im not super sure why this keeps happening but im currently printing a trophy for a local business and im trying to print the main base that is roughly 200x150x50. ive tried regular PLA and ive now tried PETG and each time it it goes through the whole print great until the last top layer, it super rough and bumpy. ive adjusted the flow rate, z offset, and anything else i can think of. ive wasted over 1kg of filament at this point. im not trying to sand and paint but unfortunatly it looks like i might have to. any suggestions?
Have you tried ironing
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I would recommend a short test first
I have done ironing as well and to no avail. I’ve tried with and without pressure advance. It’s always the same result.
I’ve also triple checked z tilt and bed leveling.
Only other thing I would try (without knowing the shape) would be printing it upside down with a good clean smooth or textured plate so that is the visible top surface
unfortunately i cant do that either as there are 3 squares sticking out the top to locate the 3 pillars that connect to it. its literally one big rectangle with 3 squares on top. i think i might have a solution in printing 2 thin sheets that will go on top using the other colors in the trophy to create stripes essentially and then like you said use the bottom so that it has a nice finish.
thank you for the thoughts and help! its greatly appreciated!
Can you post a couple of pics…of the sliced model & of the print.
Try printing just the first layer and stop the print when it’s complete. Make sure it is complete and solid with no ripples and is and does not come apart when you peel it up. I’ve found many times over that if the Z offset is to close, the print head will bounce off the top of the print giving a rough finish that will translate all the way to the top layer.
As I said, a picture is worth a thousand words. There are many surfaces. Top, bottom, sides. What are we talking about? Often, individual layers are difficult to conceal. Adaptive layer heights are worse than constant heights. Fuzzy skin can also help. Slower printing speeds have always led to cleaner results.
i apologize for the absence of a response. figured id tie up this thread. so after some time and some testing, it came down to a combination of filament settings being too spicy, bed needed a good washing, and slow the speed down. i was trying to rush when i should have stopped and thought about it with a clear head. i appreciate all the help and responses!!!
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