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Lookup Meshlab or Netfabb STL Cleanup. There is a free version that Netfabb made on MSDN. It basically cleans up your file, and validates support structure. The 3D slicer is the best bet though when you are working on external supports.
Make sure your build plate is level. The raft should come off really easily.
Do you use blue painter’s tape as a build surface? It’s crucial – PLA sticks like none other to the acrylic build plate; I ended up replacing my first one because it had a bunch of PLA residue stuck to it.
This is a really good scraper tool that I use; just make sure not to scratch the acrylic:
And if you really want to treat yourself, upgrade to a glass or aluminum build plate (hunt around on ebay, amazon etc. for a suitable replacement)
Try to adjust infill and separation of raft layer as high as possible, this makes it easier to break/cut it away
Cool down the model and then heat up the model until the raft is warmer this will make it easier to cut away rafts specially with PLA. ABS is easier
In Cura, go to the top bar - Click expert, Open expert settings. On the right hand side under supports you can change your supports from grid to LINES which always remove easier. Then look down to distance z and bump it up to .2 but be aware this may affect your clean edges a bit. If using a raft, you can increase the air gap there as well. It is clearly labeled as Air Gap under the Raft settings. If struggling with raft removal you can also try turning your fan on earlier (say at layer 2 or so).
Here is a great reference for quick trouble shooting using Cura. Some of it is Ultimaker specific but still may be useful.
Also, I am really impressed with the helpful tips from Matter Hackers. I LOVE using Matter Control (under configuration you can choose to use their slicing engine, Cura, or Slic3r so that’s pretty cool). Also, Lars is really knowledgable, responsive and helpful. Printing with a Raft | MatterHackers 106
I hear really great things about Simplify 3D but I like to go the freeware or open source route since mostly I am teaching others and prefer to make things as accessible as possible. Let me know if that is helpful or if you have other questions.
I use Simplify3d and it allows me to design the way the support material will be set. Still some times you will get designs that not even the best of the programs will prevent having to do some serious cleanups. For these occasions I have different types of blades, sandpaper and a little butane torch (be careful using it).
I tried to ‘lines’ grid in my last print job. Much better and easier to remove.
Thanks for this tip and the other information!
2 years later
Does simplify3D work on DaVinci printer without having to flash it or anything like that?
1 month later
Yes it is a peice of software it is $159 https://www.simplify3d.com/ 108
11 months later
I am extremely new to this, but I tried using a staple remover to break away one direction of the raft material, and the rest came off with just a little push with my thumbnail. Definitely not the easiest or most experienced way, but it’s giving me better results than I’ve had other ways and a lot quicker as well.