Adding layer colour changes to Studio is having unexpected outcomes

[MalcTheOracle]

Layer height 0.2mm

• Variable height layers are not enabled
• Bottom and top have 5 shell layers each
• Scarf joint is enabled and set to ‘Contour and hole’

I have upgraded to the latest version of the Bambu Studio and now experience an issue when adding colour changes by layer.

This results in incorrect colour changes that do not match the chosen layer for the colour swap.

In my example, I have a 54-layer model that I wanted to have three equal-height colour bands. Each third (18 layers each) of the total height has a different colour.

Marking up colour changes at layers 19 & 37 gives three groups; 1-18, 19-36 & 37-54.

However, the slicer makes the changes at layers; 23 & 41. According to the layer bar, layer 41 is shown as layer 0 with all subsequent layers changing the layer height at that position and the first few not having the correct layer number.

• 38 > 8.4mm
• 39 > 8.6mm
• 40 > 8.8mm
• 41 (0) > 11.2mm
• 42 (0) > 8.31mm
• 43 > 8.51mm
• 44 > 8.71mm
  …
• 53 > 10.51mm
• 54 > 10.70mm

The items shown in brackets above are how the layer bar describes that layer’s number.

This screenshot shows you all layers with the layer bar on the right showing the markers denoting three equal sections, yet, the lines displaying the three sections are not equal in height.

This screenshot removes the top layer lines from the preview, yet, the layer bar is not at the correct location as the top third doesn’t have 18 layers as it is supposed to.

This screenshot shows the middle layers removed from the preview, yet again, the layer bar is not in the correct position.

Layer 40:

Layer 41:

Layer 42:

Layer 43:

Layer 44:

You can see the problem is visibly evident in the above snapshots, they show the layers being incorrectly denoted.

I have found toggling Scarf Joints off changes the positions of the colour changes on the layer bar.

It does appear the scarf joints are involved somehow, but, I need that feature for this project.

Has anyone experienced this?

[EnoTheThracian]

Hi Malc,

While I have no idea how that happens, I just tried with a primitive cube. Sliced it to 160 layer, inserted color changes at layer 53 and 106 and got: Filament changes between 55 and 56 as well as 108 and 109. However, for that simple trial, toggling the various scarf options does not make a change for me in terms of layer numbers (although the side bar does change in appearance).

So as a quick fix I can only guess that fiddling around with the set color change layer number until the sliced result matches what you need would do it.

Not really a good or rewarding solution, as it does not address a root cause. But well, combined with that weird sidebar change, it does look like a bit of a bug. However, I am not at all versed in IT entomology. It’d be interesting to learn what somebody with a software background can observe and conclude.

[MalcTheOracle]

I am with you on the workaround, my concern is a future version of the cloud slicer and Bambu Studio fixing the bug leaving my workaround as a problem for anyone who downloads the profile after that point.

[EnoTheThracian]

Yes, that is clearly an issue. Did you think about using a modifier for the filament change? That should stay in place with future updates and lead to a geometrically rather than a layer number driven color change.

[MalcTheOracle]

That will need to be the workaround I guess. As you say, it will allow future-proofing.

Whilst modifiers are useful, they are confusing for the regular user who sees them in the slicer and doesn’t understand why such a thing is used.

It would be great if we could add notes to the projects for ourselves and for those who download the profiles in the future. This would allow a reminder for ourselves or clarify the choices we made.

[EnoTheThracian]

There is a description field for each print profile. However, I doubt that many people read through that.
I did however note that some designers warn about particularities also regarding print profiles in their model description or even add an instruction pdf. They still can not safe themselfes from printing before reading but in my view, they should be able to sleep easily knowing that they have gone overboard to be accomodating.
Best wishes,
Eno

[Panamon_Creel]

@MalcTheOracle

Whilst modifiers are useful, they are confusing for the regular user who sees them in the slicer and doesn’t understand why such a thing is used.

In your case Height range modifier could be used to change the colors at the height ranges you need

IMO straight forward, well except that after you have the initial height modifier set you need to highlite “Layers” in order to add another modifier via the “+” symbol of the existing modifier.

[MalcTheOracle]

I appreciate the thoughts, but, as I mentioned, I am not confused, I am concerned about new users who open the file in Bambu Studio.

Height range modifiers aren’t as commonly described to users as settings layer points to change the colour, add pauses, or custom GCODE.

[Panamon_Creel]

@MalcTheOracle

I am concerned about new users who open the file in Bambu Studio.

Sorry not following you, to me using a Height range modifier is far easier than using the Layer height modifier you’d used since it will show a table with the colors on the objects sidebar and uses a fixed distance range that is not affected by using a different Layer Extrusion height. However both will only show the colors after slicing in the preview but not on the prepare window.

[MalcTheOracle]

Keep in mind I am stating an opinion, I assume you agree I am allowed one.

I have never stated my opinion as fact.

I will remind you what I said.

@MalcTheOracle

Height range modifiers aren’t as commonly described to users as settings layer points to change the colour, add pauses, or custom GCODE.

• A new user opens the file in Bambu Studio and sees the model.
• Presses the slice button
• The Preview shows colours and the layer bar on the right shows colours drawn on the bar that show colour changes with corresponding markers
• The user can click the marker and see what triggered the change
• They also see choices to change those colours for themselves

A new user exploring a model that benefits from height range modifiers will not see how the colours were defined. Most new users will not have explored the Objects panel, let alone modifiers of any type.

I agree they are easy to use, but, you need to know they exist before you can appreciate the benefit they provide.

[Panamon_Creel]

Height Range Modifiers and Layer Height Modifiers are different things, the latter as you stated for adding Pause, adding custom G-Code and Filament changes, the former is far more powerful in that you can also change other settings like wall loops, infill, speeds,…etc. within specified ranges.

So unlike Layer Height Modifiers the changes for Height Range Modifiers do openly apear on the Process-Objects and are “easily” modified even by a relatively new user (easy being good or bad in that regard is debatable).

[MalcTheOracle]

Again, as I have said several times now - I KNOW.

You must have missed what I wrote about the typical experiences of a new user who does NOT notice the objects panel. This means they will not see anything inside the objects panel.

I was lamenting the difficulties of newer users who wouldn’t know there was something to look for, let alone change.

One has an instant visual way for the user to see it, and the other requires discovery.

I am not sure how you are reading what I am saying. Let me try this.

• I know about it.
• I am not creating these profiles for me when I upload them, I am creating them for users.
• I assume the user is new and try to make everything easy.
• I lamented (why did I lament, I am such a bad person for lamenting) that the immediately obvious way has an issue right now, a bug in how it works.
• If I created the profile for my work, I would use all the features as I am comfortable with them
• These are for public users of all skill sets