Sometimes when I’m printing things that require a large support section end up being failed prints because the support structure went wrong at some point. What should I do in order to avoid this? If there is no clear solution, how can I mend this mid-print?
Thanks!
What kind of slicer programm do you use?
Speaking for myself only, when I get a print that requires large support, I tend to use Meshmixer to add in the supports, I find it very good, you can tune your supports to your required size etc, I recommend trying Meshmixer, it takes a bit to get used to as any program does. But the results I find are very good.
Here is an example of an STL I have done with Meshmixer, you can easily see the supports and how they would be removed quite easily as well.
Meshmixer Here
Dhin
4
There are 3 solutions.
First, and the best option if you can do it, break the model up into smaller parts that require less support or ideally no support.
Second, when you can’t do the first, try adding in support geometry of your own, a few small columns with a .02 or so gap between them and the model can help in some areas that require a bit of extra support. Third party software (like austweb mention Meshmixer or Simplify3D’s support feature) can help with this too.
Third, use PVA or another support material and print it will 100% support. These aren’t cheep but the dissolve in water and make it very easy to clean up the model and print shapes and forms that otherwise couldn’t be.
What slicer are you using? What resolution? What angles are you supporting? If it is GAP instead of angle then I can understand having this issue. If you are printing with PLA think about adding a nozzle cooler instead of using support. I rarely use support material unless a VERY big gap or if the part that needs to be supported has a point that is not connected to the main part of the model.
Simplify3D is an amazing Slicer software that allows you to add where exactly you want your support material plus you can make it much thicker than your resolution which will resolve a lot of the failed support printing.
I would recommend printing your print on a raft, I had the same issue with large prints. Make sure your bed is level, then print your print on a raft and that’ll make the supports stick a lot better and the supports will print properly
All of the other suggestions are best for avoiding the issue in the first place but I’ve found trying to rescue mid print is possible but risky. If I hear support structure is starting to warp and get in the way of the nozzle that a quick snip with some side cutters can get it back on track but it takes a bit of practice with the timing of the moving nozzle. On my Flashforge dreamer it has a pause option and this retracts the nozzle and lowers the build platform allowing to clear out any wayward support structure and then you just continue once you’re ready, it’s a nice feature but still a last resort
