1 Topic by reidbaker

  • reidbaker
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Topic: Support is really tough to break off - settings? (SD4)

Using Slic3r (the latest) and the Repetier Host for Solidoole profiles.

I'm having such a tough time with the supports, the defaults are remarkably difficult to remove, particularly in pieces that use more. Is there any recommended settings for supports or a guide to look at how to properly approach using supports?

Thanks!

2 Reply by jagowilson (edited by jagowilson 2014-10-19 16:56:44)

  • jagowilson
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Re: Support is really tough to break off - settings? (SD4)

What are you trying to print? One really important thing that can aid in support removal is setting the support angle appropriately. If you're, say, building a cylinder with holes on the side that need support, the default of 90 degrees will be tough to remove because it's parallel to the wall. Another full 90 degrees perpendicular to the surface, and the supports won't hold enough material up, most likely. But 45 degrees to the surface would give you a good compromise between removability and supporting your part.

Also make sure you are using the latest version of slic3r. They improve things like this every release. I know some folks like to stay behind, but you benefit from updates if you're willing to tweak all your profiles for perfection after each update.

I bought simplify3d because its supports are awesome, but I haven't tuned it perfectly yet. Once I do, I'll post a better profile for Solidoodles (the default profiles aren't good). They are probably the strongest, easiest to remove supports I've found in any slicer.

Also, for effective supports your machine's extruder steps per mm, slic3r's filament diameter and extrusion multiplier must be right on the money. Otherwise you will have problems.

Edit: Just realized you have an SD4. Have you calibrated to an extrusion width of 0.48? The stock slic3r profile settings for some reason are for older models, and they have not updated them. The slic3r configurations are for a nozzle size of 0.35mm. The SD4 has a 0.4mm nozzle, and 0.42mm is too close to the nozzle diameter to do things accurately.

3 Reply by n2ri (edited by n2ri 2014-10-20 00:02:35)

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Re: Support is really tough to break off - settings? (SD4)

I mostly set support settings like no more than half the thickness of walls etc plus the angle/shape thing and try dif spacing on support also these help fine tune where you get support thats needed most. same goes for infil settings. unlike most think a solid object is not always strongest  so why waste more material just for that reason. besides infill pattern spacing and which way object lays during print makes lots of difference. for thin/long parts best strength is printing with long side laying flat. and shock resistance (like a but stock for gun) use honeycomb infill no more than 70% nor less than 30%. takes trial tests to find best for each type print. then save settings under name you can remember pertaining to what its for. e.g. one of my N scale vehicle settings is named Solidoodle Ncars.2mm for most then another Solidoodle Ncars NS.2mm for NoSupport, also have Boats due to extra support settings that build a nice cradle diagonally for hulls and another Cyl meaning infill and support settings for best cylindrical print results free of holes/defects. so far the past year since I got my printer I have 23 dif slicer presets in dropdown menu

Solidoodle 2 with Deluxe kit cover & glass bed with heater. and 2nd board SD2 used not 3rd and alum platform not installed yet still wood. also need cooling fan installed to board. use Repetier Host couple vers. Slic3r also have all free ware STL programs