# Vase Mode Printing Weavy Pattern

**URL:** <https://discourse.mcneel.com/t/vase-mode-printing-weavy-pattern/224044>\
**Category:** Grasshopper\
**Created:** [October 29, 2026, 9:37am UTC](https://discourse.mcneel.com/t/vase-mode-printing-weavy-pattern/224044 "2026-10-29T09:37:08Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![juan22](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/mcneel/user_avatar/discourse.mcneel.com/juan22/32/770997_2.png) [@juan22](https://discourse.mcneel.com/u/juan22)\
**Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 9:37am UTC](https://discourse.mcneel.com/t/vase-mode-printing-weavy-pattern/224044/1 "2026-10-29T09:37:08Z")

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Hi everyone,

I’m trying to reproduce a surface effect similar to the one shown in the attached image, where the printed bead follows a continuous wavy pattern, creating a woven or rippled texture across successive layers.

I’d like to understand the recommended workflow for generating this effect when I already have a 3D model in Rhino that I intend to print in vase mode.

Ideally, I’d like to use Grasshopper to generate or modify the toolpath geometry before slicing, rather than simply applying a texture to the CAD model.

My main questions are:

- **Toolpath generation:** Should I generate the wavy toolpaths directly in Grasshopper, or is there a slicer that allows this type of custom pattern to be applied to vase-mode toolpaths?

- **Layer height and bead geometry:** How can I incorporate the actual printing parameters into the workflow, such as layer height, bead width and cross-sectional geometry? These parameters will depend on whether I’m using a robotic LFAM system or a conventional large-format printer, such as a Modix.

- **Wave generation and alignment:** How can I generate a wave along one toolpath and then reproduce the same wave on the next layer, rotated by a defined angle (e.g. θ°), so that the successive layers align and create the continuous woven/rippled effect shown in the reference image?

- **Vase-mode constraints:** How can this be achieved while maintaining a continuous toolpath, consistent extrusion and proper bonding between layers?

- **Export and slicing:** Once the geometry is generated in Grasshopper, what is the recommended way to export it and preserve the intended toolpath and extrusion behaviour in the printer?

I’m particularly interested in a practical, reproducible workflow, preferably with an existing Grasshopper definition (.gh file), a step-by-step tutorial or a video demonstrating the complete process.

If anyone has worked on custom toolpath generation for robotic LFAM or large-format FDM printing, I’d really appreciate any advice or resources.

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**Author:** ![juan22](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/mcneel/user_avatar/discourse.mcneel.com/juan22/32/770997_2.png) [@juan22](https://discourse.mcneel.com/u/juan22)\
**Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 9:38am UTC](https://discourse.mcneel.com/t/vase-mode-printing-weavy-pattern/224044/2 "2026-10-29T09:38:18Z")

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![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/mcneel/uploads/default/original/4X/5/8/c/58ca2f5969f8becb92bbb0f1edf917b47881d09e.jpeg)

Hello! I would really like to know how can i control the lines of my 3d model to be printable and change or transform them to draw a weavyline forwards and backwards, changing generating this texture on the surface.

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**Author:** ![juan22](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/mcneel/user_avatar/discourse.mcneel.com/juan22/32/770997_2.png) [@juan22](https://discourse.mcneel.com/u/juan22)\
**Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 9:38am UTC](https://discourse.mcneel.com/t/vase-mode-printing-weavy-pattern/224044/3 "2026-10-29T09:38:54Z")

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I would like to know how can i slice a basic model taht will be printed using vase mode but defining the weavy, rippled or “X” texture effect on the g-code… I am totally lost after weeks looking for good tutorials to learn how to do it myself witouth using third partly apps or webs… Can you please help me find the workflow?

 ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/mcneel/uploads/default/original/4X/5/b/f/5bf4b63af488921d96066ac054174b574ceb02ba.png)

 ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/mcneel/uploads/default/original/4X/8/f/8/8f859716f8c828a3f66d451f5772d07da8c480a0.jpeg)

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**Author:** ![Konrad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/mcneel/user_avatar/discourse.mcneel.com/konrad/32/765650_2.png) [@Konrad](https://discourse.mcneel.com/u/Konrad)\
**Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 2:18pm UTC](https://discourse.mcneel.com/t/vase-mode-printing-weavy-pattern/224044/4 "2026-10-29T14:18:09Z")

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Hi,

I build a plugin that can be used to create the effect you are showing:

 ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/mcneel/uploads/default/original/4X/8/0/b/80b69b90c5dde170c0e1e536eaa25ef00450932c.jpeg) ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/mcneel/uploads/default/original/4X/e/7/2/e726109f4f2ef69c149df800597141b957e35b28.jpeg)

Here is the post discussing the beta release and the github docs:  
[TOOLPATHS: 3D printing plugin beta release](https://discourse.mcneel.com/t/toolpaths-3d-printing-plugin-beta-release/223142)  
[github docs and tutorial](https://github.com/KonradJuenger/TOOLPATHS/)

The repo now also includes Design Examples that show how the plugin can be used in practical design applications. [design-examples](https://github.com/KonradJuenger/TOOLPATHS/tree/main/design-examples)

_→ have a look at bench.gh and seamless-cup.gh_

There are a few subtleties to consider. For example, if you apply a zigzag pattern to a helical toolpath on a shape whose diameter changes with height, it is not possible to maintain both consistent pattern spacing and alignment between adjacent layers.  
Therefore TOOLPATHS has two sampling modes:

**Angle-based:** Points are sampled at equal angular intervals around the center. This keeps the pattern aligned between adjacent layers, but the distance between points changes with the diameter.

**Length-based:** Points are sampled at equal distances along the toolpath. This keeps the pattern spacing consistent, but the pattern shifts between adjacent layers as the diameter changes.

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**Author:** ![martynjhogg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/mcneel/user_avatar/discourse.mcneel.com/martynjhogg/32/513395_2.png) [@martynjhogg](https://discourse.mcneel.com/u/martynjhogg)\
**Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 9:26pm UTC](https://discourse.mcneel.com/t/vase-mode-printing-weavy-pattern/224044/5 "2026-10-29T21:26:35Z")

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There’s different ways to achieve this. You can do it with the right print settings with a very thin walled model I think. It looks like your model’s wall thickness is too thick.

What printer and Slicer software are you using?