Faceted round edges when exporting model to .stl file for 3D-Printing

[haan.chen]

Hello,

I have a model which I want to be 3D-printed, but it bothers me when round edges becomes faceted when it is exported to .stl file.

I have already adjusted FACETRES to 10, VIEWRES to 20000, regenerated the model, but still the round edges in .stl file come out faceted (Screenshot 1).

If I only export one particular round edge into a .stl file, it looks much smoother (Screenshot 2).

I'm using AutoCAD for Mac 2020.1.2, Product Version Q.46.M.205, would appreciate any insight.

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

how big is this model and which resolution does your printer have (XY and Z)?

I ask because with standard 3D-FDM printers the FACETRES 10 is much more than the printer can print.

- alfred -

[haan.chen]

Sorry for the late reply, was working on something else.

It will be printed using MJF via 3Dhubs instead of FDM, which has a higher resolution. The model size is within 150x150x100mm. I know these facets might not be visible on the final product due to the relative small size of the part, but the sample model on the 3Dhubs site seems to have smoother surfaces than mine at similar size.

[Alfred.NESWADBA · Accepted solution]

Hi,

FACETRES 10 is the highest level of smoothness. If you need it better then scale the part by a factor 10 or 100 inside AutoCAD and then in your printer software scale it down.

- alfred -

[joshU2LC3]

I'm having this same problem. Even when scaling up by a factor or 10 or 100, it makes no difference to the output. 

Any other solutions people have found?