Hello everyone, I’m new to the world of 3D printing, and I’ve spent the last two weeks trying to get good top layer results using the ironing function, but I still haven’t been able to achieve it. I’ve done tons of test prints (I’ve already used up half 1kg spool just on testing), and I’ve calibrated and recalibrated both Flow Dynamics and Flow Rate. I even tried a 0.2 nozzle, but it actually made things harder, so I switched back to the 0.4.

I’ve printed several ironing tests, and the settings that seem to give me the best results are 30%/20 mm. I apply those same settings in the ironing section of the slicer and also enable “Topmost Surface,” but when I print an actual model, the result looks nothing like the ironing test. I’ve tried different sizes, changed the temperature, speed, etc., and nothing seems to reproduce the ironing test results on real models.

Is there something I’m doing wrong? Through trial and error I’ve learned that the settings vary a lot depending on the material, the printer, and even the model. So I wanted to ask if anyone could share a video or a website where I can understand this better, or point me in the right direction, because I’m honestly frustrated that I can’t get a good top surface finish no matter how many adjustments I make.

For more contexts I’m using right now a Bambulab A1 with Sunlu PLA and 0.4 Nozzle (But I would like to know how to get good results with 0.2 nozzle too, but I find it harder) 

Struggling With Ironing: Test Prints Look Great, Real Models Don’t