1 Topic by LdyMox

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Topic: Analyzing Overhangs

There has to be some software I'm missing out there somewhere (or I have it and don't know the function). I'm looking for something where I can import a STL and then analyze the overhangs and such. So I can determine how printable it is and how likely it is to need to be printed with support or not.

Tammy
Solidoodle 2
E3Dv6 Hotend, MK5 v6 version, Glass Bed, Anti Z backlash slop nut, SureStepr SD8825 1/32 Extruder Driver, makeshift breakaway plexiglass case; . L-Cheapo 3.8 Watt Laser Attachment w/Custom built enclosure
From Buffalo, NY, USA

2 Reply by CarstenBe

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Re: Analyzing Overhangs

I believe Meshmixer does this

Solidoodle 4. Glass bed. E3D v6

3 Reply by Damon550

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Re: Analyzing Overhangs

autodesk meshmixer has some strong points

4 Reply by LdyMox

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Re: Analyzing Overhangs

Thanks. That gets me in the right direction. smile

Tammy
Solidoodle 2
E3Dv6 Hotend, MK5 v6 version, Glass Bed, Anti Z backlash slop nut, SureStepr SD8825 1/32 Extruder Driver, makeshift breakaway plexiglass case; . L-Cheapo 3.8 Watt Laser Attachment w/Custom built enclosure
From Buffalo, NY, USA

5 Reply by LdyMox

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Re: Analyzing Overhangs

Anyone have tips on visually determining if there is overhangs enough to require support. Some are obvious and some less so.

For example I have been playing in Daz3D studio and I trying to bring something into meshmixer to check it's overhangs as an example. Meshmixer bring it in upside down and I haven't figured how to make it analyze it right side up.

I really hate printing with support and I am trying to keep my overhangs not overly bad.

I would really like to make a 3D printable Werewolf (using paid 3d models from that DAZ store since I can pose them) without support and I haven't found one elsewhere yet. Maybe something along the lines of ysb/fantasygraph models but gothic tones such as Werewolves and Vampires. etc. Of course his are awesome and it would take me some time to come even close!

Tammy
Solidoodle 2
E3Dv6 Hotend, MK5 v6 version, Glass Bed, Anti Z backlash slop nut, SureStepr SD8825 1/32 Extruder Driver, makeshift breakaway plexiglass case; . L-Cheapo 3.8 Watt Laser Attachment w/Custom built enclosure
From Buffalo, NY, USA

6 Reply by Krythis

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Re: Analyzing Overhangs

I only started using the program this week myself, but so far I do like Meshmixer for adding support. It's much cleaner to remove than Slic3r and customizable.

Apparently some applications consider Y up/down and others Z so the program allows you to choose under View/Config/Flip Z-Y On Import/Export.

Here's something I am printing right now that used Meshmixer support in the center.
http://i.imgur.com/cwUoJZJ.jpg

E3D-v4 Hotend, MK5 carriage with round plastic wire conduit , 3/16" tempered glass,  Well nut, SureStepr SD8825 1/32 Extruder Driver, PowerEdge 2650 500W PS, QU-BD heated bed, circuit board fan, hinged plexiglass enclosure with plastic tray top. Other than that mostly stock SD3

7 Reply by LdyMox

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Re: Analyzing Overhangs

I probably wouldn't know how to add support manually as of yet. But the last time I tried auto support via slicer it just seems to ruin your print so I have avoided printing anything that needs support.

Tammy
Solidoodle 2
E3Dv6 Hotend, MK5 v6 version, Glass Bed, Anti Z backlash slop nut, SureStepr SD8825 1/32 Extruder Driver, makeshift breakaway plexiglass case; . L-Cheapo 3.8 Watt Laser Attachment w/Custom built enclosure
From Buffalo, NY, USA

8 Reply by LdyMox

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Re: Analyzing Overhangs

What is that you are printing?

Tammy
Solidoodle 2
E3Dv6 Hotend, MK5 v6 version, Glass Bed, Anti Z backlash slop nut, SureStepr SD8825 1/32 Extruder Driver, makeshift breakaway plexiglass case; . L-Cheapo 3.8 Watt Laser Attachment w/Custom built enclosure
From Buffalo, NY, USA

9 Reply by Krythis

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Re: Analyzing Overhangs

Meshmixer has auto support as well as manual.

The object I was printing is a custom GoPro mount for my skydiving helmet. Made it to match the curvature of the helmet, reduce snag hazards, and a cutout to allow my visor to open fully.

http://i.imgur.com/2byyNCK.jpg

E3D-v4 Hotend, MK5 carriage with round plastic wire conduit , 3/16" tempered glass,  Well nut, SureStepr SD8825 1/32 Extruder Driver, PowerEdge 2650 500W PS, QU-BD heated bed, circuit board fan, hinged plexiglass enclosure with plastic tray top. Other than that mostly stock SD3

10 Reply by mdrVB6

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Re: Analyzing Overhangs

Have you tried download the latest experimental version 1.1.5 of slic3r?  Development moves quick and the new pillar supports are a lot better than anything that was out even just a few months ago.  I choose pillar supports, set it to 2 or 3 interface layers with 1 mm spacing and my supports and interface usually come off beautifully by hand and leave a nice surface.  Obviously, pillars does not work with very small models but I have gotten good results.  However, if you choose honeycomb supports without interface layers, which I think is the default, you are going to have a bad time removing the supports.

Ahh, if only I had a dual extruder printer with one head set to print dissolvable support material!

SD4 w/ RUMBA, E3D Volcano, all bearings, glass bed

11 Reply by LdyMox

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Re: Analyzing Overhangs

I think I am using Slic3r 1.1.4 but I haven't tried to print anything with support inwhile though..may have been back from ver .9 or so

dissolvable support material would be sweet

Tammy
Solidoodle 2
E3Dv6 Hotend, MK5 v6 version, Glass Bed, Anti Z backlash slop nut, SureStepr SD8825 1/32 Extruder Driver, makeshift breakaway plexiglass case; . L-Cheapo 3.8 Watt Laser Attachment w/Custom built enclosure
From Buffalo, NY, USA

12 Reply by Krythis

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Re: Analyzing Overhangs

I tried one of the experimental versions and got some very buggy results, so I'm back to 1.0.0RC3. Have they gotten the 'first x' layer support working in any of the experimental versions?

E3D-v4 Hotend, MK5 carriage with round plastic wire conduit , 3/16" tempered glass,  Well nut, SureStepr SD8825 1/32 Extruder Driver, PowerEdge 2650 500W PS, QU-BD heated bed, circuit board fan, hinged plexiglass enclosure with plastic tray top. Other than that mostly stock SD3

13 Reply by ysb

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Re: Analyzing Overhangs

the final 1.1.5 is out..

Find all my 3D printable models here
Game of ropes 2 online..Adult only

ysb's Website

14 Reply by LdyMox

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Re: Analyzing Overhangs

I tried two objects with support under 1.1.5 sadly little improvement as I just eneded up ruining the items. Ah well, I have gotten used to almost never printing with supports anyways. Ok, I tried a little, I could put more effort into settings and just ABS smoothing them afterwards.

Tammy
Solidoodle 2
E3Dv6 Hotend, MK5 v6 version, Glass Bed, Anti Z backlash slop nut, SureStepr SD8825 1/32 Extruder Driver, makeshift breakaway plexiglass case; . L-Cheapo 3.8 Watt Laser Attachment w/Custom built enclosure
From Buffalo, NY, USA

15 Reply by Krythis

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Re: Analyzing Overhangs

I too try to print without support as much as possible, but some times it is unavoidable. I DL'd 1.1.5 and decided to do a test using some JustABS filament that I just got in*. This is a test print for another GoPro helmet mount. This one is for a friend with very specific angle requirements so I wanted to test a slice of the object without printing the entire mount.

Both were printed at 2.5 layer height and sliced with Slic3r 1.1.5 with all the same perimeters besides support. The left has support spaced 2mm with 3 interface layers.  The right side object has only custom support made in MeshMixer. I haven't had the time to try slicing in MeshMixer yet.

The first image is the object in MeshMixer with some custom support that took me just a couple minutes to add. Would have been seconds if I was more familiar with the program. The support took no time at all to remove with a razor, and did a very good job for this test print.

The left object had way too much support, was very difficult to remove, and basically ruined the print. I wouldn't be able to insert the GoPro without additional cleaning. I could make a better print if I played with the settings, but the MeshMixer mount came out so well I don't think it would compare.


If you do decide to give MeshMixer a try I strongly recommend resizing the object before doing anything. I went with 10% and it processed alright. When I try doing support on a full size object I've had it take up to 20GB of RAM and like an hour to analyze the object before I could begin. Reduced it doesn't take much time at all and I have a pretty fast machine with 32GB RAM.



* Don't really like it compared to my normal Octave, but it was half the price so why not give it a shot. Going to see if i can get better prints with it. If not I will probably buy it just for test pieces.

http://i.imgur.com/YC1Yzv5.jpg

E3D-v4 Hotend, MK5 carriage with round plastic wire conduit , 3/16" tempered glass,  Well nut, SureStepr SD8825 1/32 Extruder Driver, PowerEdge 2650 500W PS, QU-BD heated bed, circuit board fan, hinged plexiglass enclosure with plastic tray top. Other than that mostly stock SD3