QA

Question: When To Use Z-Hop 3D Printing

Z hop is usefull when you notice that the nozzle leaves marks on the surface of the model when it moves over the last printed layer. This can be seen on the upper closing faces of the model, and is due to the movement of the extruder, which for some reason crawls on the print.

Should you enable Z hop?

Vertical lift (Z-hop) Enabling this option will cause the nozzle to lift up a set distance above the previously printed layer before moving to a new location. By moving at an elevated height, this can avoid the nozzle scratch on the top surface of your print.

Can Z hop cause stringing?

Both of these adjustments happened gradually, making sure there was no change in stringing between adjustments. I do have rafts and Z hops enabled in Cura, as previous prints of this model were knocked off the base even after leveling the bed properly, and almost every time a “hop” is performed, some stringing occurs.

What is Z hop 3D printing?

Z-hop when retracted With this setting, the build plate will move down by the set value when a retraction is performed, allowing the print head to travel over the print without the nozzle touching it. This prevents the nozzle from hitting the object or leaving “blobs” or scratches on the print surface.

What is a good Z hop speed?

Ideally up to 30mm/s, as Cura has the setting but limits at 10mm/s. I found I needed 20mm/s and could only do that with S3D, but it led to fantastic seams and no stringing, while other slicers would have immense stringing no matter the retraction amount.

What is combing in 3D printing?

“Combing is the act of avoiding holes in the print for the head to travel over. If combing is disabled the printer head moves straight from the start point to the end point and it will always retract.”Apr 13, 2014.

What is retraction 3D printing?

Retraction is the recoil movement of the filament necessary to prevent dripping of material during movements and displacements that the vacuum extruder performs during 3D printing. Retraction speed: Speed at which the extruder motor drives back the filament.

Should I retract layer change?

Retract on layer change – Movement along the Z axis must also be considered when dealing with oozing, otherwise blobs may occur. It is recommended to leave this setting on. Wipe before retract – Moves the nozzle whilst retracting so as to reduce the chances of a blob forming.

What is Z hop height?

The Z-hop height is the extruder lift up height when moving between print areas. Choose minimum for fast printing process, but enough for prevent part edges hitting and as a result bringing and leaving beads on a part shell.

What is Z hop when retracting?

Z Hop at Retraction. The specified z hop value is the distance the nozzle gets lifted away from the surface of the model during retraction. This helps prevent nozzle from scratching again the printed part when traveling across.

Does PrusaSlicer have combing?

Combing is Cura’s name for using alternate movement paths that keep the nozzle within the part. Where is the Combing parameter? It’s called “Avoid crossing perimeters” in PrusaSlicer, which I think is a more descriptive name. You can find it under Print Settings->Layers and perimeters->Quality.

How do you make PLA prints watertight?

Extrusion. Purposely over-extruding your prints can make parts more waterproof, as there’s a reduced chance that there will be any gaps in your print. You can do this by increasing the extrusion multiplier, also sometimes called “flow rate”, in your slicer.

How do I disable Z hop?

Click Filament Overrides The setting you want in the screenshot is the “Lift Z” setting. Set that to zero and you have turned off z-hop.

How do you stop a cura string?

Advanced Cura settings The setting “Max Comb Distance With No Retract” can be decreased and will greatly reduce stringing. Disable the “Fill small gaps” setting will also decrease the amount of travel moves and therefore decrease the amount of stringing.

What is wiping in Cura?

Wiping & Coasting This decreases the pressure buildup in the hot end and minimizes any blobbing or zits left by retractions. Work with the default values (0.4-mm wipe distance, 0.064-mm3 coasting volume) and adjust by 0.1 mm and 0.01 mm3, respectively.

Do you need retraction 3D printing?

Why Retraction Is Important As the unwanted filament drips out of the nozzle, it will land on the object. If the filament distance is too high, for example, the nozzle may clog. Alternatively, the 3D printer may take longer to release the filament.

What happens when retraction is too high?

Too much retraction results in little gaps, or even globbing due to air pockets within the print head. When your printer does not retract enough, visible oozing will occur as the nozzle travels. You will see filament stringing between features as your nozzle is not stopping material extrusion before moving.

What is a good PLA retraction speed?

Materials like ABS and PLA will do well with a speed of 40 to 60 mm/s and a retraction distance of 0.5 to 1.0 mm on direct drive extruders.

What is a good retraction distance?

If you retract too quickly, the filament may separate from the hot plastic inside the nozzle, or the quick movement of the drive gear may even grind away pieces of your filament. There is usually a sweet spot somewhere between 1200-6000 mm/min (20-100 mm/s) where retraction performs best.

How do I stop my 3D printer from oozing?

3D Printer Oozing Before Printing – Causes and Solutions Set the retraction speed correctly. Minimize time in the air. The diameter of the printer nozzle and filament must be correct. Clean your printer nozzle. Replacement of worn nozzles. Minimize pressure in the extruder nozzle by correct coasting settings.

How much is retraction for PETG?

Retraction distance should be set at about 6 or 7 millimeters for Bowden extruders, and 3 or 4 millimeters for direct drive extruders. With PETG, retraction speed is more important than distance. If you still have oozing and stringing, try lowering the retraction speed.