I was printing the air scoop for a model P-51 Mustang today and noticed the print quality was not to my satisfaction. There was discoloration and under-extrusion in some places.
Front Side
Back side (gaps circled in red)
Settings:
-PLA
- Layer Height = 0.2223mm
- Extrusion width 0.42mm (compare default in Simplify3D at 0.48mm)
- Print speed 60mm/sec
- Coat to end = 0
A) Nozzle 210C, min layer time =8sec, Allow speed reductions down to =25%, Extra restart distance = 0
B) Nozzle 200C, min layer time =7sec, Allow speed reductions down to =50%, Extra restart distance = 0
C) Nozzle 195C, min layer time =7sec, Allow speed reductions down to =50%, Extra restart distance = 0.1mm
When printing the thin (0.42mm) walls of this part the cooler temperature helped maintain an even finish throughout the build with part B. Since the part was small each layer took less than 7 seconds and Simplify3D was automatically slowing down the print speed. The settings used for part B helped to ensure it didn't slow down too much. The final fix for part C was to fill the gaps left at the start and stop of each layer by adding a 0.1mm extra restart distance. Part C turned out great with consistent translucence and no gaps in the surface.