SoliForum - 3D Printing Community — Supports (again)!

Re: Supports (again)!

2015-08-09T19:53:24Z

you also want to save multiple Slic3r profiles named so as to tell what they are set for. like any changes to default settings or what prints you use them for but keep names short so you can read them in drop down menu e.g. SDP.2mmS means Solidoodle Press .2mm layers with Support (if you spell out Solidoodle with spaces like default does then you can only see 4 characters after that). also if using multiple filaments then need separate profiles under the Filament tab in Slic3r, same for Multiple Printers. I have long abbreviated names which let me know several changed settings or what models used for. got 30 profiles so far. never delete or replace default profiles that come in programs and find folder they are stored in on your puter and backup a copy for moving them to similar folder after updating Slic3r later. or you will hate yourself ;^)

save and build a filing system for all 3D printing files as you go. dont wait till too late or after you have 10,000 files tossed into 1 folder like I did. takes couple years sorting it out.

Re: Supports (again)!

2015-08-09T19:38:51Z

true, I use a mix of what others have said by trial and error to make support material thinner than other printed parts and angle support at least 40 degrees from print job printing, also adjust spacing or pattern of support to minimize difficulty of removing post print yet give required support so model prints as needed for best results. then buy special tools needed for quickest smooth removal of support without damage to model plus maybe other finishing methods depending on desired finish b4 sale/display. only way to eliminate much of this is using a 3D printer with at least 2 extruder heads and make STL files with ability to separate support into 1 extruder with a compatible filament material to the one used for model but the support material can be 'rinsed/dissolved' away as if never there. or use a powder type laser 3D printer which is very costly to buy and house in lab room with longer post print clean up time. like Shapeways etc use. the duel extruder types are not much more than single extruder type now making them the better choice for this unless for industrial use.

most 3Ders already have tools etc for cleanup due to previous methods being used for manufacturing our models required it also. most basic 3Ders dont print tiny items with lots of support so not an issue.
but as Carl said if you were mislead to think 3D printing was truly just like the Star Trek replicator to operate then. return it or pass it on to someone else and buy items like b4 for a few more years. as 3D printing for the public in that sense is not here yet. looking like a microwave dont mean easy as a microwave to use, nor as fast. e.g. a plastic police style whistle is closest print to that, yet it takes 25min to print using material, electric and labor/time which at best is a couple dollars and with minimal cleanup (breaking the pea loose from support) yet you can buy one mass produced in China from any Dollar store or bubble gum mach etc. I dont use my 3D printer for anything I can buy retail, or anything that sells for under 5$. I mostly print one off models and any sold average over $15 otherwise its not worth my time or materials.

Re: Supports (again)!

2015-08-09T16:36:40Z

As N2 says the supports must stick and you must remove them. Printed models are not finished products. If you bought a printer thinking you just print and go then I would say pack it up and return it.

Models after print will require sanding, edge clean up, and support removal. Then in some cases clean up where the supports where in contact. The trick with supports is to minimize contact to avoid damaging or removing an outer layer while removing the supports.

Re: Supports (again)!

2015-08-09T06:48:25Z

admin/moderators please delete the dupes of this topic and OP only post 1 topic and update it instead of making multiples so you might get replys

supports must stick to print or print never happens

Supports (again)!

2015-08-09T03:33:11Z

Hello again and again and again,
Support question! (For what, like the 500th time?)
The supports still stick to the print after changing the interface from 4 to 2 to 1 to 0. Also, how do I make rafts? Why do you recommend as the raft settings?