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Topic: Printing skull??

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:43591

How do I print this skull? It appears to have a very narrow bottom in multiple places. How do brims and things like that work? I don't know how to create that with the software. Is there a way to stick a platform under the whole object the full size of it so it has something to stick on versus just using the platform and having it fall apart when the extruder moves around it too quickly?

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Re: Printing skull??

You do see that there are many pieces that you print and then glue together, right?  I think it's pretty well optimized already in the individual STL files.

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Re: Printing skull??

cmetzel wrote:

You do see that there are many pieces that you print and then glue together, right?  I think it's pretty well optimized already in the individual STL files.

There was only one file to print and it started printing small bits at like 3 different points on the platform. I prefer the first layer be a wider surface to ensure nothing moves.

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Re: Printing skull??

Rocketman wrote:
cmetzel wrote:

You do see that there are many pieces that you print and then glue together, right?  I think it's pretty well optimized already in the individual STL files.

There was only one file to print and it started printing small bits at like 3 different points on the platform. I prefer the first layer be a wider surface to ensure nothing moves.

Well if you are using RH and slic3r you can add a brim to whatever size you want, as long as it doesn't run off the bed.  It will then put a thin layer around the 1st real layer which helps hold things to the bed and prevents curling on your actual part.

5 (edited by nickythegreek 2013-02-26 14:23:07)

Re: Printing skull??

You should print the 'cut' version which will end up being 4 prints.  Then brush the connecting surfaces with acetone to weld the parts together.

I'd love to see how this turns out, put up some photos if ya can.

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Re: Printing skull??

Could someone define a "brim" for me? And tell me the exact specs that I should start with (and what fields to put them in) that should be an appropriate size to completely fit under the skull?

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Re: Printing skull??

Brim is a setting in slic3r which adds a 1 layer base around the object to keep it held down to the platform so that the edges dont curl.  If you need to use one, I would suggest starting out with a 2mm brim.  They are easily removable after the print is completed.

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Re: Printing skull??

So a brim isn't a completely base that can go under the object? I don't know if my problem with the skull is so much curling as the starting points being too small for the extruder to not just push them and drag them around after building them. I think if I could get a base the size of the entire skull even where the bottom of the skull wouldn't touch the ground it would help those first layers to stick versus directly on the Kaplan tape.

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Re: Printing skull??

How can I create a base of plastic to start the first layers of the skull?