diff --git a/challenges/November-2025/readme.md b/challenges/November-2025/readme.md deleted file mode 100644 index d798787..0000000 --- a/challenges/November-2025/readme.md +++ /dev/null @@ -1,174 +0,0 @@ ---- -gitea: none -include_toc: true ---- - -# November 2025 Challenge: "Wait, This Was Printed? How Are There No Layer Lines?" - -## Challenge Overview - -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**: 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 - -- **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. **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 - - **Tiebreaker**: If two prints are too close to differentiate, the fastest print time wins - -### Submission Requirements - -- **Physical Model**: Bring your printed 25mm cube to the December meetup for judging -- **Dimension Verification**: Must be exactly 25mm x 25mm x 25mm -- **Wall Count Verification**: Must show exactly 2 walls when inspected -- **Print Time**: Record and report your total print time (used as tiebreaker if needed) -- **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 - -- **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 - -- **Smoothest Surface Winner**: Best layer-line elimination straight off the printer -- **People's Choice Award**: Community favorite - -### Documentation - -- Winner photos for social media sharing -- Settings profiles shared with community -- Technique documentation for learning - -## Timeline - -- **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 - -### 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!