adaptive layers - reduce speed and add top layers when layer height is small

[noam2 0]

hello, asking to see if this is possible or if there is a different solution:

 

doing a dual extrusion print, where the top surfaces require finer layer heights (0.05) , and most of the print can use rough layers (0.2-0.3)

using adaptive layers seems to be a relevant option, reducing a lot of the print time. but -

printing 0.05 layers requires much lower speeds, and more top layers. 

is there any way to control this?

 

tried already-

setting the speed and top layer count globally as needed for the 0.05 layers - adds a lot of print time, and a lot of unneeded top layers

using modifier meshes to change settings - does not work with dual extrusion (the modifier mesh extruder seems to override the model's extruder)

using change at height postprocessing - can control speed but can't add top layers

 

thanks,

noam

 

 

the parts i am printing:

 

adaptive layers - layer height:

     

 

[MariMakes 178]

Hey @noam2,

Welcome to the Ultimaker Community 🎉

This is an interesting challenge! 
From the top of my head, you can't adjust the adaptive layerheights this precisely.

But there might be other ways we can decrease your printing time. 
What's the reason you want to decrease the printing time? 
What is the print used for? Can we for example remove the infill or the bottom layers?

We can help you better if we have a project file.

It contains the printer and settings I need for troubleshooting. 
To save a project file go to File -> Save project.

Thank you 😊

[noam2 0]

Hi,

here is the project file, 

i should explain a bit more:

the part i have shown is just a section of the parts i am trying to slice, which are larger and thicker (about 200x70x8mm)

only the top surface is curved and requires fine layers to be smooth enough:

, but the first 5-6mm are simple perimeter and infill:

 

additionally, this is a 2 color print, and cura also adds top and bottom layers between the two colors.

 

slicing the full size models with 0.05mm layers, 8 top layers, 20mm/s results in over 24h print time.

slicing with adaptive layers is about 8h (but there is this issue with speed and top layers)

also, printing all layers at 0.05 results in weaker parts

 

so finding a solution can be very benificial for this project.

(in the past, i used simplify3d, with seperate processes to control settings)

 

to anwer your other questions -

these are functional parts, so they need infill and bottom layers for rigidity.

 

thanks again,

noam2

 

 

C7_assem V2 fretboard full1.3mf

[MariMakes 178]

Hey @noam2,

 

Thanks for sharing your files. 😄
This is a super interesting challenge!
Your extra context really helped.
 

Without enabling adaptive layerheights I was able to save 4.5 hours on your print by changing the following settings:

• Top/Bottom Thickness (twice layerheight)
• Bottom layers (0)
• Initial Bottom layers (whatever is default, in this case it was 17)
• Extra Skin Wall Count (increased to 3)

Make sure to make these changes in both extruders to get a preview that looks like this:

 

You can download my project file here:
Maris_UMS5__assemV2fretboardfull1.3mf

 

Your printer doesn't seem to be shipped with Cura so I had to slice it for the Ultimaker S5 instead.

I hope this helps cut some time of your printjob.
It's a really cool printjob 🤩
Good luck with your project.