There are so many bridging test models out there already - why did I make another one? I couldn't find one that met all these criteria:
- The model should test bridging in both X and Y directions, testing each axis with the same range of bridge lengths.
- The bridges should all be at the same height above the build plate, so the air temperature and air flow is the same for every bridge.
- The model should come off the build plate in a single piece.
- The model should have a frame so it holds together for later reference.
- The bridge lengths should be labeled for easy reference.
- The local geometry around each bridge should be approximately the same to equalize how each bridge is affected by variations in air flow.
- As little plastic as possible should be used.
- To save time printing the supports, the bridges don't need to be more than a few mm from the build plate.
- The bridges should be only one layer thick because the first layer of the bridge is the most important.
- The model should be parametric so the bridge width and thickness can be tuned to match slicer settings.
This is what I came up with. A fully parametric Fusion 360 file is included, should you need to tweak any dimensions.
As exported, the bridges are 2.08mm wide and 0.2mm thick, which works well using a profile with 0.2mm layer height and 0.4mm extrusion width. At these settings and 20% infill, the model uses about 7g of material and takes ~25 minutes to print. With perimeter width at 0.38mm in SuperSlicer, each bridge should have exactly six lines.
matthewlloyd
