Parviz · Build docs

Printability audit

Current audit for the exported Parviz parts, verified 2026-07-16 on a Bambu A1-class 256 × 256 mm bed with a 0.4 mm nozzle. Source geometry remains parametric; do not repair STLs directly.

Release verdict

Run the complete proof with:

make export
make slicecheck
make wallcheck
make jointcheck

make slicecheck deliberately gives every plate a fresh worker. Repeated Bambu Studio CLI launches in one process retain native state on macOS and previously killed the audit after a few plates without producing a verdict.

Material and plate policy

The canonical project is one multi-plate exports/bambu.3mf, as requested. Bambu stores one global filament profile for this hand-generated project, so it opens with Generic PLA settings. Select the following plates and change their filament preset before printing:

Plates Material Reason
Chassis, Neck and pan PLA acceptable; PETG preferred for load parts Large structural shells and bearing retention benefit from creep resistance.
Head PETG for back frames/panels, screen tray and door; PLA acceptable for bezel/cosmetics The enclosed Pi can heat the tray and rear shell above comfortable PLA creep temperatures.
Antennas PETG preferred for gears, axles and rack; PLA acceptable for bracket/masts PETG survives repeated tooth contact and journal motion better. Grease journals lightly.
Worm drive PETG Repeated sliding contact and motor heat. Print at fine layers.
Track gear and Track links PETG Impact, hinge fatigue, idler tension and tooth wear.
Track coupon Same PETG spool intended for the final tracks Two 5-link PIP strips (Ø2.7 production + Ø2.56 tight-gap) + master + keepers: static PIP gate, then the powered coupon (docs/ASSEMBLY.md) before any strip plate.
Hardware stand-ins PETG preferred These are temporary functional substitutes; metal remains the final hardware.

For Generic PETG on textured PEI, start near 250 °C nozzle / 80 °C bed, dry the spool, and retain the encoded brim/support choices. The exporter prints the material warning in its manifest so it cannot be missed.

Orientation audit

Group Encoded orientation Support decision
Open chassis shells Open side upward; seam and nut access remain exposed Tree support only where specified; six walls on structural shells.
Deck plates Cosmetic top face toward the bed Structural tree support for underside bosses.
Side panels Upright on their integral rib feet Tree support catches boss bottoms; wheel beams remain round and accessible.
Head bezel Glass face toward the bed Tree support; aperture and pockets open upward.
Head-back frames Front face toward the bed No back-wall ceiling remains after the four-piece split.
Head-back panels Outer flat wall toward the bed Rebates, nut mouths and locating pockets face upward.
Screen tray Mount plate toward the bed, pillars upward Structural tree support.
Antenna gears Gear axis vertical, face on bed Support disabled to protect tooth and bore surfaces.
Antenna output shafts Axis vertical with the lower gear providing the footprint Support disabled; auto brim stabilizes the 82 mm print.
Antenna masts Laid horizontally with rack upward Tree support under the cylindrical mast; rack teeth stay unscarred.
Pan race/cage/clips Flat as modeled Minimal support; bearing surfaces remain horizontal.
Worm pair Gear face / worm shaft end on bed Fine contact surfaces; tree support enabled conservatively.
Running-gear wheels Axis vertical; data-driven flip puts the large disc down Support disabled so D-bores and bearing seats are not scarred.
PIP track strips Grouser-down on keel feet Support disabled. Integral hinge gaps must remain free.
Track keepers Rolled onto their wide faces Support disabled.
Long printed tilt axle Horizontal and 45° diagonal across the bed Support disabled; metal Ø5 rod is preferred in the final build.

Before committing to long prints

  1. Print the Track coupon plate in the final track material (two 5-link strips: production Ø2.7 + tight Ø2.56, plus master + keepers).
  2. Flex all five PIP joints on each strip. They must break free without tearing the integral pins. Run the powered coupon protocol in docs/ASSEMBLY.md before any strip plate.
  3. Test the master link, both keeper bars, M2 inserts and Ø1.75 filament boundary pin.
  4. Print one antenna motor gear and confirm the double-D socket on the actual 28BYJ shaft.
  5. Print one compound idler/output pair and verify free rotation on the Ø3.9 axle in the Ø4.2 bracket journal after elephant-foot cleanup.
  6. Print the tilt D-key coupon documented in docs/ASSEMBLY.md before the full axle stack.
  7. Measure bought bearings, motors and boards before printing dependent seats. Typical/vendor dimensions in CAD are not a substitute for calipers.

Known limits