"3D Modelling Question on Lines/Grooves" Topic

So you have two parts that meet and/or you want a nice line on your model. How do you model your grooves?

Do you model it as a square groove, a V groove, or a round groove?

I believe that's going to depend on the model, where the line is on the model, your printer, and the orientation you need to print. And how noticeable you want the line. I would suggest experimenting. If you make a half-sized model with low infill, a thicker layer height, and set the nozzle to move faster you can get cheaper, quicker prints for testing things like this. You may have to make adjustments after going back to all the proper settings.

The key is the size. You need about 0.3mm to be able to see anything. Therefore it needs to be square so you can get all the layers to show the groove/line. So for a layer height of 0.1 mm you need a grove/line about 0.4mm so it is at least 3 layers deep. Faster prints may not help as typicaly that is a thicker later height and cruder so may not help at high resolution.

For modern and sci-fi armor, I use a .2mm square groove. For wooden planking, I use a .2mm V-shaped groove.

By the way, I have a model on Shapeways that's designed to demonstrate the properties of each materials at various resolutions.

shpws.me/QQCL

If you'd like, I can send you the STL file for you to use with your home printer.

So the consensus is mostly a square groove and possible V groove.

javelelin, that test sheet is pretty cool idea!

Thanks everyone!

Please sir can I have one too? The quickest way is to send it to me through AORS Shipyards on Shapeways (my son). The reason is we go to a few shows and this lookks like a good way to show folk what a home printer can do, aas as you say shows what sort of detail you can see at a size.

Obviously AOTRS and I will treat it as for persoinal use only and it will not appear on the AOTRS site. But for folk who are learning it looks the best demo I have seen.