Nothing is more frustrating than finishing a 3D print—only to find its surface bumpy, en capas, o desigual. Ya sea que estés haciendo un prototipo, una pieza decorativa, o una parte funcional, La suavidad es importante tanto para el aspecto como para el rendimiento.. las buenas noticias? La mayoría de los problemas superficiales no son difíciles de solucionar. Este artículo se descompone 3 soluciones centrales (selección de materiales, print settings, post-treatment) to turn rough prints into smooth, professional results.
1. Choose Materials That Boost Surface Smoothness
The right filament is the foundation of a smooth print. Using materials ill-suited for your project often leads to grainy or uneven surfaces. Below is a comparison of 3 common filaments—focused on their surface quality and ease of use:
| Filament Type | Suavidad de la superficie (1=Rough, 5=Smooth) | Mejor para | Key Tip for Smoothness |
| PLA | 3–4 | Prototipos, juguetes, piezas decorativas | Use high-quality PLA (avoid cheap brands) to reduce stringing. |
| ABS | 4–5 | Partes funcionales (p.ej., fundas de móvil) | Print in an enclosed printer to prevent warping (warping causes uneven surfaces). |
| PETG | 4–5 | Durable parts (p.ej., botellas de agua) | Dry the filament first—moisture causes bubbles on the surface. |
Common Question: Why does my PLA print still look rough?
PLA is easy to print, but low-quality PLA (bajo \(20 por kilogramo) often has impurities. These impurities melt unevenly, leaving tiny bumps. Upgrading to mid-range PLA (\)25–$30 per kg) can instantly improve surface smoothness.
2. Optimize Print Settings to Eliminate Roughness
Even the best filament will produce a bad print if your settings are off. Two critical settings—velocidad de impresión y altura de capa—are the main culprits behind uneven surfaces. Let’s break down how to adjust them:
2.1 Slow Down Print Speed (El #1 Fix for Bumps)
Printing too fast (over 60mm/s for most filaments) causes the printer’s nozzle to move before the plastic fully melts and adheres. This leads to:
- Layer separation (visible lines between layers)
- Stringing (thin plastic strands between parts)
- Blobby surfaces
Solución: Use this speed guide based on filament type:
| Filamento | Recommended Speed Range | Result of Following This Guide |
| PLA | 40–50mm/s | 50% smoother surface; less stringing |
| ABS | 35–45mm/s | Reduced warping; even layer adhesion |
| PETG | 30–40mm/s | No bubbles; acabado brillante |
2.2 Lower Layer Height for Fine Details
Layer height is the thickness of each plastic layer the printer deposits. A large layer height (over 0.2mm) makes layers visible—like stacking thin pancakes with gaps. A small layer height (0.1–0.15mm) creates a seamless surface.
Ejemplo: If you’re printing a figurine (where smoothness matters), set layer height to 0.12mm. For a simple storage bin (where function matters more), 0.2mm is okay. The tradeoff? Smaller layer heights add ~10–20% to print time—but the smoothness is worth it.
3. Post-Treatment: Turn Good Prints Into Great Ones
Even with perfect materials and settings, some prints need a final touch to be fully smooth. Below are 3 easy post-treatment methods—ranked by effort and results:
3.1 Lijado (Most Accessible Method)
Sanding is the simplest way to smooth rough surfaces. Follow these steps:
- Start with 120-grit sandpaper to remove large bumps (p.ej., líneas de capa).
- Move to 240-grit sandpaper to refine the surface (reduces scratches from 120-grit).
- Finish with 400-grit sandpaper for a near-mirror finish (great for decorative parts).
Para propina: Sand in circular motions, and use water (wet sanding) for PLA/PETG—it reduces dust and makes the surface smoother.
3.2 Pulido (For a Glossy Look)
Después de lijar, polishing adds shine. For PLA/ABS/PETG:
- Utilice un plastic polish (p.ej., Novus Polish) or even toothpaste (non-gel, blanco).
- Apply a small amount to a microfiber cloth and rub in circular motions for 2–3 minutes.
- Wipe off excess polish—you’ll see a glossy, superficie lisa.
3.3 Cuadro (Covers Imperfections)
If sanding/polishing isn’t enough, painting hides small flaws. Use these steps:
- Clean the print with isopropyl alcohol to remove dust.
- Apply a cebador (p.ej., Krylon Fusion for Plastic)—primer fills tiny gaps and helps paint stick.
- Paint with acrylic or spray paint (2–3 thin coats, not 1 thick coat—thick paint drips).
La perspectiva de la tecnología Yigu
En Yigu Tecnología, we often hear users say “my 3D print isn’t smooth”—and 90% of the time, the issue is a mix of material choice and speed. Our printers come with pre-set “smooth mode” profiles for PLA/ABS/PETG, which adjust speed (40–50mm/s) and layer height (0.15milímetros) automáticamente. We also recommend starting with ABS or PETG for functional parts—their higher melting points create more consistent layers than PLA. Remember: smooth printing isn’t about expensive tools—it’s about matching materials, ajustes, and post-treatment to your project.
Preguntas frecuentes
- q: My ABS print has a smooth surface but warps—how do I fix both?
A: Warping (edges lifting) happens because ABS cools too fast. Print in an enclosed printer (traps heat) and set the bed temperature to 100–110°C. This keeps the print flat y maintains surface smoothness.
- q: Can I get a smooth surface without sanding?
A: Sí! Use a “layer adhesion” setting in your slicer (p.ej., Cura’s “Wall Line Count”)—increasing wall lines (de 2 a 4) makes the outer surface denser and smoother, no sanding needed.
- q: Why does my PETG print have tiny bubbles on the surface?
A: PETG absorbs moisture from the air. Dry the filament in a filament dryer (40–50°C for 4–6 hours) before printing—this removes moisture and eliminates bubbles.