Jussek wrote:
now... how do you get rid of the 'stratified' surface of the printed objects? i tried by sanding, but it is time consuming, boring and i'm not completelly satisfied with the results. A friend has lent me a kit of XTC-3D coating, but i've yet tested it...
That stratified surface problem is called "stepping". There are a few ways to handle it.
- Make sure the model itself is not contributing. Usually this isn't an issue if the model looks good on the computer screen and is high resolution.
- Change the orientation of the model when it prints. The Z axis and X/Y axis may have different resolution capabilities. You can orient your print in a way that minimizes stepping. For example, printing a gun barrel horizontally will have lots of stepping. Printing it vertically will have very minimal stepping.
- Increase the printer quality either by changing settings and even the nozzle on the printer itself if possible, or switching to a commercial printing company like Shapeways. Almost all of my recent prints from Shapeways in their WSF material have had zero stepping.
- Primer works after a few coats depending on how big the steps are. I use a filler primer that is meant to address cracks. It has a bit more of a putty like material mixed. Mr. Surfacer is good and I am also able to find some in big cans from Rustoleum at the hardware store.
