Fuzz Skin: YouTuber shows how to hide layer lines during 3D printing

The surface finish is an often underestimated criterion for the success of a 3D printing project. YouTuber Jake Grim shows a method for easily hiding layer lines in 3D printing.

Grim has experienced first-hand in his own 3D printing project how surface finish can be a major problem. During the production of his Wake Hydro Alarm Clock, conventional post-processing methods such as sanding, priming and painting failed. The classic methods proved to be extremely time-consuming and unsuitable for series production. Alternative approaches such as injection molding or 3D printing with resins did not bring the hoped-for breakthrough either.

The turning point came from a seemingly banal idea. Instead of aiming for a smooth, polished look, the surface could be deliberately roughened. A rough, textured surface would not only conceal layer and surface defects, but also lend a characteristic appearance.

Grim finally found the solution he was looking for in the BambuStudio slicer software: the “Fuzz Skin” function simulates a rough, velvety surface texture by the extruder making slight zig-zag movements during the printing process. The intensity of the effect can be infinitely adjusted using the “Fuzz Distance Point” and “Fuzz Thickness” parameters.

The latest Wake Hydro Mini iteration demonstrates the advantages of this technology: instead of laborious fine-tuning, the complex surface treatment is completely eliminated. The rough-textured housing looks and feels robust. Best of all, a casual observer would hardly be able to recognize the 3D printing origin.