When and how to use supports in 3D printing?

In: Knowledge On: 14 February 2025 Hit: 307

Supports are temporary structures generated during the preparation of the model for printing (so-called slicing), which are intended to support model elements protruding beyond the base layer, i.e. the so-called overhangs, or creating bridges between elements. Once printing is complete, the supports are removed.

What are supports in 3D printing?

FDM technology (Fused Deposition Modeling) involves the deposition of molten material (filament) layer by layer. Each layer must have support in the layer below. If a model element "sticks out in the air", it needs additional support to prevent deformation or collapse during printing. The strength of the material affects how large overhangs can be printed without supports. Stiffer materials allow for larger overhangs, but beyond a certain limit the weight of the overhang will be overwhelming and lead to its deformation.

When should supports be added?

The general rule is that if the angle of the model element relative to the print plane is less than 45 degrees, you can print with a 3D printer without supports. However, for angles greater than 45 degrees, supports are recommended. Here are some tips:

Complex geometry: For complex models with many overhangs and irregular shapes, adding supports is recommended.
Overhangs, bridges and voids: If the model contains elements that protrude into space (overhangs), structures connecting two points (bridges) or voids, supports are necessary to ensure stability.
Simple shapes: Models with simple shapes (cylinders, cones, cuboids) without obvious overhangs usually do not require supports. This also applies when the top and bottom of the model are of similar width and the structure is simple.
Flexibility: Depending on your needs and the structure of your model, you can add or remove supports in selected locations to optimize the printing process.

How to add supports in ideaMaker?

In software ideaMaker, after selecting the print profile, you can configure the supports in the advanced settings.

There are three basic options available:

None: Disables support generation.
Platform Only: Generates supports that only make contact with the printer's build plate.
Everywhere: Adds supports to all overhangs and elements that require support.

In addition, ideaMaker has a "Support" tool that allows you to add supports automatically or manually. The support parameters can be adjusted in the side panel.

Advanced support settings in ideaMaker:

Overhang angle: Supports are not generated for areas whose overhang angle is less than the specified value.
Touch platform only : Limits supports to areas in contact with the work platform.
Detect small floated features : Automatically detects and supports small parts that are not connected to the platform.
Check thin wall: Creates additional support for thin walls that might otherwise go undetected.
Manual support : Allows you to manually add supports in selected locations.

Further settings can be found in the advanced settings of the cross-section template in the "Support" tab. There you can configure parameters such as:

Support Extruder: Select the extruder used to print supports (useful for multi-head printers).
Support Type: Specifies the structure of the support. "Normal" creates supports based on geometry analysis, which can lead to random hangs. "Pillar" creates supports based only on pillars.
Support Infill Type: The support internal infill pattern.
Max Overhang Angle: The angle above which supports are generated.
Horizontal Offset: Distance between support and model in X/Y axis.