Tree support,Image source:Flashforge
[3D Printing Support | Branch Support] 3D printing support, in simple terms, is to make each position of the model better generate the auxiliary structures needed on the platform. When do you need support in the first place? In fact, when the model has volley parts, those volley places need to be supported. A general rule of thumb is that most 3D printers can 3D print a model directly without any support if the volley is less than a 45-degree overhang angle. If the volley angle is greater than 45 degrees without support, you may start to notice that the edges of those volleys start to deform.
Basic knowledge of 3D printing support: slicing software function: What is the number of capping layers in the support?丨What are the advantages of water-soluble supports?丨Is there any way to print support materials and want to use less material?
What is a 3D printing support?
[3D Printing Support | Branch Support] 3D printing support, in simple terms, is to make each position of the model better generate the auxiliary structures needed on the platform. When do you need support in the first place? In fact, when the model has volley parts, those volley places need to be supported. A general rule of thumb is that most 3D printers can 3D print a model directly without any support if the volley is less than a 45-degree overhang angle. If the volley angle is greater than 45 degrees without support, you may start to notice that the edges of those volleys start to deform.
What are the advantages of dendritic supports over ordinary supports in 3D printing?
The slicing software of 3D printers generally only provides ordinary linear support, but in fact some slicing software will provide branch support, so what are the advantages of branch support over ordinary linear support? This time I will use the Flashprint printing software to explain, because Flashprint provides a unique branch-shaped support function that is easier to remove. In addition to shorter printing time than normal supports, the branch-shaped support is easier to remove and saves materials. There are also fewer traces left when removing.
Tree support,Image source:Flashforge
Tree supports reduce printing time
First of all, 3D printing support will increase the printing time, the more supports, the printing time will increase. And because the branch-type support can extend more supports from a trunk like a branch, the number of supports required is much less than that of the general linear support, which can greatly reduce the time to be added.
Tree supports are easier to remove
The 3D printed support structure is not part of the model, so you need to remove supports from the model once the print is complete, so the more supports you have, the harder it is to remove. Branch-type supports are easier to remove than linear supports, so they can be easily removed by hand or pliers, reducing the trouble for users to remove supports. Or use a 3D printer with independent dual nozzles such as Creator 3 Pro or Creator 4 to manufacture, they can support water-soluble supports, and the effect is better when printing support models.
Linear support, the cost of printing time and printing materials is more than that of the branch support below
The tree type support is less than the linear support in terms of printing time and printing material cost. In the above example, the time is saved by two hours, and the material is also saved by about 10 meters.
Tree support saves material usage and reduces costs
Printing support structures requires the use of additional printing materials, which are removed and discarded after printing. Whether you’re a hobbyist or you’re using a 3D printer in a company, you’re probably concerned about the cost of printing materials. Support structures consume printing material, and the more supports there are, the more expensive the model will be to print. Therefore, the branch type support can reduce the usage of printing materials and save the cost
The traces after removing the tree support are generally less than the linear support
On the other hand, the contact points of the 3D printed support structure are glued to the volleyed parts of the model. This is the only way to provide support for the volley portion of the model. Therefore, if the 3D printing support structure is removed, it may leave flaws on the surface of the model, or even break the finished model itself. If you use linear support, it will leave more traces on the model because it has many contact points with the model. Instead, each branch supports the model at one point, so removal leaves fewer marks and less impact on the finished look. Especially when printing some thin and complex models, sometimes it is better to use the branch type, because it is easy to remove the branch type support and reduce the chance of breaking the model.
All in all, the less support you use to print, the better, and the tree type can help users do this. Unless the 3D model’s overhang is completely flat like the ceiling, it’s much better to use tree supports. However, not all slicing software provides branch support. The slicing software Flashprint of Flashforge 3D printer provides both branch support and linear support, which is convenient for users to print various types of 3D models.
3D Printing Support Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is water-soluble support?
Water-soluble supports refer to special support materials that can dissolve in water. PVA and BVOH are common water-soluble 3D printing support consumables, especially suitable for PLA, ABS and other materials, and it is compatible with various consumables. Since the support structure printed with PVA and BVOH can be completely dissolved in water, when printing complex structural models or parts, it can ensure the smooth quality of the support contact surface in the print, so this makes it an ideal support for printing complex structures Material.
Q2: How should support be set?
Generally, click on the support option in the slicing software, and then there are corresponding support parameter settings. Like FlashPrint, it also supports manual addition and one-click automatic generation of supports. To put it simply, adding appropriate support (thick or thin) at the corresponding position can more effectively optimize the effect of the suspended position, and choosing an appropriate support density can effectively reduce the amount of material used for support. In pursuit of a better effect, you can consider adding a support plate, which can generate a better support surface, but it will also be difficult to remove. It is generally used on water-soluble support materials because they can be dissolved in water.
License: The text of “What are the advantages of tree supports over ordinary supports in 3D printing?” by 3D Lab Store is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.