Fuzzy Lining in Cura – Add texture to your models!

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The Fuzzy Skin feature is a hidden option in Cura's experimental settings, when enabled the 3D printer nozzle will move randomly when printing the outer wall, making it look uneven and rough, leaving a sort of “texture” on the outer wall of the model.

This option can be found in Cura under the experimental settings with the name “Fuzzy Lining”, where you can check the box that activates it.

Skin or Lining refers to the “skin” of the model which is the exterior wall and is the visible wall.

What is it for?

The function of Fuzzy Lining used to create textures on the walls of 3D printed models, this can offer some advantages for those models that need to have “a good grip” or need to have some type of friction.

For other models, like the sheep that I am going to print for example, can give a slightly more realistic finish, and visually prettier than if it didn't have it.

How does it work

By activating the “Diffuse Lining” option, Cura orders the printer to produce an erratic, in-and-out movement on the outer wall of the model.

That is to say, the nozzle will print the supports, the filling and all the internal walls well, but when it is time to print the external wall, this erratic movement will occur.

The configuration will occur only on the external walls, and not on the bottom or top surfaces.

This type of “extra” movement that the nozzle makes does not add significant time to it to print.

Video on YouTube: andrew sink (Activate Spanish subtitles)

How to activate the Fuzzy Skin feature in Cura.

In Cura's advanced print settings go to the experimental section, and activate the “fuzzy lining” options

Then print a 20x20 cube with the default parameters.

Based on your results, start experimenting with the settings mentioned below.

• In the Print Settings go to the Experimental section

• Click on the settings box at the top right

In the Experimental section check the following options:

1. fuzzy lining
2. Outer fuzzy lining only
3. diffuse lining thickness
4. diffuse lining density
5. Diffuse Lining Point Distance

• Close the cure settings window.

• Check the “Diffuse Lining” box and set the parameters.

How to configure the parameters

Once you have activated all the Diffuse Liner options, you need to set the best parameters to get the best results.

See what each option means:

• Diffuse lining: This setting is the one that enables the feature and is done by checking the box. After checking it, the other settings mentioned will appear.
• fuzzy lining Outside only: The function only applies to outside contours and not inside holes.
• diffuse lining thickness: It is the width within which the movements fluctuate.
• Diffuse Lining Density: Controls the average density of the points where fluctuations occur. A low density will result in a reduction in resolution.
• Diffuse Lining Point Distance: is the average distance between the random points. This value must be greater than half the thickness of the diffuse lining.

Before changing any parameters, I would recommend that you make a small test print, with the default settings from Cura, so that you can see how it works and draw conclusions about what you need.

Also, something you should keep in mind is the number of walls your model will need, based on the thickness you choose, since the thickness of the walls must be greater than the thickness of the diffuse lining.

My first test was a 20x20mm cube with default settings and these were the results.

• Fuzzy Liner Thickness: 0.3
• Fuzzy Liner Density: 1.25
• Fuzzy Liner Stitch Distance: 0.8

This was done with a quantity of 3 walls, as the outer wall does not print normally, but erratically.

If you want the “texture” to be greater, or denser, you will probably have to use more walls.

Example of Fuzzy Lining

In the next example I will print a sheep and I'm going to use the fuzzy lining feature to make it very "furry".

To achieve this I will use a minimum of 4 walls and a thickness of 1.2

The parameters for this model would be as follows:

• Layer height: 0.28 mm
• Wall Line Count: 4 walls
• Bracket: Cantilevered to 75%
• Fuzzy Liner Thickness: 1.2

The result is obvious, it is a different finish, an alternative that you may not have known you had, especially for printing animal figures, or making flower pots with a different and more striking finish.

I hope you enjoyed Cura's Fuzzy Lining feature and now that you know about it you can do your own tests.

I invite you to read How to add and configure a 3d filament in Cura a post that might interest you.