Creating translucent 3D prints that mimic glass requires patience and precise settings. The secret lies in mastering three critical factors that significantly influence the clarity of your final product.
Firstly, printing speed is paramount. A slow speed of 20mm/s is essential. Rushing the print process can introduce imperfections and cloudiness, hindering the desired glass-like effect.
Secondly, layer height plays a crucial role. Setting your layer height to 0.1000mm allows for finer layers, reducing visible layer lines and promoting translucency.
Thirdly, infill settings are key to achieving transparency. You must disable top and bottom layers and employ a single direction infill. This unique infill strategy prevents the typical grid pattern and encourages light to pass through the print, enhancing the “Print On Glass” appearance. The infill should not alternate direction between layers; consistency is crucial for optimal results.
For the best results, consider using OVERTURE CLEAR PETG filament. Remarkably, it outperforms even specialized filaments like Formfutura HD Glass in achieving superior clarity.
While the original settings were partly derived from Simplify3D, they are adaptable to various slicer software. Here are the detailed parameters for reference:
Extruder Settings:
- Nozzle Diameter: 0.40 mm
- Extrusion Multiplier: 1.01
- Extrusion Width: 0.50 mm
- Retraction Distance: 3.05 mm
- Retraction Speed: 30.00 mm/s
- Coasting Distance: 1.00 mm
- Wipe Distance: 3.00 mm
Layer Settings:
- Primary Layer Height: 0.1000 mm
- Top Solid Layers: 0
- Bottom Solid Layers: 0
- Outline/Perimeter Shells: 2
Infill Settings:
- Interior Fill Percentage: 100%
- Outline Overlap: 35%
- Infill Extrusion Width: 103%
- Internal Infill Angle Offset: -45
- Infill Direction: Consistent across all layers (non-alternating)
Temperature Settings:
- Hot End: 265°C
- Hot Bed: 70°C
Cooling:
- Disable cooling fans entirely. Cooling will cloud the print and detract from the desired transparency.
Speed Settings:
- Default Printing Speed: 20.0 mm/s
- Outline Underspeed: 50%
- Solid Infill Underspeed: 30%
- Support Structure Underspeed: 80%
- X/Y Axis Movement Speed: 150.0 mm/s
- Z Axis Movement Speed: 20.0 mm/s
Experimentation is key in 3D printing. These settings provide a strong foundation for achieving “print on glass” effects. Feel free to adjust parameters based on your specific printer and filament characteristics. If you encounter any challenges or have further questions, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.
