J as a skirt
More than just a line of filaments
The letter “J” in the 3D printing world does not only refer to fashion, but to an essential feature: the skirt.
Forget for a moment the clothing trends to dive into the technical universe of this crucial element to guarantee the quality of your impressions.
What is a 3D printing skirt?
The skirt is one or more lines of filaments printed around the perimeter of the object in progress, without being attached to it.
It does not concern style, but the substance of printing.
The essential roles of the skirt
The skirt is not content to be a simple border.
She plays several key roles in the printing process.
** purge and cleaning: ** Before embarking on the creation of the main object, the skirt purifies and cleans the extrusion nozzle, thus ensuring a fluid flow of the filament.
** Adhesion to the set: ** By observing the skirt during its printing, you can quickly assess the adhesion of the first layer.
If the skirt does not stick properly, adjustments can be made to guarantee optimal grip.
** Problem detection: ** The skirt acts as an early indicator.
Any malfunction in the printing configuration will often appear on the skirt, thus allowing corrections before this affects the main object.
Skirt configuration
The configuration of the skirt depends on the Slicent used.
Most offer options to adjust the number of lines, the distance between the object and the skirt, allowing personalization depending on the object to be printed.
Important distinctions
It is crucial not to confuse the skirt with other features such as the border, the brim or the raft (RAFT).
- ** Border: ** attached to the object, it increases the adhesion surface on the plateau.- ** Raft (RAFT): ** A thick layer of filament on which the object is printed, improving adhesion and stability.
In conclusion
The skirt, although apparently simple, turns out to be a powerful tool to improve the quality of 3D prints.
She prepares, checks the printer, and offers the possibility of rectifying errors before they become major problems.
The next time you prepare a 3D printing, don’t forget to add this little skirt, your discreet ally for optimal results.