"vase mode" non closed geometry

[stienfromarden 1]

Hi,

 

I am almost finished building a large printer with pellet extruder, output around 2kg/h. One of the first prints I am going to do are some large 1x1m panels, to save material, I want to print it in one perimeter. Layer height 8mm and width about 12 (something like that) I want to use 'vase mode' but in a different way actually. 

 

As you can see in the image, the object consists of 2 perimeters, kind of what I want, but I am thinking if there is a way to print some kind of loop at the end and start the new layer then, so the next layer moves up in the way vase mode works?

 

I am quite new to cura but till now it is the only software that doesn't crash with large files and print sizes. 

 

-Stijn

Edited November 6, 2020 by stienfromarden

[GregValiant 1,251]

This is interesting.  I've seen the Boat video, and Houses being extruded.  With 8 x 12 layers you could print me a Ferrari!

If it's possible - I think many here would like to see an image of the machine itself.  I certainly would.

 

To refresh my mind...In Vase mode, Cura increases the "Z" in steps around the periphery.  The layer start point and end point are then at the same XY point, but 1 layer height different in the Z (hence the name "spiralize").  Spiralize works on solids and then just prints the outer shell while ignoring the interior and roof.  The floor can be ignored as well.

What the image is telling me is that you have a wall instead of a classic "3D solid".  A layer would start at one end and continue to the other, then come back to start another layer at a full layer height difference in the Z.

 

I don't know your design constraints or how many you need, but if the wall was 30mm thick (a "classic" 3D solid) with the long sides 2 of the wall shapes you want printed, and Bottom Layers set to "0", Spiralize would slice it and provide you with a hollow tube.  After cutting off the short walls, you would have two long walls of single nozzle width thickness.  At 12mm it should probably be called a "Deluge Pipe" instead of a nozzle.

 

Post a picture of the machine please.  I've already named it "Godzilla".

 

[stienfromarden 1]

Hi!

 

That sounds like a very good plan, thickening the geometry 30 mm and later cut the two sides and I have two panels, only thing I think that will not match is the two layers on the sides of the print, I have to test it I guess. I was already looking into printing directly from Grasshopper but didn't make any progress on that yet, this sounds like an easier way out! Thanks!

 

Will post a picture of the printer later

 

[stienfromarden 1]

I used have a way bigger workspace then this, there the printer didn't look that big, now in this setting it's huge haha!

 

 

[GregValiant 1,251]

I'm going to stick with Godzilla (although I had hoped for a 440v 3phase hot end).  The extruder motor is a beast!

As a critique - the casters look undersized.  Maybe the tires off an 18 wheel truck (Lorry for the Brits) would have been better suited.

Keep us in the loop.

[stienfromarden 1]

haha jes there quite small but 150kg each so plenty of extra! I will keep you updated

 

[GregValiant 1,251]

When trains need to turn around they use loops.  They can go back down the same track or an adjacent track.

This is a single wall .8 thick with cylinders extruded onto the ends.  I filleted them in to give the printer a radius to zing around instead of having a hard corner.  Line Width in Cura was set at 0.5.  I did get some zits printing at 50.  At 43 it was good.  I bring that up because if your model gets zits they will be the size of Volkswagons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 7, 2020 by GregValiant
Another thought.

[GregValiant 1,251]

So @stienfromarden what have you printed on Godzilla?