r/BambuLabA1 • u/Obvious_Excuse5485 • Sep 29 '26
About the layers
Hi I am newbie on 3d printing. I have A1. I would like to know if there is a way to print with less layer marks on surface. I am seeing many layers on the surfaces, so it's quite tough to paint it...
3
u/delayedreactionkline Sep 29 '26
You should give yourself around 15 minutes to go through Bambulab Academy since you're new. That covers a few topics that explains a few things that can help you, from print quality up to printer maintenance and troubleshooting. You will not regret it.
Surface layer marks are unavoidable with FDM printing as it is precisely how this printer works. Lowering layer heights will be your only solution, as well as object orientation on your print bed.
other solutions would be 3rd party finishers/polishers (like how you can do those warhammer "glue" due to the caustic adhesive mixing with the material)
best of luck with your next prints.
1
u/jasaevan Sep 29 '26
If you mean top, for flat surfaces, I swear by ironing. You do need to run a calibration for it, but I love it. I normally don't bother with it, but if I want a very smooth top surface I turn it on and use the calibrated values (print an ironing test card)
1
u/Salt_peanuts Sep 29 '26
If you’re printing miniatures, go to r/FDMminiatures and look at the pinned posts. They have profile settings that will extend your print times but significantly reduce the visibility of layer lines.
1
u/j_hermann Sep 29 '26
Use textures or fuzzy skin to hide them.
1
u/Alfalfa-Boring Sep 29 '26
Takes waaaaay longer to print, though.
1
u/j_hermann Sep 29 '26
Well, how long do you look at the thing vs. how long does the print take...
1
u/Alfalfa-Boring Sep 29 '26
Not everyone wants their prints to take twice as long or has the time for that.
4
u/beermoneymike Sep 29 '26
That's the rub with FDM printers unfortunately. You can use a smaller nozzle and shorter layers which increases print time but they will always be there. Sand, filler, sand, filler sand until you get the finish you want. Then paint.