Variable slice helps but would like a better way

[GARoss]

Designed a teapot for a friend and noticed an odd pattern at the top of the ball. Variable slice helps but would like a better way than a “bull’s eye” look at the top.

Shown is without Variable slice. Variable would tighten the lines but not sure if there’s a better way. Suggestions?

[Bullocks]

Sometimes cutting the top millimeter off can make it aesthetically better, you get one “topographic ring” that turns into a flat

Also maybe different top surface types, like concentric, will blend into the pattern more

[EnoTheThracian]

Altering the design is probably the most pleasing solution. If that is not possible, you can further lower the variable layer height threshold (at the cost of increased print time, but you can tailor it).

0.04mm is pretty safe (speaking for PLA), 0.03mm and below need special settings like increased speeds.
Multi-color interlayer actually goes down to 0.02mm but increases speeds to 350mm/s.
0.02mm layer heights are pretty much invisible (or I need new glasses ).

&

[RetroSharky]

In cases like this, it’s also helpful to work with orientation and place those specific sections in spots where they’re barely visible or not visible at all.

A short sentence from me, but actually essential.

[lkraus]

The Z Anti-Aliasing contouring in OrcaSlicer might help. I think there may still be a visible bullseye effect, but the top surface of your pot should be smoother.

OrcaSlicer 2.4.2: Z Anti-Aliasing Explained | Smoother Curved Surfaces

[MZip]

That variable slicing routine at least used to look at the inside and outside of a model when picking thicknesses. I had a model with a complex interior that needlessly complicated the slicing since I was wanting to slice based only on the exterior.

Don’t know what the inside of that pitcher looks like but if slicing still includes the interior, it may be of use to get the inside nice and smooth so only the outside really sets layer height. But YMMV.