Gradient printing a three-dimensional structural component

A method of printing a three-dimensional structural component onto a base, the method comprising:

• receiving a set of predetermined thicknesses for the three-dimensional structural component;
• instructing a printing device to print a set of layers of the three-dimensional structural component onto the base;
• and
• printing the three-dimensional structural component onto the base using the set of predetermined thicknesses to form a printed set of layers,
• wherein printing the three-dimensional structural component comprises printing a first layer of the set of layers directly onto the base and wherein a separation distance between the base and a printhead assembly of the printing device remains constant during the step of printing the first layer of the set of layers directly onto the base,
• wherein the printed set of layers includes an exposed surface of the three-dimensional structural component, the exposed surface comprising a tall region, an intermediate region, and a short region,
• wherein the intermediate region abuts the tall region and wherein the intermediate region abuts the short region,
• wherein a difference in height between the tall region of the exposed surface and the short region of the exposed surface is greater than the separation distance, and
• wherein the intermediate region of the exposed surface has a planar geometry.