Wood Grain Effect

thingiverse

This stl file and photo are here as an example of using this wood grain effect app on a gcode file. There is a working exe file of the app at the github location you are welcome to use. If you would prefer to compile your own exe, or just want to see the code, the VB files are in there as well, but they are not necessary to run the app.The only scripts I could find to use in Cura were too old, and I could not find good documentation from Ultimaker in order to alter the original scripts, so I decided to just write a small app that adds lines to the gcode file, changing the temperature to random degrees and at random heights.The app changes the temp to create different "bands" of coloration. Those bands are random heights between 1 and 4mm, and the temperatures are chosen randomly from ranges in the top 1/3 and bottom 1/3 of the overall range you give it. I did this because I wanted the changes in bands to be obvious, but not all the same darkness. It was only tested on basic gcode files created by Cura version 5.2.1 that had no other extensions applied. I cannot say what may happen if you apply these changes to other files.I did my testing with Priline brand wood PLA filament, 1.75mm, through a 0.4mm nozzle. I did also sand and stain some samples and was pleased with the results. I'll try to post some more photos as time goes on.It is important to note that you need to be very careful applying high temperatures to your print jobs. Higher temps can damage your printer and can create harmful gases which are dangerous to breathe. Know the limitations of your printer and the filament you are using.github.com/kmsaewert/WoodGrainEffectIf you do choose to print this STL, I changed the scale down to 50% before slicing.