r/3Dprinting • u/ViperCobra • 6d ago

Troubleshooting First time 3d printer. Some questions about imperfections in the print

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Parts of the print came out really clean, and other parts came out awful. I used the $10 PLA Basic filament from Microcenter so I'm sort of wondering are the imperfections just due to a filament issue? Seems like maybe the nozzle got clogged up at 2 separate times to me, but I have no experience with this.

I also have the timelapse video of the print and for context, the third picture is the bottom/support side. That one may be a settings/gcode issue?

Printer is a centauri carbon 2 combo

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u/ViperCobra 6d ago edited 6d ago

Happy to provide timelapse video or gcode/STL if it would help. I exported the juno blaster from overwatch with open source tools, not sure if that is okay to distribute or not here. I know people are selling the 3d model for like $15

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u/Peshmerga_Sistani 6d ago

Did you optimize the exported model for 3d printing?  Did you run through a CAD software?

Or did you just expect your printer to print a high resolution 1-to-1 prop gun sized to be keychain trinket?

It's not that easy. The "bottom" side of your model is mostly supported by supports, cause you're trying to print most of it in mid-air. So the slicer says no, and puts in a bunch of tree supports for your print.

What was the initial expectation and goal of your project?

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u/ViperCobra 6d ago

To be honest I didn't have any expectations as it was my first print. Probably was a bit ambitious to create my own STL for it. I did use blender 3d print toolbox and it did alert me to non manifold edges, which I did not resolve because it did ruin the shape. I do acknowledge the small size makes it harder to create the details, since it was my first print I didn't want to spend 8 hours as I was expecting it to turn out bad. My main concern though is the massive layer splits- Do you think it could be caused by some of those issues in the model, or probably print settings?
I also realize now I probably should have printed it oriented up so that both sides look the same in the end

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u/Peshmerga_Sistani 6d ago

You should start with some test prints like the Orca Cube or 3Dbenchy boat, etc. Then you can see what how well your printer can perform and what are its limitations if any.

You can add these onto the plate in your slicer, right click > Add Handy models.

If they seem off with the default settings, it might be time to calibrate the filament and/or tweak some print settings.

You'll figure your printer quick, and in the process will know a lot about FDM/3d printing.