WEST ORTON

[Steve M]

After completely redesigning the awning, adding a few brackets, columns etc, I tried printing the whole model in one go.
18 hours later it got close.



Two legs dropped off (operator error) and it's too big to fit on my washer/curer.
And it looks good from this angle.



The other end is a different story.

[RogerB]

I’m not really up on 3D printing but what is causing the sagging? Heat? R-

[Steve M]

I’m not really up on 3D printing but what is causing the sagging? Heat? R-

Cold temperatures can be counterproductive but in this case it's more likely to be insufficient supports and incorrect orientation of the model.
It's all very counterintuitive but models are printed hanging from a build plate (that's the bit that goes up and down during printing) so gravity is a factor. Insufficient supports are an issue as these things won't print into thin air.

I think also that I got greedy - I included the columns to make it a fairly big print (print time = 18 hours) but that compromised how I orientated the CAD image in the software. I have a columnless version printing overnight at a different angle and with more supports.

[RogerB]

Right. So do you specify how many & where supports should be? Good luck with the new overnight version. R-

[Steve M]

The software allows you to vary the support coverage - I've gone up from the default settings but usually default is more than adequate. You can, if necessary, add additional supports manually if the automatic version isn't right.
There are so many variables involved before hitting the sweetspot.
So many think you can just press a button and it all happens perfectly. Not so.

[RogerB]

I’m sure it’s much more complex than I could cope with. You will get there R-

[Steve M]

I think I got there!

https://youtube.com/shorts/mT3Bd7PcAbg? ... eww8ZdUCzx



There is some sanding to do where the supports were and a couple of bits in the CAD that could be improved, but I'm going to call this one done.





Now for the painting.

[RogerB]

Well done. R-

[bulleidboy]

I concur.

[Steve M]

Done.




Still not sure if I will add larger canopies to the platforms - ideally they should be curved and I've not worked out if I can do that on the PC.
I will add some offcut awnings to the side of the engine shed though.