1 Topic by Jebus314

  • Jebus314
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Topic: Support Material

Does anybody have any suggestions for methods or specific slicers that allow for control of support material. I am printing models of timber frame designed homes but I am getting too much support material and in the wrong spots.

2 Reply by cckens

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Re: Support Material

Worse comes to worse, you could build your own for the pieces.  .42mm wide in a pattern like this /\/\/\/\ that's joined to the models to span the open areas.

Just a thought... I build my own as I don't like the support structure slic3r builds.

3 Reply by cmetzel

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Re: Support Material

cckens wrote:

  .42mm wide in a pattern like this /\/\/\/\

Good info to have.  I do my own support but I build it more solid with a few thin layers at contact.  I've meant to experiment with thickness to create thinner support for faster prints.

4 Reply by cckens

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Re: Support Material

It's only a thread thick, which is how support is generated anyway.  I usually extend the bottoms of the support parts to make a better stick for the bed, but nothing says you have to.  ysb build his supports for the figures he makes.  They're not always that thin, but they probably can be cut off leaving only a little nub to be sanded off.

5 Reply by cmetzel

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Re: Support Material

I like to make taller supports a little thicker at the bottom and taper up to the thin.  Tall 1 layer thickness support is asking for trouble IMO.  You have one break loose and you've wasted hours of print time.

6 Reply by cckens

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Re: Support Material

Ain't that the truth!  Wide base support is easier to hold on to the bed!

Ah, a brother self-designer... gotta love when you find kindred spirits! smile

7 Reply by Jebus314

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Re: Support Material

cckens wrote:

Worse comes to worse, you could build your own for the pieces.  .42mm wide in a pattern like this /\/\/\/\ that's joined to the models to span the open areas.

Just a thought... I build my own as I don't like the support structure slic3r builds.


Thanks for the thoughts and I will use them when I start to design my own stuff...but it sounds like trying to get a slicer to do it for me is just hit or miss.

8 Reply by cckens

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Re: Support Material

You may want to look here:
http://hydraraptor.blogspot.de/2012/08/ … pport.html

He talks about modelling support for easy peel.  Something that cmetzel and I strive for.