Fuzzy Lining in Cura - Add texture to your models!

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La función Forro difuso (Fuzzy Skin en inglés) es una opción oculta en los ajustes experimentales de Cura, al activarlo la boquilla de la impresora 3D se moverá de forma aleatoria al imprimir la pared exterior, de forma que esta tendrá un aspecto desigual y rugoso, dejando una especie de «textura» en la pared exterior del modelo.

This option can be found in Cura under the experimental settings with the name «Forro difuso», where you can check the box that activates it.

Skin o Forro hace alusión a la «piel» del modelo que es la pared exterior y es la pared visible.

What is it for?

The function of Fuzzy Lining used to create textures on the walls of 3D printed models, esto puede ofrecer algunas ventajas para aquellos modelos que necesiten tener «un buen agarre» o necesiten de tener algún tipo de fricción.

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

Al activar la opción «Forro difuso», Cura ordena a la impresora que produzca un movimiento errático, de entrar y salir sobre la pared externa del modelo.

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.

Este tipo de movimiento «extra» que hace la boquilla 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 activa las opciones de «forro difuso»

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:

fuzzy lining
Outer fuzzy lining only
diffuse lining thickness
diffuse lining density
Diffuse Lining Point Distance

Close the cure settings window.

Activa la casilla «Forro difuso» y coloca los parámetros.

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.

Si lo que quieres es que la «textura» sea mayor, o más densa seguramente vas a tener que usar más paredes.

Example of Fuzzy Lining

In the next example I will print a sheep y voy a usar la función de forro difuso para que tenga mucho «pelo».

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.