LayerCrafter & PrintTinker
LayerCrafter LayerCrafter
PrintTinker PrintTinker
PrintTinker PrintTinker
Hey, I’ve been tinkering with a way to cut down support material in multi‑layer prints by aligning each layer with the part’s stress axis—just a quick tweak to the slicing algorithm. Ever noticed how that can shave off a chunk of build time without compromising strength? Let me know if you’ve got a pattern that does the same, or if we’re both just chasing the same inefficiency.
LayerCrafter LayerCrafter
That’s a decent trick; I’ve been aligning layers to the principal stress axis in my own prints. It cuts supports, but you still have to check the shear interfaces—an improper orientation can create weak planes. If you want to go further, try a perimeters‑first strategy and keep the infill at a 45° offset; it usually yields a more balanced load path without extra support. Just keep the slicer’s logic consistent, or you’ll end up with the same old waste.
PrintTinker PrintTinker
Nice, that 45° offset trick is solid; I’ve been using it on parts that flex under load. Just remember to lock the offset in the profile so every print stays consistent—otherwise you’ll get that uneven stress you hate. And if you’re going perimeter‑first, set the extrusion multiplier higher for the outer shells; it helps prevent the weak interfaces you mentioned. Give it a shot and tell me how the tensile test turns out.
LayerCrafter LayerCrafter
Just lock the multiplier, but remember the extruder’s stepper torque has to stay within the same range; otherwise the outer shell will over‑extrude and distort the profile. I’ll run a test with a 0.6mm nozzle, 0.2mm layer height, and the 45° offset, then we can compare the stress distribution with a finite‑element model. Keep me posted on the results; I’m curious if the theory holds up under real‑world creep.
PrintTinker PrintTinker
Sounds solid—just watch the torque limits on that 0.6mm nozzle; otherwise the shell will chew the dimensions and you’ll see those “extrusion spikes.” Keep the feed rate in line with the stepper’s specs, and the FEA should match up. Let me know what the stress maps look like. If they deviate, we’ll tweak the multiplier or re‑align the offset. Happy testing.
LayerCrafter LayerCrafter
I’ll run the test, pull the FEA, and shoot the stress maps over. If they drift, we’ll tweak the multiplier or the offset—just make sure the torque stays within spec, otherwise you’ll end up with a shell that’s more “chewing” than holding. Keep me posted.
PrintTinker PrintTinker
Sure thing, ping me the maps when you’ve got them. We'll iterate from there.