diff --git a/.images/Nov-Comp-ss1.png b/.images/Nov-Comp-ss1.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..666c174 Binary files /dev/null and b/.images/Nov-Comp-ss1.png differ diff --git a/.images/Nov-Comp-ss2.png b/.images/Nov-Comp-ss2.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1c8a4ff Binary files /dev/null and b/.images/Nov-Comp-ss2.png differ diff --git a/Challenge Files/November2025/Cube.3mf b/Challenge Files/November2025/Cube.3mf new file mode 100644 index 0000000..923a700 Binary files /dev/null and b/Challenge Files/November2025/Cube.3mf differ diff --git a/challenges/November-2025/readme.md b/challenges/November-2025/readme.md index 89965f8..958c3e0 100644 --- a/challenges/November-2025/readme.md +++ b/challenges/November-2025/readme.md @@ -3,70 +3,170 @@ gitea: none include_toc: true --- -# November 2025 Challenge: "[Challenge Name TBD]" +# November 2025 Challenge: "Wait, This Was Printed? How Are There No Layer Lines?" ## Challenge Overview -[Challenge description and theme to be determined] +Can you achieve the smoothest, most layer-line-free surface finish possible? This challenge pushes your printer tuning, slicer settings, and material knowledge to the limit. The goal is simple but difficult: create a 25mm cube with 2 walls and no top that looks so smooth, people question whether it was actually 3D printed! + +This challenge focuses on: + +- Surface finish quality and smoothness +- Proper printer calibration and tuning +- Optimal slicer settings for layer adhesion +- Material selection and temperature control +- The art of making layer lines disappear ## Challenge Rules ### Materials & Constraints -- **Filament**: [To be specified] -- **Maximum Filament Usage**: [To be determined] -- **Model Specification**: [To be determined] -- **Print Mode**: [To be specified] +- **Filament**: 3D Fuel filament (any type: PLA+, Pro PLA+, PCTG etc.) +- **Nozzle Requirement**: Must use a 0.4mm nozzle (REQUIRED) +- **Estimated Filament Usage**: Approximately 3 grams (for reference only) +- **Model Specification**: + - **Dimensions**: Exactly 25mm × 25mm × 25mm cube (REQUIRED) + - **Wall Count**: Exactly 2 walls (no more, no less) (REQUIRED) + - **Top Layers**: 0 (no top surface) + - **Bottom Layers**: Standard (as needed for proper adhesion) + - **Infill**: 0% (hollow interior) +- **Print Mode**: Standard FDM/FFF printing (no resin printing) ### Competition Categories -- **[Category 1]**: [To be determined] -- **[Category 2]**: [To be determined] -- **Overall Winner**: Best overall submission +- **Smoothest Surface**: Best overall surface finish with minimal visible layer lines straight off the printer +- **No post-processing allowed** - cubes must be judged as-printed ### Judging Criteria -1. **[Criteria 1]** ([%]): [To be determined] -2. **[Criteria 2]** ([%]): [To be determined] -3. **[Criteria 3]** ([%]): [To be determined] -4. **Challenge Adherence** (10%): Following all challenge requirements +1. **Layer Line Visibility** (100%): The appearance and visibility of layer lines - less visible is better + - All cubes must meet basic challenge requirements (25mm cube dimensions, exactly 2 walls, no post-processing) + - Winner is determined solely by smoothness of surface and minimal layer line appearance ### Submission Requirements -- **[Requirement 1]**: [To be determined] -- **Documentation**: Include photos showing [specific aspects] -- **Settings Documentation**: Share printer settings used -- **Process Notes**: Brief description of techniques used +- **Physical Model**: Bring your printed 25mm cube to the December meetup for judging +- **Dimension Verification**: Must be exactly 25mm × 25mm × 25mm +- **Wall Count Verification**: Must show exactly 2 walls when inspected +- **Documentation**: Include photos showing: + - Close-up surface details + - Overall cube appearance + - Cross-section or wall thickness (optional) +- **Settings Documentation**: Share your winning settings: + - Layer height + - Print temperature + - Print speed + - Cooling settings + - Any special techniques used +- **Process Notes**: Brief description of your approach ### Evaluation Process -- **[Evaluation Method]**: [To be determined] -- **Community Voting**: People's choice award -- **Technical Review**: Expert panel assessment +- **Dimension & Wall Check**: Verification of 25mm cube dimensions and exactly 2 walls (must pass to be eligible) +- **Visual Inspection**: Expert panel examines layer line visibility under good lighting +- **Community Voting**: People's choice for most impressive result ## Prizes & Recognition ### Awards -- **[Award 1]**: Recognition + prize -- **[Award 2]**: Recognition + prize -- **Overall Winner**: Grand prize + recognition +- **Smoothest Surface Winner**: Best layer-line elimination straight off the printer - **People's Choice Award**: Community favorite -- **Innovation Award**: Most creative technique ### Documentation - Winner photos for social media sharing -- Video documentation of winning techniques -- Settings and process sharing for community learning +- Settings profiles shared with community +- Technique documentation for learning ## Timeline -- **Challenge Announcement**: [Date TBD] -- **Submission Deadline**: [Date TBD] -- **Judging Period**: [Date Range TBD] -- **Winner Announcement**: [Date TBD] +- **Challenge Announcement**: November 12, 2025 (at November meetup) +- **Submission Deadline**: December 10, 2025 (at December meetup) +- **Judging Period**: December 10, 2025 (during December meetup) +- **Winner Announcement**: December 10, 2025 (end of December meetup) ## Model Creation Instructions -[To be determined based on challenge requirements] \ No newline at end of file +### Using the Provided Model + +**Download the pre-configured cube:** + +- **File Location**: [Challenge Files/November2025/Cube.3mf](../../Challenge%20Files/November2025/Cube.3mf) +- **Pre-configured**: Already set to 25mm × 25mm × 25mm with 2 walls and no top +- **Ready to slice**: Import into your slicer and adjust settings for your printer + +### Creating the Cube Model from Scratch + +#### Using Bambu Studio + +**Step 1: Add Primitive** + +1. Open Bambu Studio to a new project +2. Right-click on the build plate +3. Select "Add Primitive" +4. Select "Cube" + +![Adding Cube Primitive](../../.images/Nov-Comp-ss1.png) + +**Step 2: Resize the Cube** + +1. Click to resize the cube +3. Set X to 25mm and Y and Z should also set to 25mm(If uniform scale cause issue you can uncheck) + +![Resizing Cube Dimensions](../../.images/Nov-Comp-ss2.png) + +#### Alternative Methods + +- **Fusion 360**: Create square sketch (25mm × 25mm), extrude to 25mm height +- **Tinkercad**: Use cube shape, adjust dimensions to 25mm × 25mm × 25mm +- **FreeCAD**: Create cube with specified dimensions +- **Any CAD Software**: Simple cube 25mm × 25mm × 25mm +- **Use provided file**: Open `Challenge Files/November2025/Cube.3mf` directly + +### Basic Cube Setup + +### Slicer Configuration + +1. **Create or Download Model**: + - Use the provided `Challenge Files/November2025/Cube.3mf` file + - Or create using any CAD software (25mm × 25mm × 25mm cube) + - Or use the Bambu Studio/Orca Slicer primitive steps above + +2. **Slicer Settings** (Critical): + - **Dimensions**: 25mm × 25mm × 25mm + - **Wall Count/Perimeters**: 2 + - **Top Layers**: 0 + - **Bottom Layers**: 3-5 (as needed) + - **Infill**: 0% + - **Layer Height**: Your choice (hint: smaller = smoother, but slower) + +3. **Tips for Success**: + - **Lower layer heights** (0.1mm-0.12mm) help reduce visible lines + - **Slower speeds** improve surface quality + - **Temperature tuning** is critical for layer adhesion + - **Linear advance/pressure advance** can help with consistency + - **Proper cooling** prevents warping without sacrificing layer bonding + - **Material choice** matters - some filaments naturally produce smoother surfaces + +### Advanced Techniques to Consider + +- **Slicer Tricks**: + - Adjust line width for better wall fusion + - Experiment with different seam positions + - Use variable layer heights if supported + - Try different acceleration/jerk settings + +- **Material Selection**: + - Experiment with different 3D Fuel filament types + - Colors can also give different appearance levels + +### What NOT to Do + +- Do not exceed 2 walls +- Do not add a top surface +- Do not deviate from 25mm cube dimensions +- **No post-processing allowed** (no sanding, heat treatment, chemical smoothing, etc.) + + +Good luck creating the smoothest cube possible! May your layer lines vanish into nothingness!