Sunday, May 23, 2010

Draft build

The SD300 offers a option called draft build which saves time, but effectively reduces the Z-axis resolution. It skips the anti-glue masking step for every second layer, which requires the skipped layer to be cut exactly the same as the previous layer.

For simple 2D extrusions or other parts where Z-axis resolution doesn't matter, the draft build option can save time without sacrificing part quality. These tiles, for example.


The tradeoff of using Draft mode is that the support material is bonded together in thicker sheets, which makes it stiffer and harder to peel away. This can cause 4 layer-thick regions where Z-folds are linked (almost 0.7mm thick). The Draft option can make it more difficult to peel material away from intricate 2D shapes, like these gear teeth.

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