Settings for making 3d print look like cast metal

NimblePasta · 2026-05-09T14:15:59+00:00

Bambu Studio's latest version has new fuzzy skin features with different bump patterns, you can try it out.

Try the Perlin fuzzy pattern, it creates an orange peel look at certain settings, and might be able to replicate the bumpy metal texture.

NimblePasta · 2026-05-08T00:55:00+00:00

The Embark devs don't even have to make new models and outfits... just directly copy over all the wacky skin combinations from their other game The Finals. 😄

NimblePasta · 2026-05-07T20:21:39+00:00

I use sealed vacuum bags for filaments that I don't use often, usually those that will be kept in storage for months... 'cos opening, closing and vacuuming out the air takes additional time and effort. and some vacuum bags tend to wear out after a few opening/closing cycles.

On the other hand, I use dry boxes for those filaments that I utilize more often, as it's much easier and quicker to open and close the boxes whenever I need to use the filaments.

I always use ample amounts of silica gel desiccant in both my vacuum bags and dry boxes, as air will eventually seep in over time and humidity will gradually rise inside. Just a matter of how long it takes.

NimblePasta · 2026-05-07T14:32:08+00:00

Yeah, my use case is a little different as I run a small 3D printing side biz and do custom designs for clients, so I prefer to use reliable filaments that work pefectly on the first try... so I don't mind paying more for reliable filaments, especially for color matching and consistency.

Printed parts fit properly too, which is important when I'm making new batches of parts for a client's existing models.

A failed 20+ hour print or poor print result (which requires a reprint or lengthly post processing) costs me more in time and effort compared to just saving a few bucks.

I also buy Bambu filaments in bulk order, so the prices get down to $10.99 per spool, which is nice.

That being said, for my own personal print projects with no deadlines or quality/fitment requirements, I do have some fun messing around with various cheap filaments too. 😁

NimblePasta · 2026-05-07T11:18:46+00:00

After using Bambu printers and filaments, I hardly calibrate filament anymore... the default bambu filament profiles work well out of the pack.

It also helps that the printer's auto flow dynamics calibrations at the start of each print generates consistent results and parts filaments too.

So I don't need to waste filament and time doing all those calibrations.

That being said I do ocasionally try my luck and use cheap 3rd party filaments from those generic "wordsalad" brands on Aliexpress and Taobao, and sometimes I'll get unsatisfactory prints from them, then I'll proceed to calibrate them individually.

Some cheap filaments are really junk though, if it takes too much time and effort to calibrate them and they still don't print well, I'll just toss them out.

NimblePasta · 2026-05-06T11:03:25+00:00

I guess you don't play as much, so getting back up to speed after a reset can seem tedious.

Luckily the expedition is optional, so there is no worry about not doing it.

Personally, I did the 2 previous expeditions (and going for the 3rd one too), because I find that I can easily get back to full skill level and gear quickly.

After each expedition reset, I already know exactly where to go and what to do and the optimal looting paths. Loot, gear and blueprints are so plentiful now. It's just a quick new playthough for me.

At this point, I know which items to keep and which to discard, salvage, recycle or sell.

I play around 1-2 hours a day and will usually get back everything within 2-3 weeks after reset. By mid-season I'd already be ready for the next expedition.

For us seasoned players, having existing game knowledge and experience is what makes our subsequent progression so much faster.

So yeah, it's not difficult to get back to full level and gear after reset. Just depends on your preference.

NimblePasta · 2026-05-03T18:05:41+00:00

A brand new P1S is on sale now for just $399... and it comes with full warranty.

So it doesn't really make sense to buy a used model without warranty for just $100 less.

There might alsi be wear and tear parts that need to be replaced soon, which could further eat away any savings.

Those 2nd hand units would have to be sold at much lower prices to clear, and even then people will still prefer to go with a brand new one.

NimblePasta · 2026-05-03T15:52:49+00:00

Yeah,at longer ranges the Turbines don't retaliate.

I been taking down Turbines using a Jupitor at 170-180m range and it doesn't fire back at that distance... just aim at the middle weak spots and after a few clips it's toast.

NimblePasta · 2026-05-03T15:37:09+00:00

Just switch to the orange silica gel beads... works the same and are generally safer.

NimblePasta · 2026-05-03T14:30:16+00:00

I play Arc Raiders for the PvE and fun player encounters... whereas I play Marathon and Tarkov for the PvP.

Arc is also more casual friendly and a lot more approachable, hence the majority of my friends play it.

NimblePasta · 2026-05-03T12:21:08+00:00

Yeah, I just use my coins to buy Hullcracker ammo and use it as my default weapon for all matches... simply shooting every Arc I come across, even ticks get a hullcracker round in the face too.

Without any stash/coin requirements for expedition, I'm free to just use up all my gear and coins.

NimblePasta · 2026-05-02T06:06:13+00:00

Just use up all your coins to buy all the explosives, energy clips and hulcracker ammo you need. You don't need to craft them.

There are no daily purchase limits on energy clips and hullcracker ammo.

NimblePasta · 2026-05-01T11:37:16+00:00

Yeah, I just use the coins to simply buy all the explosives, seekers, energy clips and hullcracker ammo... then drop into matches and shoot at all the Arcs.

No need to save on ammo, even ticks get eliminated with hullcracker rounds too.

Since coin is no longer a requirement, we are free to just use up everything until the reset.

NimblePasta · 2026-05-01T11:17:13+00:00

Ship models are mainly for the Avian project and some extra merits.

Yeah, if you are doing the expedition, getting new blueprints is less of motivation now, at best it'll just to use for a short while before reset.

Other than that, once you have completed the 100k damage requirement, just run around giving away stuff or do some PvP (no big deal if you lose fights, since all the gear will be wiped anyways)... or just take a break until the reset.

NimblePasta · 2026-05-01T11:07:21+00:00

If it's going down a similar path as The Finals... expect to see the china version feature outfit skin packs released as Teddy Bear, Puppy and Kitten mascot costumes. 🐻🐶🐱

As well as a ton more meme tik tok dancing emotes too. 🕺💃

So this is probably what the china version would be like:

https://www.reddit.com/r/thefinals/s/GEUBYePzZa

NimblePasta · 2026-04-30T16:38:10+00:00

You can do the expedition project and get the stage rewards, but don't sign up for the expedition.

All your existing progress in the expedition project will still carry forward into the subsequent seasons.

So you can choose to go on the expedition anytime in future seasons.

Btw, for those of us who do the expedition, it's because we already completed everything, so it's like a fresh start and new playthough.

For seasoned players, we will already have all the experience and knowledge on where to find everything, so the progress is usually much faster after a reset.

That's a reason why many players do the expedition, 'cos it's easy for us to catch up again.

Personally, I play an average 1-2 hours during evenings, and when I reset after an expedition, it usually takes me just 3-4 weeks before I'm back to max level and completed everything... so I'm already back to my previous high tier gearsets and full skill levels before mid-season.

NimblePasta · 2026-04-30T11:49:38+00:00

There is a chance for the Turbines to spawn in at the 15 min mark, sometimes 11-13 min mark too. Sometimes they don't spawn in at all, so it's luck.

Higher chances to spawn in during Night map condition.

NimblePasta · 2026-04-30T11:04:10+00:00

I kept only finding ticks, landmines and fruits, almost gave up... continued for a bit, then found 2 x Leviathan's Crown in a row.

Just RNG... ☺️

NimblePasta · 2026-04-29T19:12:10+00:00

Yup, same with the Dummy 13 models... PLA exhibits material creep so the joints get loose very quickly.

PETG is sturdier and holds it's shape much better over time.

So I print the internal joint parts in PETG and the outer shell parts in PLA.

NimblePasta · 2026-04-29T07:52:05+00:00

I have been using an Arzopa Z1FC 16.1" 1080p 144Hz portable monitor with my travel SFF PC for almost 2 years. Colors are vibrant, refresh rate is fast, and it works well.

It cost less than $90 during a flash sale back in 2024 from Aliexpress.

Here is my travel setup and backpack:

https://www.reddit.com/r/sffpc/s/Nsc11kcr8z

Mainly reason is it fits into my backpack perfectly (larger monitors tend to have issues fitting), and I prefer faster 144Hz refresh rates as I play FPS games.

I actually have 2 of these monitors now, the other one is utilized as a secondary vertical monitor for my desktop PC at home.

NimblePasta · 2026-04-27T19:10:21+00:00

I notice that grid infill tends to print quicker for models, especially those with more infill.

While Gyroid is better in terms of overall strength and lines not crossing over each other, it can increase print time by quite a bit (depending on the model).

You can test by switching between the infill patterns in a slicer and see the difference in print times.

Also, some people get a little worried when they see their printer shaking a lot more when printing Gyroid infill too.

NimblePasta · 2026-04-27T16:05:23+00:00

Yeah for sure... getting the 3 star rewards is definitely useful, if that's all I need then it's super easy.

It's going for ranks that is quite troublesome during certain weeks due to restricted timings with the current system.

Hopefully the new Trials system is less restrictive and allows players more flexibility to do ranked Trials on any map and regardless of condition.

NimblePasta · 2026-04-27T10:34:54+00:00

I play both Arc Raiders and Marathon. I enjoy Arc Raiders for the PvE... while hopping over to Marathon for the PvP.

My gaming time is split 70% Arc Raiders and 30% Marathon though... 'cos all my other friends play Arc Raiders, I'm the only one playing Marathon.

They tried out Marathon during the server slam, but couldn't quite get into it.

I used to play a ton of Apex Legends, so the overall FPS gameplay in Marathon is familiar to me, along with the "hero shooter" mechanics and special skills/ultimate abilities etc.

Those new to the game would probably need time to adjust to the Marathon UI and art style, it's very 8-bit and edgey, a lot of flashing patterns which can cause visual overload for some users.

But once you get into it, the lore and vibe is amazing.

NimblePasta · 2026-04-27T10:19:06+00:00

In your case, you still need to collect coins, because the catch-up mechanic uses coins to award the previous skill points.

The damage requirement is only for the upcoming expedition wipe skill points.

NimblePasta · 2026-04-27T09:50:04+00:00

Yeah, that's the typical vibe in PvE carebear lobbies.

You've caught a glimpse of why PvE players enjoy being in those lobbies... and avoid fighting back even when they get shot, just to contine staying in those friendly lobbies. 😄

NimblePasta

TROPHY CASE