to answer.)

 

But a trick you could always try, is to put some tiny dummy objects left and right of the real object, but a bit lower. Then those dummies touch the glass, and your real object is floating a bit higher.

 

Like these two tiny strips:

 

 

Ps: how does this filament compare with real metal (machined)? What post-processing is required, and how do dimensions change (any shrinking, bending, or non at all)? If possible, could you show photos of the print, or of a test-print, before and after post-processing? I haven't seen much people on the forum here with experience in metal-printing, so it might be a good idea if you could share yours.

 

[carminati 0]

Hi geert_2, 

 

thanks for your kind answer. Now i'll try to answer your question. 

The metal parts can reach density values near the base material. Just as an example, 7,7 g/cm^3 compared to 8. 

The green parts requires debinding and sintering processes, that we outsourced to a proper company. 

Unfortunately, the shrinkages are not always constant and they are definitely influenced by process parameters. Just to give an idea, 16/17% in X and Y axis; around 20% in Z axis. 

I attached an image of green and metal part. 

[BerRy 0]

Hi Mattia,

 

Have you tried changing the z-reference of the model in Cura?

 

At a certain height you'll get the support material underneath the whole object.

[geert_2 560]

On 10/2/2020 at 12:32 PM, carminati said:

Hi geert_2, 

 

thanks for your kind answer. Now i'll try to answer your question. 

The metal parts can reach density values near the base material. Just as an example, 7,7 g/cm^3 compared to 8. 

The green parts requires debinding and sintering processes, that we outsourced to a proper company. 

Unfortunately, the shrinkages are not always constant and they are definitely influenced by process parameters. Just to give an idea, 16/17% in X and Y axis; around 20% in Z axis. 

I attached an image of green and metal part. 

 

Thanks for the feedback. I only see it now, must have overlooked it before.

 

With that amount of shrinking, it could be good for artwork, toys like model railroad stuff, and other models that don't need exact dimensions. But less suitable for rulers or tight-fitting technical parts.

 

If you would have real models that you can show, I would also appreciate that. In green state, after sintering, and then after further post-processing (tumbling, sanding,...). If possible, also in close-up? Would be good to see the differences in material structure.