Flush Text Inlays on top or bottom

Bambu Lab Software
1

I have written a step by step procedure for creating flush text inlays on the top or bottom of prints. It seems I cannot attach this as a pdf. so here it is in text. For what is is worth, I had ChatGPT check the procedure and it said it was accurate. I hope someone finds it helpful…

Process for making 3d Prints with embedded flat text on the top or bottom.

This procedure was written based on my CAD / printing environment as follows and may need to be modified if you are using a different CAD system or printer.

  • Bambu H2S

  • Bambu Studio Version 2.7.1.62

  • Tinkercad online (procedure should work with any CAD system)

  • PETG filaments by Bambu Labs

  • Mac Desktop

  • Profile: Bambu 0.20mm Standard @BBL H2S

Creating the Parts in Tinkercad

Depending on whether you want the inlayed text / graphics to be on the top or bottom only slightly changes this procedure. I’ll give the steps for top and then rotate the object so the inlay is on the bottom for printing.

It does not have to be done exactly this way, you can do it all on the bottom, but I feel that is more difficult as you cannot visualize what you are doing so easily…

This procedure assumes the following, but you can change it based on your needs:

Print Layer Height - 0.2mm

Inlay Depth - 0.6mm

This example results in an Inlay depth equal to three layers which is good for most models.

Inlayed text only works for text that is large enough and thick enough. You may have to experiment to find the exact limits for your printer. As a rule, try to make the text as large as possible within the space allowed while still being reasonable in appearance.

Whenever possible, print the Inlay Text on the bottom of the model. That results in a much nicer finished product, especially when using a textured build plate.

In Tinkercad…

  • This procedure works only when the Inlay Text is to be positioned on a flat surface.

  • Rotate the object so the face you want to place the text is facing up. Do this even if you are planning to put the inlay on the bottom. You can rotate it later.

  • Create and size the inlay text how you choose. Select a bold font if possible.

  • Set the height of the text to a multiple of the layer height in use. For this example I will use a 0.2 layer height.

  • Set the height of the inlay text to 3 x layer height. i.e. 0.6 text height for a 0.2 layer height.

  • In Tinkercad, use the Work plane tool to set the work plane to the top surface where you want the inlay to be for now (you might rotate it 180 deg later)

  • Drop the inlay text so that it rests on the model top surface (the drop will work even if the inlay text is not positioned over the model surface).

  • Duplicate the inlay text and separate the two but leave them both at the same height as the original. i.e. dropped onto the model surface.

  • Change one of the two identical print inlay texts to a Hole.

  • This part can be tricky if you are not centering the inlay on the model surface x y position. This example will assume you are putting the inlay in the x y middle.

  • Using the align tool, center the Hole on the model surface. If you did the workplane drop properly, text hole will be sitting on the model not above or imbedded (yet).

  • Drop the inlay text hole into the model an amount exactly equal to the text height. In our example of 0.6mm text height and 0.2mm layer height this will put the inlay hole and the model flat on top.

  • Group the hole and the model so now you are left with a debossed (sunken) representation of the inlay text.

  • Change the color of the remaining text object you made earlier to something different than the model. This is important not only for visualization, but to let the printer know they are two different colors. Try to choose a Tinkercad color for each that is closest to the filament you have loaded in the AMS. Bambu Labs seems to try to map existing filament colors as close as possible to those presented in the model.

  • Using the align tool, center the inlay text on the model. It MUST align perfectly with the debossed text on the model. If it is not, you may have to start the positioning process over starting with the hole.

    • Note

    • If you are not able to use the align tool, i.e. the text is not in the middle of the model, you must determine, based on your model, how you can ensure they are aligned precisely or the inlay will not work.

  • Lower the inlay text exactly as you did for the hole by 3 x layer height (which is the inlay text height).

  • At this point verify that the text looks imbedded and is flat with the model top surface.

  • DO NOT GROUP these two objects.

  • Select the model and text (Tinkercad should indicate you have TWO objects selected)

  • Export as .obj file type. .obj file might appear in Downloads folder inside a .zip file but the name will match so you know if it is the correct file.

In Downloads folder…

  • If the downloaded file is zipped, Unzip the file in the Downloads directory. It should yield two files, one .obj and another which is .mtl. Both of these must remain in the same directory. You can move them out of downloads, but keep them together.

In Bambu Studio…

  • Drag only the .obj file into Bambu Studio Prepare tab. This will bring both components, the model and the inlay text over to Bambu Studio.

  • The Obj file import color dialog should open which shows the model, ‘current filament colors’, and ‘Matching’ sections.

    • Note

    • The Tinkercad colors are not themselves filament assignments. They are color/material information in the OBJ. Bambu Studio uses that information to map each color to one of the filaments available to the printer. Bambu Studio’s recent versions have continued to change and improve OBJ/3MF color handling, so the exact appearance of this dialog may change in future releases.

  • If the colors shown in the model image, and the corresponding assignments look correct, you need not do anything. If you wish to change the colors select the color box with filament color shown and choose the color you want for the model and the inlay text.

  • If you are printing on the top model surface you are good to go. If you wish to print on the bottom rotate the model using the rotation tool in the Prepare section.

  • After rotating the model 180 degrees with the Inlay Text on the bottom, use the Place on Face / Drop to Bed function to ensure the Inlay Text is flush with the model bottom.

  • Slice the model and review the first or last (depending on where you put the Inlay) to ensure everything looks correct.

    • Note

    • Do this by moving the vertical (layer) slider on the right to the very top or bottom few layers depending on where you put the Inlay Text.

  • Print the model.