Achieving the smoothest top layer

[swbluto]

Wanna know your techniques to perfecting the top layer for ANY printer out there. Any particular calibration techniques? Test STL files? Any particular infill patterns or surface finish options whose existence I know nothing about?

I have a 3mmx20mmx20mm cube that I was using. Useful for testing the bottom layer at a given combination of first layer settings, as well as previewing surface finishes.

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1053367

Generally, I'd test a range of extrusion multipliers at a given extrusion width to find the best multiplier for getting the best top surface finish. I'd also change the first layer height to see which one produced the best bottom layer and infilling behavior.

[swbluto]

Found out that Slic3r's top layer smoothness (feels smooth) > S3D's top layer smoothness (feels rough like sandpaper). It has more fatigued/stressed plastic bits than S3D, especially around tight spots, but I found I can color match those white parts with a color sharpie.

[swbluto]

Might as well start aggregating relevant posts.

If you want a good surface (top) finish, play with your infill extrusion width until you get a flat, smooth top surface. (Lots of those calibration squares again, but this time, with 100% infill, to see if the top layer comes out flat.)

[Jules]

Might as well start aggregating relevant posts.

If you want a good surface (top) finish, play with your infill extrusion width until you get a flat, smooth top surface. (Lots of those calibration squares again, but this time, with 100% infill, to see if the top layer comes out flat.)

It's still likely to have some slight texture to it, if the top is flat, but you can eliminate thread marks for the most part.

(Have you tried the XTC-3D? Stuff is great for filling in the gaps between threads and giving a glass-smooth finish.)

[innkeeper]

I've had some success with acetone misting ABS. There are many articles on the net on this.

Also, if you don't mind the extra effort, skeinforge has a lot of options for surface handling.
specificly using the "skin" feature
I've used a feature to double or even triple the number outer layer with also good results.

I did a print of a scanned fossil for someone for display using this method, and it came out amazing.

skeinforge isn't everyone's cup of tea though.

[insta]

haha people still use SF? no way

[innkeeper]

haha people still use SF? no way

just the crazy people