I’m making some storage boxes for resin domino sets that I’m making. I wanted it to look like older wood, so, to that end, I bought this filament from our hosts here.
After a little experimentation, I think I’ve succeeded in making something that looks like older wood (see the attached pictures). The lid in the pictures is the filament straight off the printer.
The problem is the top surface of the lid (and the top surface of the bottom of the box)
I’m using PrusaSlicer and Cura 5, and the problem is the same. The 45 degree angle that FDM printers lay down filament. The surface ends up with a crosshatch pattern (small, but noticeable) and, of course, the “stitched” border around the edge. The stain highlights these details. It kinda ruins the illusion that it’s finished wood.
I know about ironing, but, that requires VERY slow feed rates, and that is anathema to this wood filament. It needs a bigger nozzle (0.6mm), and fast rates (I use around 75mm/sec), to prevent heat creep and clogging. Ironing, I think, is out, but I stand to be corrected.
I can’t sand it, because it ends up looking too shiny, and strangely, more like plastic again.
What I’m wondering is, if it possible to change the orientation of the top skins so they print parallel to the sides? That way, they would look more like wood. I can’t find a setting that does this, and I think it’s not possible, but I thought I’d ask the experts here.
Thanks for any ideas
Andy
