Raft settings for smooth interface layer

Bambu Lab X1 Series General discussions
1

question on settings for raft.

i make small snowmen parts - eyes, collars, etc. If i use a RAFT (see image of RAFT, with eyes on it), the interface layer of the raft is coarse, not fine, and the eyes printed on top get a smushed first layer.

if i IGNORE raft, and make a square that is 0.32 mm high, add the eyes, or collar, on top, merge it, and raise the collar by 0.32 (i am at 0.16 layers), and first layer is PLA, 2nd layer is PETG, 3rd layer starts object, with PLA, the adhesion is great, the first layer of the collar is smooth, much better print.

WHAT SETTINGS on the RAFT can help me achieve this, so that the raft is 0.32 (or even 0.48) high, 2 or 3 layers, with a SMOOTH filled-in top layer of the raft, and no spacing between the raft and the start of the object? I’ve been experimenting, but am confused with the raft settings. The RAFT SHOULD let me accomplish the same thing as my interface block, but if i use the RAFT, the object starts at layer 4 or 5 (not layer 3), and the first layer of object is irregular, and the surface layer of RAFT is irregular.

IMAGES, the greyscale with circle is the collar, printed on MY SUPPORT BLOCK
the color image wit gold/black buttons, are the eyes on a RAFT

any help appreciated.
layers

Raft
Raft1471×1341 209 KB

1 Like
2

The setting you’re looking for is Brim, not raft, I think. A raft adds an entire layer (or more of non-print related material, usually geometrically, like a rectangle) and is more similar to support. A brim is adding that thin layer concentrically around your model and is actually adhered to the edge of your model to help prevent warping. less secure than a raft, but gives you better surface finish. all3dp has a good article that bambulab won’t let me link

3

thanks for reply. but, i do want the raft. i want a full layer below the object, because when layer 1 is printed, it gets smushed. when i have a raft of 3 layers, and the object starts on layer 4, then layer 4 should not be smushed. but, with bambu, it is not able to make a smooth raft. SO, i created a 3-layer full object to merge with my object, my object then gets raised up to start at layer 4, the first part of object prints at 1 thru 3, and i print that in PETG, and the main object in PLA. it works well that way, and is easily separable.
again, thanks

4

Have you tried just printing the showman eyes directly onto a smooth pei plate instead of the textured plate in your image? I’ve had good luck with tiny objects printed in PLA on a smooth PEI build plate, and the bottom surfaces come out looking pretty darn good (even when I’m wearing my glasses haha!).

5

i could try that (may try it this fall). but i just love the textured pei plate, easy release, etc, and i believe it still might be an issue with the first layer being elephantized, and this affects its fit in the eye socket, etc.
and the smooth vs textured would not affect the raft structure not being smooth. and using petg as first 2 or 3 layers, then switching to PLA and the actual object, is good, because the PETG rectanglt that i create helps hold the eyes together, on a mat, until i need them :slight_smile: