Regult first test print 1/72

[Rodavan]

First print for  this old CAD model on new  Prusa MK4S - Not bad for FDM with basic settings . The back end got  "mashed" because auto supports, but for a first print on a FDM , I am impressed .

[Chronocidal]

Looks really good for a first print!  Yeah, auto-supports will do that a lot, and learning what direction to orient prints is an art unto itself.

The process I've gradually developed for larger prints is to build thin supports into my models that will give protection to any hard edges, and essentially give me what resembles a pour stub on a resin kit.  It's much easier to cut and sand down those supports than it is to rebuild a mangled shape, and when you are printing long thin parts, it really helps to have the extra margin for error.

Depending on what material you're using, you might also be able to just use a filler primer, or even make a putty with some of the filament, and use that to smooth over the ugly parts.

[Spacecore]

For 3d printing sphere-like things like this, or really anything that would need 90% of it's support from well, supports, and not printed directly onto the print bed, I've found that cutting it in half works a treat. I just use 3D Model Builder, comes stock on windows I believe. It does lead to needing to trim some elephant's food on the models once printed and assembled, but it still ends up with a much cleaner look that needs much less polishing and post-processing.

[Bolt]

On 9/9/2024 at 9:24 AM, Rodavan said:

First print for  this old CAD model on new  Prusa MK4S - Not bad for FDM with basic settings . The back end got  "mashed" because auto supports, but for a first print on a FDM , I am impressed .

Good job. Looking forward to seeing more.